Serpentine Belt Tensioner

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the serpentine belt tensioner on a 2015 Kia Forte with the 1.8L I4 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Serpentine belt tensioner assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Serpentine belt (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is cool to the touch
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starts
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands if additional clearance is needed (optional but recommended)
5. Remove engine splash shield if equipped for better access

Procedure

1. 1

   Document belt routing
   Take a clear photo of the serpentine belt routing around all pulleys. Verify routing against the belt routing diagram on the radiator support or hood. Mark the direction of belt rotation with a marker if reusing the belt.
2. 2

   Release belt tension
   Locate the belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Insert a 3/8" breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square hole on the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension on the belt. Hold tension while removing the belt from the pulleys.
3. 3

   Remove serpentine belt
   With tension released, slip the serpentine belt off the pulleys starting with the furthest accessible pulley. Carefully release the tensioner back to its resting position. Remove the belt completely from the engine compartment and inspect for wear, cracks, or glazing.
4. 4

   Remove tensioner mounting bolt
   Locate the single mounting bolt securing the tensioner to the engine block. Use a 14mm socket with extension to remove the tensioner mounting bolt completely. Support the tensioner as you remove the bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Belt Tensioner Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove tensioner assembly
   Carefully pull the tensioner assembly away from the engine block. Inspect the mounting surface on the engine for debris or damage. Check the tensioner pulley for roughness, noise, or excessive play by spinning it by hand.
6. 6

   Install new tensioner
   Position the new tensioner assembly onto the engine block mounting point, aligning the mounting hole. Ensure the tensioner arm moves freely and the pulley rotates smoothly before securing. Start the mounting bolt by hand to ensure proper thread engagement.
   Torque spec

   Belt Tensioner Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Torque tensioner bolt
   Using a torque wrench, tighten the belt tensioner mounting bolt to 55.0 Nm (41.0 lb-ft). Verify the tensioner is seated flush against the engine block and the pulley rotates freely without binding.
   Torque spec

   Belt Tensioner Bolt55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install serpentine belt
   Route the new or existing serpentine belt around all pulleys following the documented routing pattern, leaving the tensioner pulley for last. Ensure the belt is seated properly in all pulley grooves before proceeding.
9. 9

   Tension the belt
   Insert the breaker bar into the tensioner and rotate clockwise to create slack. Slip the belt onto the tensioner pulley, ensuring it is properly seated in the grooves. Carefully release the tensioner to apply proper tension to the belt. Verify all pulleys have the belt correctly seated in the grooves.
10. 10

    Verify installation
    Manually rotate the engine by turning the crankshaft pulley clockwise through two complete revolutions. Observe that the belt tracks properly on all pulleys and does not slip or misalign. Check that the tensioner arm is positioned within its normal operating range.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield if removed
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal
4. Start engine and observe belt operation for proper tracking and tensioner movement

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the serpentine belt runs smoothly without squealing, slipping, or vibration
• Observe the tensioner arm maintains steady position during engine operation
• Check that all accessories (alternator, A/C compressor, power steering) operate normally
• Listen for any unusual noises from the belt or tensioner area during idle and light throttle
• Re-check belt routing visually against the routing diagram to confirm correct installation

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