Bonnie Experts:
I have a couple of questions if you guys would not mind me asking:

1. The dealership has recommended that I get the trans fluid changed on my 2001 SSei because it is over the 30, 000 change limit since the car currently has 43,000. I have always been afraid to change the trans fluid. Do you guys think I should have this done? The dealership is quoting me a cost of $140 for the transcase and transmission change.

2. I am starting to get excessive wheel hop on my car and i believe the car needs the rear shocks atleast replaced. My question is should I replace both the struts and rear air shocks at the same time because it will require a 4 wheel alignment if I just replace the rear shocks only......correct? Also, can i change the rear shocks myself and should I change the shock mount at the same time?

3. I am getting a clicking or pumpimg type sound coming from behind the instrumentation panel or under the dash. Does anyone know what this sound could be from? It does not occur consistently, but does occur a lot while I am driving the vehicle.

your assistance with these questions would be a great help to me.
Thanks, TTERZ

1. Find a good reputable transmission shop to do the fluid/filter change (have them flush with the old filter in, then install the new filter and fill it with new fluid). I foget the cost, but you should be able to get is done for closer to $100.
As for the tranny fluid change, now is a good time to do it. A lot of people neglect this and pay the price. Our transmission are not the greatest transmissions out there -changing the fluid and filter every 30-50,000 miles would be good insurance.

2. First I'd start with getting the tires balanced. If they are the original tires you may need new tires. I don't see why you would need new struts at 43,xxx miles unless you drive on really rough roads 90%+ of the time. For the $20-30 it costs to balance and rotate the tires I'd have that done first.

3. -Gonna have to wait and see if any 2000+ owners know what you are talking about. If it is happening on turns, I'd suspect the intermediate steering shaft is done. It should be a free replacement as a safety recall, IIRC.

I agree, get the fluid changed. It'* due. It'* not hard to do yourself, just a bit messy.

The rear shocks are quite easy to replace, and should not require an alignment if they're replaced. There have been some issues with the mounts going bad, so as a good preventative measure, you may want to change those out.

Could the noise you're experiencing be the same as what is described in this TSB?

Unfortunately, the intermediate shaft is not covered by a recall, just a TSB.