How do I change the Timing belt

[robwensorento]

My wife's 06 Sorento is at 43k miles and I would like to change the belt myself. Is there a good source for a service manual. I know it would be easier to have the dealer do it, but I don't have the cash. I am pretty mechanically inclined (swapped out her ac pump on her 99 Pontiac Montana) and I usually do my own work.

[TEXKIATECH]

you dont need to change you timing belt until 60K so that should give you time to save up
the timing belt on the sorento is pretty easy if you have the right tools. they are kinda time consuming the first time you do one but if you know how to make sure the cams are in time with your crankshaft then that helps i usually start by takeing out the radiator and fans for easy access. then comes the drive belts, then the power steering bracket, then the alternator, then unbolt the a/c compressor, then the water pump pulley, then the big aluminum bracket in the front, then the upper timing belt covers, then you have to remove the crankshaft pulley and put the bolt back in.then you remove the belt auto tensioner(only if you have a c-clamp to press the hydraulic tensioner back) then you remove the belt and assemble opposite of removal. it is a long process i know but only o it if you know you can. or else you will break the motor and make sure to line the cams and crank to top dead center before putting the new belt on. and after you get the belt on before you put it all back together make sure you timing marks are lined up PERFECTLY. not even a tooth off

[pistnbroke]

My first reaction is if you need to ask dont do it ....Its not a simple one with 5 toothed wheels you must get right ...not one tooth out or bye bye valves....when you do it turn it over two revolutions by hand before you put the covers back on and then start it up with the covers off to be sure it runs ok....the belt tensioner is spring operated not oil and is a bit of a pig ...I understand a very thin screwdriver or rod is required to lock it

[cmhj2000]

My 35+ years of experience has shown, in most cases, if one has to ask they shouldn't be involved in such a procedure. Mechanics and most long time DIYs have a good understanding of their abilities.

However, if you can find http://www.kia-forums.com/do-yoursel...e-manuals.html read & understand a service manual, then perhaps you could do it.

[04SorentoLX]

Originally Posted by pistnbroke

My first reaction is if you need to ask dont do it ....Its not a simple one with 5 toothed wheels you must get right ...not one tooth out or bye bye valves....when you do it turn it over two revolutions by hand before you put the covers back on and then start it up with the covers off to be sure it runs ok....the belt tensioner is spring operated not oil and is a bit of a pig ...I understand a very thin screwdriver or rod is required to lock it

After reading TEXKIATECHS involved and detailed text. You can still sit there and say start it up without the front covers on? ARE you in the habit of doing a job twice? Once to do it, and then redo it the second time to get some things off to put on the covers you,left off on purpose and rebutton it fully up? Or is that the way RANGE ROVER does stuff? I agree thou with hand crank first to see if anything sounds/feels funny before you button it up when done.

[pistnbroke]

no no 04 sorento LX you are pissed again ....before you put all the brackets and alternator.belts covers and air con stuff back you can turn it over on the crank nut with a spanner to make sure nothing hits.... re check your alignment and then start it up for a few seconds to make sure its ok .you dont need all the ancilaries in place to make sure it runs OK .....I dont see your problem.......personally I would not take the radiator out but remove the fans and then put some cardboard over the rad so you dont scuff your fingers ...but I would be using an air operated wrench to speed up the job which requires little space to work.

[robwensorento]

I wasn't asking if I could do it, I was asking how to do it. Thanks for your response TEXKIATECH. I found the procedure on Kia's tech site. It doesn't look all that hard. I also have all the air tools, the impact wrench, air ratchet, etc., so it will be a little easier. I got the impact wrench, an IR Thundergun from Northern Tool the day it was on their website for $40 by the way, thats right $40. My wife gave me a hard time about getting it until she saw it normally listed for $220.

[pistnbroke]

had a look at the thuder gun...now you will have to take the rad out to use that one ..I use the long thin ones with a right angle drive ....your biggest nightmare is that the crank shaft bolt snaps off so would always undo this well before you intend to do the job so you have time to get (kia warantee) it fixed ..check the water pump bearing and if there is any play at all change it..you did get some useful tips ..to turn it 2 revs and start it before you re assemble...IF YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IT WILL REV UP WHEN YOU RE START SO MAYBE DONT..good luck ..take some photos for us all ...my time has not yet come.....

[04SorentoLX]

Oh yea Mr. Electrical wizard? any of those framed things on the wall tell you what happens when you start something with out the ALTENATOR bolted on! and not running from that belt and BRACKET you did not put back yet? You like buying MASS FLOW Sensors and stuff huh? JESUS CHRIST! You just get better and more looney by the day.

[pistnbroke]

I think 04sorentoLX you have a real problem ...there is no reason you cannot start the engine without the alternator and air con and belts etc ..clearly you need the crank pulley on .....all i am saying is that you can check its all good by running it before you put everything back...whats the air flow sensor got to do with it you dont take that off to change the belt ???? !!!!!

I think you are right you do get more looney by the day...!!!! ha ha relax put brain in gear before typing!!!