After replacing the water pump cannot get belt installed

2010 KIA CERATO
202,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KBEE
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Hi, changed the water pump now cannot get the belt back on. The alternator has no tensioner.
Feb 27, 2020 at 10:49 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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Hi,

This vehicle isn't offered in the US, so I have very little technical info. Can you tell me if the belt is a serpentine belt or does the alternator have a separate belt?

If there is only one belt, it is routed correctly, and you have the correct belt, then the belt tensioner is most likely bad.

Check if the tensioner is moving correctly and it is strong.

Let me know.

Joe
Feb 27, 2020 at 3:46 PM
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KBEE
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It is a serpentine belt.
Feb 27, 2020 at 4:41 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Then I suspect it has an automatic belt tensioner. All 2010 Kia models do here in the US. Are you sure the belt is routed properly? If it is, then I suspect the belt tensioner is bad.

Here is a link that shows in general how one is replaced. Take a look through it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/serpentine-belt-tensioner-replacement

Let me know what you find and if this helps.

Take care,
Joe
Feb 27, 2020 at 5:49 PM
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