The timing belt is one of the most essential of a car. However, if not taken too much care, a broken belt can cause irreversible engine damage. Everyone has heard that it is necessary to change the timing belt, on this Kia Optima 2 or on any style of vehicle. So, if you want to fully understand the subject, it is necessary to go around the question concerning the timing belt: What is it for, why to change it, when to change it, and finally how to change it. We therefore offer you an exclusive complete file of timing belt!
What is a timing belt used for on a Kia Optima 2?
So, if you want to control the action of the belt of any Kia Optima 2, you have to understand what the famous distribution. In fact, distribution is the set of mechanical components that governs the admission phase (the valves) of the air-fuel mixture, But also exhaust. This timing belt is a toothed belt, carried away by the crankshaft pinion, which in turn encourages the pulley camshaft. Depending on the vehicle models, it can at the same time call the pulley of the injection pump but also the pulley of the water pump in most of the engines. If we summarize, it is the timing belt that will allow to turn the pistons and different parts of the engine block so synchronized.
Why change the timing belt on a Kia Optima 2?
Thanks to its material made of caoutchouc, the distribution belt will deteriorate over time. If you drive badly, the belt will become much less flexible and much less robust. This phenomenon is more and more noticeable if you drive in town, with frequent starts. If, on the contrary, you drive very little, the belt may deform if it stays in the same position day and night. When this belt breaks or leaves its location, it triggers a engine stop immediate. Also, with the contraction, it could damage some parts of the engine. It is therefore essential to be cautious. We will now understand when to change it.
When to change the timing belt on a Kia Optima 2?
The drawback with the belt is that it does not necessarily have a wear indicator. It is not easy to assess its wear, especially since it happens to be hardly accessible in the engine. The best way to avoid engine failure is to follow the manufacturer's information. However, it is sometimes essential to trust the mechanics. It is generally advisable to change them every 100 000 kilometers, or every 5 years. Several causes, such as coolant or oil leaks, can alter the belt faster.
How to change the timing belt on a Kia Optima 2?
Replacing the timing belt on your Kia Optima 2 is not easy. Certainly, it is an essential part of the engine, therefore if it is not done properly, it will inevitably cause very significant damage to the vehicle. This action is therefore not recommended without the presence of a garage owner. In order to change the timing belt, it is necessary to first obtain the distribution kit whole. You will find below the steps to follow in order to replace the famous belt:
- Loosen the tensioner roller to loosen the belt.
- Remove the timing belt.
- Undo all the rollers and the water pump.
- Replace the new water pump in its place
- Return the rollers to their respective locations
- Add the timing belt to its location following the marks
- Tension the belt respecting the recommended tension thanks to a blood pressure monitor
- Run the engine manually, which equals 4 city turns
Conclusion
It is therefore essential to master several points before embarking on any work. The belt is a capital element of the engine block, it is this which will allow various parts to be synchronized. Its inevitable degradation means that it must be changed very often. If ever we delay too long, it could permanently damage the engine block. Finally, it remains essential to have very good mechanical skills to get started in this work. That's it, the key is now in your hands. Good road !