UPDATE: this problem is not fully resolved
So, I've purchased the star gromet and had a go at replacing it myself with a neighbour who's previously done this on an older FD i30 he used to own. I was super excited about attempting this with someone with more experience but we soon found out that FD decoupler replacement is easier than my i30 (early GD). After cutting my fingers a few times we almost had it but couldn't quite get to the final nut of the power steering motor. In the process, we managed to accidentally remove the steering wheel slightly and thought it was reinserted in the exact same spot (we thought wrong
). The steering wheel is slightly out of whack and it seems like I'm steering very slightly to the left when looking at the steering wheel even though I'm driving straight...
Anyway frustrated after a couple of hours I put it all back together and decided I needed to take it to someone who's done this before. First independent mechanic quoted $150/h x 4hrs. Local Hyundai leader said standard repair fee for this is $495 these days and finally, a second independent mechanic said $300 should cover it. Opted with the last mechanic who said he's done a few and booked it in. Collected the car earlier today only to be told the steering wheel was not fully resolved because they needed an electronic wheel alignment (something any major tyre shop should have). I double checked if they took the wheel out again to attempt to align it and they said yes. It seems to have deteriorated slightly to be honest
Went to Jax Tyres who were too busy to help today and Bob Jane who said it's a Hyundai calibration issue and their wheel alignment won't help.
I have to drive all day tomorrow and I'm quite annoyed I will have to hold steering wheel slightly pointing to the side. An older mechanic I spoke to said it's a fiddly 2 person job to get that alignment right but I'm not sure if he's taking about FD or GD or either.
Any advice on how to best resolve my issue?
TL DR
Happy with steering decoupler replacement as steering wheel clunk is completely gone now but unhappy that the steering wheel is not perfectly straight when driving straight ahead.