Hyundai/Kia Tensioner Pulley Replacement
Step-by-step instructions on replacing the tensioner pulley ( drive belt tensioner) on Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with the 2.4L Theta II Engine. Pictures and videos are based on a 2019-2020 Kia Optima, but the same engine is used on several other Kia / Hyundai models.
What you will need
- Car ramps or Jack
- Jack stands
- Wheel chocks
- Allen wrench
- 17mm wrench
- Tensioner pulley
Procedure
- Park the vehicle and jack up the vehicle.
- Place jack stands to support the vehicle. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling back.
- Remove the wheel well plastic cover on the driver’s side to have easier access to the serpentine belt.
- Go under the vehicle on the driver’s side and locate the tensioner pulley/idler pulley.
- Twist the 17mm bolt counterclockwise on the tensioner pulley to loosen the tension, use a 17mm wrench to twist the bolt, and pull the serpentine belt out.
- Remove the 2 Allen head bolts on the tensioner pulley and pull the whole unit of the tensioner pulley out from the top.
- Line up the pin on the new tensioner pulley to the vehicle and reinstall the 2 Allen head bolts.
- Twist the tensioner pulley counterclockwise and reinstall the serpentine belt back to the vehicle.
- Make sure that all the pulley’s ribs are on the serpentine belt’s grooves.
- Reinstall everything else you removed. Lower the vehicle to the ground, and you are done replacing the tensioner pulley.
Tightening torque
- 53.9 ~ 63.7N.m (5.5 ~ 6.5kgf.m, 39.7 ~ 47.0lb-ft)
We hope you find the Hyundai/Kia Tensioner Pulley Replacement guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Kia and Hyundai.
