Gear Reduction Oil Change

Changing the gear oil is as easy as changing the oil on a lawnmower so perhaps Hyundai thought no further training was needed? If you spend a bit of time on the numerous Kona EV forums you'll see that reports like this are not uncommon, especially for US owners. Perhaps it could be that the N.A. importer has poor quality control over dealer training or the dealers are struggling to make ends meet in a highly competitive market where buyers pit them against each other then expect stellar service?

My Hyundai importer in NZ seems to require high standards from dealers and new-car prices are not normally negotiable so margins are healthy and the standard of service reflects that.

 

If you find an independent shop that is familiar with servicing the Nissan Leaf, the job is nearly identical. That workaround is now being used here.

 

Unfortunately, some combination of unfamiliarity with the product and plain incompetence seems to be common among Hyundai dealers. While I don't have enough miles yet to need this particular service, I had an experience with a minor problem a couple months ago that ended up taking 4 visits to fix -- wrong parts ordered, repair not done right when they finally got the part. It did not exactly build my faith in my local Hyundai dealer.

 

I had the gearbox oil changed at the last service at 45000km & got a sample of it. The oil cost $145/litre & about the same in labour. After using a magnet on the sample I can confirm a small amount of metal but such a small amount you could leave it. Hyundai said this was the first time they had ever done this.

 

In case anyone want change the gear reduction oil at home, here is the oil I used

Red Line Synthetic MT-LV 70W/75W GL-4 Gear Oil
https://www.redlineoil.com/mt-lv-70w75w
You only need to buy one quart ($25)

I changed mine at 10,000 miles, 30,000 miles, 60,000 miles.

I would not recommend using whatever oil from Hyundai as they are probably not synthetic. Back in my 20s, when I was hot-rodding my Celica, Red Line and Amsoil are the 2 brands we trusted the most. Mobile 1 are consumer grade.

It is best to change all oil/fluid in any new car as early as possible during break-in. Don't wait until the mileage specified in the manual. With new engine/gearbox/power steering/transaxle/etc., they always come with flashes and burs from manufacturing. You want to remove those as soon possible. After the first oil/fluid change during break-in, you can stick with the schedule in the manual.

 

No need to guess.

 

(just a little joke)

 

It's happened here.

 

Are we being hosed? My dealer told me not to worry about changing the reduction gear oil until recommended. See quote here:
"Your vehicle takes 1.0-1.1 litres of SAE70W gear oil and the recommended interval is to inspect every 112,000kms
We do charge C$55/per litre and C$39.95 to replace.

As for the Magnetic drain plug, after looking into it for you, Hyundai does not supply them so unfortunately I am unable to get one on order for you.

Thanks
Maddy
Service appointment coordinator"

My 2021 Kona is at 51,000+ km. I will have this oil replaced at the 60K service. I have already purchased from Hyundai (special order two in a pack?) magnetic plug(s ).

 

Holy cow, do we have to do everything! Do we need two magnetic plugs? Is that the reason they are packaged in twos?? The parts guy told me they come in twos. And two washers?? I know where I put one pack, I must find the second one.

 

Did you happen to check that the Hyundai 'magnetic' plugs are indeed magnetic?

 

WHAT??? It says 'Magnetic plug" on the package.

 

Perhap they're "on clearance".

 

Need more info. Crush washers? Picture would be nice. As the saga goes on, I checked the "Plug-Magnets" I received. Guess what, they are NOT magnetic! Will not pick up a paper clip! I have shown this missing magnetic action to my dealer they said - hmmm. Return them. The problem is that I bought these at an other dealer. I will take them back to there. But returning them will not solve the issue does it?

The experiment - How magnetic is this?
Hyundai part, real magnet and a paper clip


I will keep you posted.