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How do I release the tensioner to replace the timing belt and

Answered by:Eric
Automotive Repair Shop Manager
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Customer Question

How do I release the tensioner to replace the timing belt and should I lock down the cams so they dont move when the tension is released. 2003 santa fee 2.7 motor

Optional Information:
Year: 2003
Make: Hyundai
Model: santa fee
Engine: 2.7

Already Tried:
Have been an auto and truck mechanic for 25 years. Give me a chevy V8 and I would do it with my eyes closed. This belt stuff, well--. I have it all torn down. I just dont know how to release the tension on that little piston. I did a 2.7 dodge once and the cams moved. Had a heck of a time lining stuff up. So thats where im at and wont go any further untill I get a answer. Thanks, Al.

Submitted: 1021 days and 5 hours ago.

Category: Car

Value: $23

Status: CLOSED

Accepted Answer

Expert: Eric replied 1021 days and 5 hours ago.

Hi,

First, although not required to lock down the cams(havent had any move on me before), it certainly doesnt hurt to take that precaution, especially if you dont do this type of job on a regular basis.

For the tensioner, use a small srewdriver to push down the auto tension plunger, and use a paperclip or very smal brad nail to insert in the hole in the autotensioner to lock the plunger down:

I do strongly suggest using a new tensioner when doing the timing belt. NOthing worse than doing the job correctly, re-using old tensioner, and have the timing belt jump and wreck the valves due to weak tensioner.

Just in case you need them, here are full timing belt directions straight from Hyundai:

REMOVAL

1.	Remove the engine cover.

2.	Using a [16 mm], rotate the tensioner arm clockwise (about 14° )and remove the belt from the pulley.

3.	Remove the power steering pump pulley, idler pulley, tensioner pulley and crankshaft pulley.

4.	Remove the upper and lower timing belt covers.

Remove the auto tensioner.

Rotate the crankshaft clockwise and align the timing mark to set the No.1 cylinder's piston to TDC (compression stroke). At this time, the timing marks of the camshaft sprocket and cylinder head cover should coincide with each other.

Unbolt the tensioner to remove the timing belt.

If you plan to use the timing belt again, mark the rotation direction on the belt so you reinstall it correctly.

INSTALLATION

Install the idler pulley to water pump boss.

Insert and install the idler pulley to the roll pin that is pressed in the water pump boss.

2.	Install the tensioner arm and plain washer to the cylinder block.

3.	Install the tensioner pulley to the tensioner arm.

Install the camshaft sprockets and align the timing marks.

•	When installing the camshaft sprockets, fasten them tightly while holding the hexagonal part of the camshaft.

•	Before installing the timing belt, if the timing marks of the cam sprocket and the cylinder head cover do not coincide, do not rotate the cam sprocket more than 3 teeth in either direction.

•	Rotating the sprocket more than 3 teeth may allow the valve and piston to touch each other.

•	If the cam sprocket is rotated more than 3 teeth unavoidably, rotate the crankshaft counter clock wise a bit before rotating the cam sprocket.

Install the auto tensioner to the front case.

At this time auto tensioner's set pin should be compressed and secured with set pin.

Align the timing marks of each sprocket and install the timing belt in the following order. 1.Crankshaft sprocket → 2.Idler pulley → 3.Camshaft sprocket (LH side) → 4.Water pump pulley → 5.Camshaft sprocket (RH side) → 6 Tensionerpulley.

•	In this step, No. 1 cylinder is in the TDC (Compression stroke).

•	Be very careful if you use your fingers.

7.	Pull out the set pin of the auto tensioner.

8.	Install the upper and lower timing belt covers.

9.	Install the power steering pump pulley, idler pulley, tensioner pulley and crankshaft pulley.

10.	Using the wrench [16mm], rotate the tensioner arm clockwise (about 14°) and install the belt to the pulley.

11.	Install the engine cover.

How to adjust the tension of the timing belt

1.	Rotate the crankshaft 2 turns clockwise and measure the projected length of the auto tensioner at TDC ( #1 Compression stroke) after 5 minutes.

2.	The projected length should be 7 ~ 9 mm (0.27 ~ 0.31 in.).

Verify that the timing marks of each sprocket are in their specified position.

If the timing marks are not in their specified position, repeat from 6 above.

INSPECTION

Inspect the belt closely. If the following problems are evident, replace the belt with a new one.

(1)	Hardened back surface of rubber Back surface is glossn, non-elastic and so hard that when the nail of your finger is pressed into it, no mark is produced.

(2)	Cracked back surface of rubber.

(3)

Side of belt is badly worn.

A belt in good condition should have clear-cut sides as if it were cut with a sharp knife.

(4)	Teeth are badly worn out. Last stage : Canvas on the load side of the tooth flank worn down and rubber exposed (tooth width reduced).

(5)	Missing tooth

2.	If backlash or an irregular noise is observed when rotating the pulley, replace the timing belt tensioner and idler pulley.

Expert Type	Automotive Repair Shop Manager
Pos. Feedback:	99.9 %
Accepts:	2098
Answered:	8/5/2009

Experience: Automotive Repair Shop Manager, Technician/JA Mentor

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