I just spent almost $1,500 and had the timing belt, tensioner, pulley, and two belts replaced on my 2004 Santa Fe 3.5 L V6 at a Hyundai dealership -- plus other service that was done at the same time that was included in the $1,500 (transmission service, cooling system flush, oil change, throttle body cleaning, etc.). I had to go back a few days later due to a noisy rattling sound in the engine compartment, and they said it needs a new power steering pump. They said the cost to install a new pump and pressure hose is about $800 to $900. They said that part of why the cost is so high is the cost of the parts. They also said that when replacing the pump the pressure hose always gets replaced at the same time. The vehicle has 77,000 miles on it and I am the second owner, so it is not covered under any warranty.
Unfortunately, I didn't know beforehand that the whole job, plus the $900 power steering pump and hose was going to end up costing $2,300 to $2,400. If I knew that up front, I would have just traded it in and bought a newer Santa Fe -- maybe a 2009 or 2010 still under warranty. But now I have to decide about getting the power steering pump and hose replaced.
How hard is it to access and replace the power steering pump and hose on this vehicle? Is there some much more reasonably priced way to get this done? -- such as buy the parts and do it myself, or have it done elsewhere not at a dealership?