Drive Belt Tension Measurement And Adjustment

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

Belt tension measurement

Measure the belt tension using a mechanical tension gauge or a sonic tension meter.

Tension

New Belt:

980.7 - 1078.7 N.m (100.0 - 110.0 kgf.m, 723.3 - 795.6 lb.ft)

Used Belt:

706.1 - 804.1 N.m (72.0 - 82.0 kgf.m, 520.8 - 593.1 lb.ft)

NOTE:

If the engine has run for 5 minutes or more, the belt tension must be adjusted as a used belt.
When installing the V-ribbed belt, all grooves on the pulley should be covered with belt ribs.
A loose belt causes slip noise.
Too tight belt cause bearing of alternator and water pump to damage.

Using a mechanical tension gauge

While pressing the handle (A) of the gauge, insert the belt (B) between pulley and pulley (or idler) into the gap between spindle (C) and hook (D).

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
After releasing the handle (A), read the value on the dial pointed by the indicator (B).

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Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Using a sonic tension meter

Input the belt specifications into the tension meter.

Belt type	Location of measurement	Input data
Belt type	Location of measurement	M (Mass, g/m.rib)	W (Width, rib)	S (Span, mm)
With A/C	Crankshaft pulley to A/C compressor pulley	13.4	006.0	178.9
Without A/C	Idler to alternator pulley	13.4	006.0	Actual measurement value

NOTE: Measurement of S (Span): Calculate average value after measuring the distance 3-4 times.

G13480244

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

G13480245

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

Locate the microphone (B) close to the center of belt span (A) and bounce the belt by finger 2-3 times. Read the value on the display.

[With A/C]

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Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.

[Without A/C]

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If adjustment is necessary:

Loosen the mounting bolts (A).
Tighten the adjusting bolt (B) clockwise in loosen tension; loosen the bolt counterclockwise in high tension.

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Recheck tension of the belt.
After adjusting tension, tighten the through bolts.
Tightening torque

12 mm bolt:

24.3 - 26.9 N.m (2.48 - 2.74 kgf.m, 17.9 - 19.8 lb.ft)

[Part No: 11403-08407B]

12 mm bolt:

26.9 - 32.4 N.m (2.7 - 3.3 kgf.m, 19.8 - 23.9 lb.ft)

[Part No: 11405-08406K]

14 mm (0.55 in) bolt:

29.4 - 41.2 N.m (3.0 - 4.2 kgf.m, 21.7 - 30.4 lb.ft)