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Hyundai Santa Fe 2001: Flywheel not compatible with clutch

Asked by Desiree Eden

I HAVE a 2001 Hyundai Sante Fe four-cylinder manual that has done 151,000km. I've had it since new and have always had it serviced by Hyundai. I have had a range of problems with the timing belt, which has been replaced twice, and shredded several drive belts. Recently the car lost power completely. It would drive, but it had no acceleration. I took it in and they replaced an ignition coil. But driving home the problem occurred again. Hyundai then instructed me that that model was fitted with a "dual mass flywheel" and this was the problem. It was replaced with a single mass unit and this is where my problems begin. This single mass unit was not compatible with the clutch system in my car, so this was replaced as well. I didn't think that there was anything wrong with my clutch and felt that I was being forced to replace a part that had not yet failed. Phoning around I have since discovered that when the clutch has to be replaced on this model the flywheel would be replaced at the same time, but in my case it happened in the reverse. I feel that I have been taken for a ride by Hyundai, and $2000 later I feel a little jaded. Could the movement in the dual mass flywheel have created all the other problems that have occurred with the belts? Should Hyundai take some responsibility here. Why has such a major component change occurred? After having the work done, my car continued to deteriorate. It ran rough and the coil was replaced again. What do you suggest? Should I take this up further?

Answered by CarsGuide

9 Mar 2007 Carsguide.com.au

ABSOLUTELY yes. Take it up with Hyundai directly. It seems you have been given the run-around by the dealer and the company needs to know. The clutch would probably need to be replaced when the flywheel was changed as they are most likely to be different, but Hyundai should cop the cost. It sounds like a design problem. And it could be a cause of your belt failures and your ignition problems.

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