Step-by-step instructions on how to replace the tensioner pulley ( drive belt tensioner) on Hyundai and Kia vehicles equpied 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.
Table of Contents
What you will need
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 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 ribs of the pulley are on the grooves of the serpentine belt.
- 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)
About Author
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Rushit Hila, ASE Certified Mechanic I have been working on vehicles for over 20 years. In 2016, I decided to start YOUCANIC so that I can empower vehicle owners all over the world. Currently, I hold an ASE certification on G1 Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair. ⏵ Read More |
Engine
Applications
2.0L MPI (G4KD)
- Hyundai Tucson/ix35 (LM) (2009–2015)
- Hyundai Sonata (2007–2014)
- Kia Forte (TD) (2008–2012)
- Kia Optima/K5 (2008–2012)
- Kia Sportage (SL) (2010–2013)
2.4L MPI (G4KE)
- Hyundai Azera (HG) (2013–2016)
- Hyundai Grandeur (TG) (2008–2011)
- Hyundai Santa Fe (2010–2020)
- Hyundai Sonata (2007–2019)
- Hyundai Tucson (2010–2020)
- Kia Cadenza (2009–2019)
- Kia Forte (TD) (2008–2012)
- Kia Optima (2008–2019)
- Kia Rondo (2008–2013)
- Kia Sportage (2011–2021)
- Kia Sorento (2009–2020)
