Hyundai Repair: 2000 Hyundai Sonata, hyundai sonata, hyundai dealer

Question
I replaced my timing belt and drive belt at 65K miles.  Prior to that, the engine was making a growling sound as if some part of the engine needed oiling (greasing) like metal rubbing metal.  $800 dollars later and new timing and drive belts replaced, the engine still makes the growling sound. Hyundai told me that the sound is inherent to that make, model and year car and that it could be the lifter taps; but maybe not.  Any advice?  Thank you.

Answer
Without hearing the noise, it's difficult for me to say whether it's normal.  The four cylinder engine does tend to make a humming type noise.  If the dealer that says it's normal is a different repair facility than replaced the timing belt, then the noise is indeed probably normal.

If the dealer that says it's normal is the same place that installed the timing belt, and since you thought replacing the timing belt would eliminate the noise, I'd recommend getting a second opinion.  Take the car to another local Hyundai dealer and ask them to check the noise.  Don't mention the timing belt or anything else about the work you've performed, just the noise.  That'll reduce the possibility that what you tell them influences their answer.

If the other Hyundai dealer tells you the noise is normal, then it's probably normal.  If they tell you it's related to work you've had done recently, it's then time to disclose the work you've had done.