My New 1st Gen Kia Soul EV - Part 1 : Replacing the Gear Reduction Unit

Purchased a used Kia Soul Ev recently, but didn't anticipate the difficulty, and cost involved in bringing it back to life!
This first part involves replacing the gear reduction unit. Not a trivial repair, but more importantly, the sourcing of a replacement part, at a reasonable price, is nearly impossible.

[@paulboivin7315]

Great job , step on the brake first then press the start button. P.S. I own a 2018 soul ev and love it . 119,548 Miles

[@chargerr4807]

Thanks for watching! Yes, it took me a while to figure out how this car starts and operates. But despite all the idiosyncrasies, I like the little fella. And not paying for gas any more doesn't hurt either! :)

[@jafa101]

Great work getting it up and running. I am facing a similar job on my "new to me" KIA EV Soul 2015 (that also has a new battery).
On another note, I have never seen s shock that bad!!!! I am a tech of almost 30 years and never seen a shock that bad!

[@chargerr4807]

Thanks for watching. If you are mechanically inclined, then this job is not so bad. The manual can be found online, its an amazing reference, so worth picking up. The difficulty will be finding a used gearbox! Regarding the shocks, yes, ridiculous, but I think its because the EV is so much heavier than the IC version. I used the standard Soul shocks, which I think everyone does, but I am starting to hear the back end complaining again, so I think an upgraded heavy duty shock is in order. Best of luck!

[@user-ex8jv9wl5g]

Hey! Could you say what's the oil volume please?

[@sp1es]

What are the bearing sizes inside the gearbox please?

[@chargerr4807]

I didn't replace the bearings myself, so i don't know, sorry.

[@SW4Life202]

Currently having the exact issue with my car and the dealer wants 7K to fix.

[@chargerr4807]

Yikes, but from what I hear, $7K sounds cheap! Are they offering to replace the whole unit? I was quoted $12K just to purchase the part, then its another 10+ hours of labour. I think the price is roughly $20K Canadian, so you are somehow getting a wiked bargain!

[@SW4Life202]

@@chargerr4807 wow, yes the whole unit. I think I'm going to have to cut my losses unless I can find an independent shop that is will to do it for $4500 or less (part is about $2800 online). I might also try and call corporate because I've had issues with my car rolling while in "park" before and they couldn't replicate the issue while it was under warranty.

[@jason-hy8ci]

Wow....... 68 Dodge Charger to KIA EV...
Justin Finally got to you. SMH

[@TVTV-gq8oj]

hello sir
i am having this kia soul 2016 EV @ toronto, knock in wood mine still works fine and daily driver, i am thinking to change transmission fluid , it is not CVT as well it is not manual, its kind of single speed gear reducer, can you please point which transmission fluid you filled up ? thanks in advance

[@chargerr4807]

Hello, the Kia oil is a 70W synthetic oil, but I used regular 75W90 oil from Canadian tire, no problems. Good luck!

[@TVTV-gq8oj]

@@chargerr4807 thank you so much, appreciated, also how much it is 1L or more ? do you think it is good to use the transmission flush liquid like liqui moly pro-line before fill up new oil ? just simply flush old one and fill with new ?