Kia Soul: Drive Belt Adjustment

Drive belt tension measurement and adjustment

Belt tension measurement

Measure the belt tension using a mechanical tension gauge or a sonic tension meter.

Tension

New belt: 686.5 ~ 784.5N (70 ~ 80kg, 154.3 ~ 176.4lb)

Used belt: 490.3 ~ 588.4N (50 ~ 60kg, 110.2 ~ 132.3lb)

•	If the engine has run for 5 minutes or more, the belt tension must be adjusted as a used belt.

•	When installing the V-ribbed belt, all grooves on the pulley should be covered with belt ribs.

•	A loose belt causes slip noise.

•	Too tight belt cause bearing of alternator and water pump to damage.

Using a mechanical tension gauge

1.	While pressing the handle (A) of the gauge, insert the belt (B) between pulley and pulley (or idler) into the gap between spindle (C) and hook (D).

2.	After releasing the handle (A), read a value on the dial pointed by the indicator (B).

Using a sonic tension meter

Input the belt specifications into the tension meter.

Belt type	Location of measurement	Input data
Belt type	Location of measurement	M (Mass, g/m.rib)	W (Width, rib)	S (Span, mm)
With A/C	Crankshaft pulley to A/C compressor pulley	13.4	6	178.9
Without A/C	Idler to alternator pulley	13.4	6	Actual measurement value

Measurement of S (Span) : Caculate average value after measuring the distance 3~4 times.

D : Idlerd

d : Alternator pulley

2.	Locate the micro phone (B) close to the center of belt span (A) and bounce the belt by finger 2~3 times. Read a value on the display. [With A/C] [Without A/C]

If adjustment is necessary:

1.	Loosen the mounting bolts (A).

2.	Tighten the adjusting bolt(B) clockwise in loose tension ; loosen the bolt counterclockwise in high tension.

3.	Recheck tension of the belt.

After adjusting tension, tighten the through bolts.

Tightening torque

12mm (0.47in) bolt :

19.6 ~ 26.5 N.m (2.0 ~ 2.7 kgf.m, 14.5 ~ 19.5 Ib-ft)

14mm (0.55in) bolt :

29.4 ~ 41.2 N.m (3.0 ~ 4.2 kgf.m, 21.7 ~ 30.4 Ib-ft)

Drive Belt Inspection Visually check the belt for excessive wear, frayed cords etc. If any defect has been found, replace the drive belt. ...

1. Install the drive belt (A). 2. Adjust tension by tightening the alternator tension adjust bolt (B) and then install the mounting ...