Port, Starboard, Forward and Aft

Leaving....

2020-06-06T20:21:00.000+08:00

I think .. I want to stop writing on this blog. I want to start a Youtube channel...the urge has been increasing....I think it's positive move.

Whatever on this blog shall remains and I will not entertained any more emails. Just read and find the answer in Google... I learn that way..to be a good learner..you must be brave to face mistakes and move on.

Giving it a good engine wash

2020-06-02T14:17:00.000+08:00

I have not wash the engine bay for years. All of the sudden I decided to do it..thinking off, that I have completed the repair work for my elantra. Touch wood...nothing further to repair.

This is how it looks like before. The positive battery terminal was disconnected.

I sprayed with degreaser and later washed away with water. And this is how clean it is.

The final touch with engine detailer.... love it !

The Elantra rear shock absorber and discoveries

2020-05-29T21:41:00.000+08:00

It was the last straw...the rear begin to sink till it's too visible and going over the speed bumps always scrap the bottom even with only a driver and a passenger in the car.

I send the car in the morning and wait for the outcome at home, with covid-19 pandemic..better to be at home.

Rear absorber bush, rear absorber mounting and rear spring cushion...all badly worn out.

This mushroom shape rubber mounting can easily broken each time replacing the absorber. Once it leaks, water will enter and rust will developed.

New spring cushion place on the rear spring as to stiffen the spring as I find the rear absorber it too soft and without those cushion, the absorber is overwork. After fitted, I find the ride is nice. Going over the road bumps felt firm, no more like double bump.

Left side spring. The spring too was covered with rubber hose...and surprisingly it work very well in term of reducing noise.

Right side spring too fitted the same.

I think this complete the repair on my elantra for this year 2020.

Elantra 2008 oil change at 206,182 km

2020-05-25T18:51:00.000+08:00

This time I will be using a semi synthetic engine oil from Shell as the mileage is over 200k km. The same engine oil I'm using for my Hyundai Matrix. This oil change interval would be 8000km.

The oil filter, I'm using Trasko oil filter since 2008. Overall its a good filter for both my Hyundai's. My Dad did use this filter for his Honda Accord many years ago..he too was very satisfied. Bought quite alot of the element from US, that time the exchange rate very good. I still have stock of the element for couple of years !

Here is the fresh engine oil, Shell Helix 10W-40 High Mileage. Then I also pour in the X-1R Engine oil treatment.

This oil treatment has once saved my engine while running dry. It has proven and I will continue using it.

Finally a clean oil into the sump tank. My car was in an incline position so the level did not show F, anyway I have recheck on a flat surface, the oil level is good.

Alternator on Hyundai Matrix and Hyundai Avante

2020-05-23T18:07:00.002+08:00

Both of the vehicle has a history of replacing their alternator, Elantra in 2018 shorturl.at/gSUV8 and Matrix in 2014 shorturl.at/EIMRU . And today I send them to a shop in Kepong to have it check and replace the necessary parts.

Address: 65, JALAN METRO PERDANA TIMUR 7 KEPONG ENTREPRENEURS PARK, 7TH MILES, Jln Besar Kepong, Pekan Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

I'm not going to reveal how much is the repair cost but I can say..it is acceptable. I collected on the same day.

Had both alternator strip but before that, they mount on a spinner and test is the alternator is dead or alive. Going thru the process, since the alternator is open up, I told them to replace the bearing and bearing guide.

During inspection found both alternator carbon brush require to be replace Carbon brush assembly, left for Elantra and Matrix is on the right

Rotor without bearing

Fully assemble

The test bed to test the alternator before and after repair.

Both alternator fully restored and and wrapped up as standby spares.

On the left is Elantra and on the right is Matrix. Both look the same but different is on the socket.

Drive shaft OEM or Original

2020-05-17T22:32:00.000+08:00

I had recently replace the RHS drive shaft of my Elantra after discover it CVT cover had rapture and spraying the grease all over and further more noise already developed while driving straight or during turning.

So, I have that drive shaft replace at a cost of RM420...yes the whole piece RHS. This would the 1st time the Elantra has it's drive shaft replace after 205,000km and 12 years ownership..not bad ..right! Is the drive shaft original..NOPE..it is OEM.

This is the replacement OEM RHS

This is the original LHS

Notice different design of the CVT cover between the original and OEM

My Hyundai Matrix also had it's driveshaft replace with OEM, so far so good. Only once had the OEM driveshaft CVT cover replace. If you have the extra cash go for original or else settle with OEM.

Finally.. Got it Fixed !

2020-05-11T23:59:00.000+08:00

The Hyundai Matrix had a long problem with windscreen wiper spray....there is no water coming out and it has been that way for the past 3-4 years. Just couldn't find the right time to send to my regular workshop and it was not urgent.

And the central lock system has not been working well. Can't lock the door with the remote, have to lock manually all 4. And because it was not an urgent repair... leave thru it for couple of years.

And so today was the faithful day, I decided to send for repair or replace whatever parts require.

So had the central lock motor for both front L and R front repaired. The wiring was replaced as according to my foreman, that is causing short circuit... I believe so..my hyundai already more than 15 years..those wires are getting hard and brittle. Cost of the repair RM390.

Washer motor was also replace with new set...and now the windscreen washer is working as well the rear too. Cost me RM120.

The total cost RM530....so next project..maybe giving it a good dark tint !

Hyundai Elantra Master Switch ...again !

2020-05-08T22:00:00.003+08:00

The last time I replace the switch was way back in 2015. And now again this switch have to be change or else the power window on driver side and rear passenger can't be lowered. According to my workshop..there was a short circuit and after replacing with new Master switch everything working good...blow away RM300 after 5 years usage and now it cost me RM490 to replace it.

My 2 Hyundai's

2020-04-13T20:50:00.001+08:00

I bought the Hyundai Matrix 1.6M CBU brand new in year 2005 and then the Hyundai Avante in 2008. Just look at both mileage , already passed 200k km. Both hyundai fully paid off and that is the greatest feeling of owning them. I can bet that would the same feeling for any other brands...no more paying to the bank.

Not much of major issues, just do the usual service.I don't bother on the resale value as each car already over 10 years. My point of driving is to get from point A to B.

Hyundai Matrix new spark plug at 205,170km

2020-04-11T21:33:00.000+08:00

I have used the Bosch FR- 78X Super 4 spark plug in the past and somewhere along the way , I sorted using the normal spark plug as it was was cheaper and my daily was very low, about 5 km only. And today I decided to change the spark plug back to Bosch FR-78X.

The old and the new spark plugs

Get my tires properly inflated and off we go....
Dammed...engine was smooth and the drive was wonderful. Really a great spark plug from Bosch. I bought it from Shopee for RM42 ( 4pcs).

My 15 year old KN filter

2020-03-29T15:58:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I removed the KN air filter from my Hyundai Matrix 1.6 2005. The last cleaning was like 3 years ago.

But anyway, the condition of the filter is still good even though the vehicle already clock up above 200k km. After cleaning...can really felt the difference. So took up for a short sprint..really worth an investment !

Hyundai Matrix Maintenance 2020

2020-03-15T08:44:00.000+08:00

This is new maintenance, in fact it's a follow up maintenance. Can't do all the maintenance in a single day. So it was follow up the following week.

Driver side power window has not been working for quite a while. Found the motor was faulty. The motor cost me RM260...not cheap but this is the 1st time replacing it...hopefully will last for another 10 years. And now all power window are working good.

Driver side drive shaft rubber shear off...spray out all the grease..passenger side drive shaft was ok. Had the CV rubber replace.

And there was engine oil leak, quite a strong leak. Tracing the leak lead to the driven cams. The oil seal has worn off...so 2pcs was replace.

This is after the camshaft driven oil seal replace, the bottom was cleans and I drove about 35km, so far so good.

Overall I''am happy with the outcome...a few more maintenance to go..central lock, engine mounting and wind screen washer pump.

Coming to due would be the battery, touching 3 year soon

At 204762km, Hyundai Matrix repair

2020-03-08T23:13:00.000+08:00

My Hyundai Matrix 2005 is still going strong, some maintenance have taken place this weekend which cannot be delay any further.

There was oil leaks on the valve cover, it gets worst but due too workload , I don't have the time to replace it. Power steering oil too have some leaks due to the hoses have harden.

And then the clutch pump begin show sign of leaks as intermittent the brake oil sign start to appear. I had to top up the brake oil reservoir every 2 months.

Rear absorber begin to squicks for quite a while and a check found both side leaking. Now a days I don't carry much load at the back, daily drive about 12km... so I manage stretch the replacement for quite a while.

After repair... All looks even better. The ride too was much comfortable

Here are the work scope
- New Valve Cover Gasket with Plug Seal
- Power Steering Tank Hose and Flushing
- Rear Absorber (L/R)
- Clutch Pump (Lower) Assembly

All parts supplied by the workshop, with labour...all costing RM1200.

Rear passenger outer door handle for my Hyundai Matrix

2019-11-10T16:02:00.001+08:00

The unfortunate incident happened, the right rear passenger outer handle broke, so cannot enter the rear unless open from inside !..really troublesome.

So I did try to DIY ...very very difficult that I give up doing it. Better let the mechanic to do it with the proper tool.

It took them close to 3 hours to change this door handle...worth paying to do it. Same time I send my Matrix for manual gearbox oil change..yeah kill 2 birds with one stone.

The door handle is not original, it's OEM and it fit in nicely...RM45.

The 198,522km

2019-10-26T13:13:00.000+08:00

As I reach this mileage on my 11 year old Hyundai Elantra X20...it is something to be proud off, the quality of Korea car is just awesome .... on this week I did an oil change and top it off with X-1R engine oil additive.

As for today, decided to change the ATF as it's already over 30,000km...send the car to my regular workshop in Taman Melawati to do it. And then it crossed my mind to also service the aircond. The last service was more than 5 years ago.

The aircond compressor already pull out !!

Place it in the vice, change the O-ring and oil seal. Pressure test to confirm seal are good and replenish with fresh compressor oil and also clean the condenser.

The aircond compressor fitted to my Hyundai Elantra is the original aircond compressor since I bought the car in total 11 years running well.

Engine Control Temp Sensor Replace on Hyundai Avante 2.0

2019-10-20T03:56:00.000+08:00

There were many sensor I had replace all due to difficult to start when the engine is hot and hesitation to accelerate when the engine is hot. From checking of the air leak on the vacuum hoses till replacing the Throttle body position sensor, crankshaft sensor, VVT sensor or oil control valve sensor...all end up with little improvement and the problem never solve.

Even send to my regular mechanic could not detect fault code.

Until then, I read up on the internet :

I have not change this sensor since I bought the car, that is over 13 years. So I gave it a try. It cost only RM50. Should conduct the test with a volt meter, anyway I don't have it and this is the only sensor I yet replace.

You may find the sensor located nearly the cylinder cover. You need a long box socket size 16 to remove the sensor.

Will need to drain out some coolant before removing the sensor. Locate the drain plug from bottom of the radiator.

Here are the comparison between the old and new ECT sensor. Place a layer of the pvc white tape. A layer is sufficient, do not apply extra layer as the cylinder head is made of aluminium, do not wish to crack it during tightening.

A word of caution, during fitting it must be align properly and hand tighten before fully tighten with a wrench. Avoid over tighten. Refill the coolant and ready to go.

After more 300km of drive, no more problem as mentioned above. The drive is smooth which I have long missed. No more of the hesitation to accelerate or hard starting when the engine is hot. Cold starting never a problem.

My battery becomes weak

2019-08-06T23:40:00.001+08:00

The battery on my Hyundai Elantra was replaced on 8 January 2018 and today is begin to show usually sign..the cranking becomes becomes slow but able to start, the signal light behaving very strange: flickering inconsistent...some time fast and sometime slow.

Lucky I have fitted a battery meter, a good battery will show reading of 12.0 -12.3V but this time it recorded 10.02V..this means the battery is weak.

I know the cause...my Elantra has not been doing good daily running and frequent starting. Daily travel about 22-30km only.. on weekend the car even travel lesser.

Removed both terminal and hook up to my battery charger. I hope 6 hours of charging is sufficient. If were to perform recondition charge..it will take about almost to 3 days.

New sport rims for my Hyundai Elantra X20

2019-08-04T00:45:00.000+08:00

The road and surrounding areas are not being properly maintained, my tires and rims are taking lots of beating. This year alone, I think 3 times I have to tyre change tyre and with 18inch rims...it's also lighten my wallet.

And the final straw came after the rear tyre punctured, I found a nail and a broken a glass ... the tyre is totally condemned. The other rear tyre also suffer with inner wear maybe due to negative camber.

I wanted a good set of sports rims, not for racing just to get me from point A-B and strong to withstand the poor road condition. My regular tyre shop recommend an old design rims but good and strong match with a 215/45/17 rubber.

I had a good offer...new 17inch rim complete with new rubber, new lugs nuts for each tyre , new metal air valve , alignment and balancing ...RM1,600.

The new look !

200,000KM !

2019-06-21T17:39:00.000+08:00

A proud day...my 2005 Hyundai Matrix 1.6M has clocked in 200K KM. The years of ownership was really satisfying. No major breakdown ...only teething problem such as power window, aging door handles and central lock. Parts are available as need time to get them fixed.

Oh yes, the paint job need to be ....repaint the whole Matrix ! I have yet to decide the colour.

Hyundai Matrix 03 ... The long drive to Skudai

2019-06-02T20:41:00.001+08:00

This Hyundai Matrix 05 1.6L M is my 1st hyundai and it has been with me till now for 14 years. Mileage closing to 200k km and still sturdy. It has the best space, large boot and very comfortable. Still able to clock more than 650km in a single full tank of petrol Ron95 full highway drive.

The alternator has been replace and clutch plate too.

Maintenance cost is on the average. So far no major problem.
May apply extra dark tint for that extra cool looks.

My daily drive is now about 4km as compare to years ago and when it comes to long journey...I'm happy that is perform very well.

Very very lucky ....the engine oil light turn ON ,Timing Belt !

2019-06-02T19:04:00.001+08:00

Recently I had oil change to my Hyundai Elantra in May 2019, https://bit.ly/2XlRKwC. I clocked 189,246 km. About a week later, my wife was driving home and she saw the engine oil light turn ON , she was about 2km away from home... I told her to continue driving since the engine acting as normal with any abnormal noise or smoke.

As I reach home after work, I immediately check..found below the sump tank was wet and extending to the rear. The dip stick was totally dry. The oil filter was wet..I suspect the gasket may have broken...so when ahead with changing the oil filter and make sure I wasn't over tighten. Top up with X-1R again and give it a start.

Then, I give the engine a start...it surprise me....there was an oil leak...came from the oil seal near the crankshaft..it was a strong leak..at any moment it can empty the whole engine oil sump tank. At that moment , the car just clock 189,686km.

I had the car tow away the next day to Ah Yau for check up. In my heart...lucky I top up with X-1R,never expected this incident to happened.

AhYau confirm the timing belt oil seal leak..oh dear! The timing belt was replace last year Feb https://bit.ly/2HQoyZv, it just clocked over 20,000km.

Change to another set of timing belt kit (90,000) recommended by Ah Yau, not require to drained out the engine oil.The alternator and aircond belt was also replace. Total costing RM660...poor me.

Hyundai Matrix oil change

2019-06-02T18:32:00.000+08:00

Had my Hyundai Matrix oil change last year https://bit.ly/2Z9HOXV when it clocked 195,868km. This time around, I had it change again at 199,852 km..that is after travelling 3984km. I when to Skudai from KL and return recently..manage to clock 680km before re-fuel.

I found that Shell has the high mileage 15W-50 engine oil. This oil better that the previous engine oil ..As I read somewhere it is suitable up to 7000km....

To finished it I top up with X-1R engine oil additive.

My Elantra Oil Change May 2019

2019-05-19T14:53:00.000+08:00

Comes May 2019, the engine has clocked 189KM..time for its regular oil change. This time I have added the X-1R Engine oil Treatment bought it from Shoppee ( I bought 7 bottle !) as seller was giving good discount.

As for the engine oil...it's good...good for 10K KM oil change.

Brake switch of Hyundai Elantra 2.0

2019-03-09T17:37:00.000+08:00

Two days ago, the brake light refuse to turn off even after the ignition key was removed. I have suspected the brake switch as this is not the 1st time even happened..this would be the 2nd time and from my other ride ..the solution is to replace the brake switch.

So, I bought a new brake switch, cost me RM35..not that expensive. Below is the old brake switch.

And to my surprised, after replacing the brake switch , the brake light did not turn off...how is that possible !! Then again I check and discover, on the brake lever, there is hole. Usually this is solid metal without any hole. I begin to find small rubber pieces on the flooring. This I assume there is a rubber insert...oh dear, why Hyundai make such design.

As a replacement, I place a small bolt and nut. I tested the old brake switch, it's working, but since I have bought a new one's better to change it and keep the old switch as spare.

No labour cost as this is DIY.

Hyundai Matrix 2005 Timing Belt Change

2019-03-03T15:00:00.002+08:00

This would be the 4th time, the timing belt was replace for a 14 year old Hyundai Matrix. Only timing belt was replace, water pump was not replace.

Next replacement would at 297,568km.

The condition of the old timing belt was quite good even thou it has about less than 18,000km to go ( it's a 100k km belt)

Hydraulic brake oil was also replace and all 4 brakes was bleed. I replace it a Bosch Dot 4. After replacement, the brakes felt better and the clutch pedal also felt solid not soggy as before.

One will be inside the car to press and depressed the brake pedal.Another will be at the bottom of the car to bleed out any air on the system as well flush out all dirty brake oil. Consume almost 1L of fresh hydraulic brake oil.

Total cost for labour (timing belt,brake oil change and aircond belt and a new aircond belt : RM285.00