look into kia tech info - free service (link below, use internet explorer only).
on the other hand - simply pull the belt and see which one (pulley) will react - tht one is tensioner.

 

Apologies for digging up an old post but I also need to change the belt on my '07 Rondo.
The dealership want's $179 to replace the belt, I got the belt at NAPA for $22. I'd like to replace it myself, just need someone to point out the tension pulley as it is not obvious at all.

look into kia tech info - free service (link below, use internet explorer only).

Nice that it's a free service but that site is poorly done and difficult to use. It works with FF just fine.

on the other hand - simply pull the belt and see which one (pulley) will react - tht one is tensioner.

That doesn't work, the tension pulley is not spring loaded. The pulleys on my '04 Sorentos (I have 2) aren't spring loaded either.

Maybe someone could just point out the correct pulley...

 

Well thanks for the help, but I do not have the wrong picture as I have the Rondo with I4. Sorry I didn't bother to fill out my profile information but considering I posted a picture of the I4 I would think that anyone would assume that I am talking about replacing the belt on the I4. Having said that, it would be great for someone to please point out which pulley on the picture I posted is the tension pulley so I can get this belt changed.

 

...Sorry I didn't bother to fill out my profile information but ....

It is always much more helpful to have the info in profile...

Well thanks for the help, but I do not have the wrong picture as I have the Rondo with I4...

Yes, you do. In terms of symbols (letters). If you looked on the next picture (on kia tech info) jsut below that one you posted (in TB section) you would find clear description what is what.
And I did repeat that above. I explained which one is tensioner.

 

here it is, just in case you could not find it.
7. Remove the idler pulley(A).
8. Remove the drive belt tensioner(B).

 

Alright, I'm also working on an 09 Rondo LX so I have the I4 as well.

However, I'm really struggling with the idea that I got to remove these pulleys to change the belt.

So my question is merely as such. Considering the placement of the engine mount, the power steering fluid line and the variety of other stuff in the way, how can I pull on the tensioner enough to install the belt without removing the engine mounts or any of the pulleys?

Is it even possible considering the space between the tensioner and the frame?

Thanks.

 

Ok, thanks.

 

I can't say about I4, but in V6 I put a wrench on the tensioner, pull it hard (it is STRONG spring) to release the belt, move the belt aside, and release the tensioner. Enough room to do that.

And I do not think you need to remove the pulleys to change the belt...

 

Thanks, with the I4, it's just really tricky to get enough movement on the tensioner to allow for everything to get back in place.

Everything is so packed together that either the wrench is blocking access to the smooth pulleys, or the frame is blocking access by the wrench, or the extras are encumbering wrench movement.

I've been reading a lot online but I'm still without a solution that works for me so I'd appreciate any other ideas that anybody's got.

 

The I4 is almost impossible to change the belt on. I got so frustrated, I simply traded it for an Optima Hybrid. No more squeaky belt.

 

I had Serpentine belt replaced at 60K (at same time when I had timing belt replaced). The new serpentine belt started squeaking after only 20K miles on it. The dealer just lightly "sanded" the belt an the noise went away. So I was lucky.

 

What are the recommended milage for both the timing and serpentine belt replacement?

 

I'm in the midst of changing the belt and tensioner on my 2010 Rondo (90000 KM) 2.4L 4 cylinder.

I've been a heavy equipment tech for the last 20 years. Replacing the belt is not DIY friendly.

I'd recommend buying a kit on-line that includes the tensioner, upper and lower idlers and belt.

Start by chalking the rear tires, raising the front of the car off the ground and remove the passenger side front tire. Remove the splash shield.

Disconnect the battery -ve cable.

Remove the engine cover

Complete the following steps to create access to the belt, tensioner and pulleys.

Remove the 10mm nut from the A/C line restraint, forward of the frame side engine mount

Remove the 10 mm bolt from the grounding cable on the engine mount.

You need to remove the passenger side engine mount, place a block of wood on your jack and take up a small amount of the slack in the mounts.

Remove the nut on the frame side of the mount, remove the two nuts and 1 bolt from the mount on the engine.

Remove the frame engine mount base from the frame. (3 nuts)

Shown in this picture, the tensioner is above the timing mark on the engine cover, up and to the right of the crankshaft, the smallest diameter pulley.

Now, using a 17mm box wrench move the tensioner toward the rear of the car and slip the belt off. The tensioner's release is the bolt in it's pulley. The pulley is right against the frame rail, you'll only be able to use a box end wrench for access.

To remove the tenisoner you'll have to remove it's pulley - this is a left hand thread, turn clockwise to release, counter clockwise to tighten. Now remove tensioner. It's tight for access. You may wish to remove the engine side of the mount to create some extra room.

Assembly is reverse.

This is not a fun or easy job. Quite a variety of tools are required. I selected my parts from nation wide parts provider with generous warranty. I'm not paying to do this again. For what it's worth, I used a Continental belt part number 1061017 (6PK2582) and tensioner 49428. The tensioner pulley is not available in the aftermarket alone, though the bearing used in the Continental tensioner is THE EXACT same as the OEM Kia bearing. Let that sink in for a moment.

 

Thanks for the detailed instructions.......I’ve been carrying a spare belt for months, I think I’ll attempt the job now on my 2007 I-4 94,000 mile Rondo.

 

I followed your directions and it couldn’t have been easier.....thanks again : )