Belt replacement installation

Tiny
KASSIEBUCK
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
My bigger belt that goes around the pulleys broke driving. We got a new belt and for the life of us can not get it on. Any suggestions, we also really have no space to work in there.
Thursday, March 26th, 2020 AT 2:49 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

I realize it is very tight. They are terrible to work on. Have you tried to release pressure from the tensioner? That is the only way it can be installed.

When I say belt tensioner, are you familiar with what I'm referring to? Please let me know. I'm trying. LOL Also, you will likely need a ratchet or wrench with a long handle to reach the tensioner. Look at the pic I attached. Not having it in front of me, I can't remember which is the tensioner. However, I circled two pulleys. One is movable. You need to take a wrench and place it on the bolt I circled and when turning it, the pulley will move. Move it the furthest you can to the directions in which the belt will be loosest.

Let me know if that helps.

Joe
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Thursday, March 26th, 2020 AT 3:36 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,443 POSTS
Upper one is the tensioner. That engine is very tight when it comes to belt length as the tensioner doesn't move a lot.
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Thursday, March 26th, 2020 AT 8:25 PM

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