The Kia Optima uses a serpentine belt to run all of its major components. Together with the various pulleys in the car, the belt helps to generates air conditioning, power steering, coolant circulation and electrical power for the car. To ensure that your Optima is running at an optimum level, replace the belt once it becomes frayed or torn. The replacement is simple as long as the new belt is placed along the same path as the old belt.
Open your Optima's hood to access the engine compartment. Locate the tensioner pulley on the passenger side of the engine. There are two bolts located between the engine block and tensioner pulley. The bolt located by the block is the securing bolt. The bolt that is visible is the tensioner bolt, which is used for placing tension on the belt.
Unscrew the securing bolt with a socket wrench. The bolt will require a 14mm socket to unscrew the bolt.
Unscrew the tensioner bolt with a socket wrench to relieve tension on the belt. Slide the belt off the pulleys and pull it out of the engine compartment.
Slide the new belt over the crankshaft pulley, which is the large pulley located at the bottom of the engine. Observe the diagram located next to the hood latch to ensure all the pulleys are accessible. (All Kia vehicles are equipped with a belt diagram under the hood.)
Tighten the tensioner bolt with a socket wrench. Tighten the securing bolt to lock the tensioner pulley.
Start the car and allow it to idle. Listen for squealing produced by the belt. If the belt is squealing, turn the car off. Loosen the securing bolt and tighten the tensioner bolt with the socket wrench until all of the tension is relieved. Once the belt is tight, the squealing will go away.
