Belt replacement installation

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

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,164 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

Image (Click to make bigger)