how do i replace an alternator belt on my 1999 kia sephia?

[afretired61]

Hello all,

I am attempting to replace a broken alternator belt on my 1999 kia sephia, but I am running into some problems. The power steering belt is the outer belt, and I must remove that first. How do I get that belt loose? There is a long bolt on the front side of power steering pump - I removed that...still will not budge. Any suggestions?

[cbeck]

Almost got it... there is a mounting bolt as well as a pivot bolt on the P.S. pump. You need to loosen (not remove as the tension with one on and the other off could break the remaining bolt) both of them then slide the pump foward to release the tension. It will be the same when you first try to get the alt belt on too

Good luck! let us know if you catch any other chincks.

Oh, and I was going to mention this before, but sometimes, the reason the belt breaks in the first place is that the alternator has slowly been going out and finally got fried. so if you put the new belt on, and it snaps imediately, it's not that you did something wrong, it just means you got to put a new alternator on too...

I'm not certain, but {i think} if you can turn the alternator pulley/wheel by hand, then you shouldn't have to worry about this. I checked that once when I had the belt off so I'd know, and dang if i can't remember!

[cbeck]

sorry for double post, i just went to look at it a little closser... for this car, there are three things to loosen actuall on the P.S. pump... the long bolt you mentioned (through the pully) then the remaining are actually nuts. one on the hinge o the mounting bracket, second on the bottom of the pump. and with THAT, then you should have it done.

[afretired61]

thanks cbeck! I had my cousing come over to help me with the belt....actually I was at the store when he showed up and he had it on by the time I got there! It was like you said though...and now no more squealing like before - so maybe the old belt was too loose? Runs good now.

Thanks!

Dennis