🔧 Accent - Timing Belt Replacement

Your Accent’s 1.6L engine uses a timing chain, not a timing belt. That means there is no scheduled “timing belt replacement” service on this engine.

Most people asking for a “timing belt” on this Accent actually need the engine accessory drive belt (serpentine belt) replaced—this belt runs the alternator and A/C.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine; keep hands away from hot parts.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers/tools clear of the belt path and pulleys.
• ⚠️ Do not start the engine until the belt is fully seated on every pulley.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required, but remove the key and keep it in your pocket.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive breaker bar
• Serpentine belt tool (specialty)
• Flashlight
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Accessory drive belt (serpentine belt) - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and turn the engine OFF.
• Open the hood and use a flashlight to locate the belt routing sticker (often on the radiator support/upper core support). If missing, take a photo before removal.
• Identify the belt tensioner (a spring-loaded arm that keeps belt tension automatically).

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm you’re replacing the correct “belt”

• Use a flashlight to look at the front/side of the engine for the visible belt.
• If you see one external belt driving accessories, that is the accessory drive belt (this is the common DIY replacement).
• The timing chain is inside the engine and is not visible without major disassembly.

Step 2: Release belt tension

• Place a 14mm socket on the tensioner’s hex boss/bolt head.
• Use a 3/8" drive breaker bar (or serpentine belt tool (specialty)) to rotate the tensioner and relieve tension.
• Hold steady—spring force is strong.

Step 3: Slip the old belt off

• While holding the tensioner rotated with the breaker bar, use your free hand to slide the belt off the easiest-to-reach smooth pulley.
• Slowly release the tensioner back to its resting position (do not let it snap back).
• Remove the belt fully by hand.

Step 4: Inspect pulleys and tensioner

• Spin the pulleys by hand (engine OFF) and listen/feel for roughness or wobble.
• Check the tensioner pulley for noisy/rough bearing feel.
• If anything feels gritty or loose, that part should be replaced before installing a new belt.

Step 5: Install the new belt

• Route the new belt to match the under-hood routing diagram (or your photo).
• Start by wrapping the belt around the lower pulleys first, then work upward.
• Leave one easy-to-reach pulley for last.

Step 6: Apply tension and seat the belt

• Use the 14mm socket and breaker bar to rotate the tensioner again.
• Slip the belt onto the final pulley, then slowly release the tensioner.
• Use a flashlight to confirm the belt ribs are fully seated in every grooved pulley (no ribs hanging off).

Step 7: Final alignment check

• Use a flashlight to check the belt tracks straight and is centered on smooth pulleys.
• Make sure no tools are left in the engine bay.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and watch the belt for 15–30 seconds (keep hands clear).
• Listen for squeal/chirp. If present, shut off and re-check routing and seating.
• Turn on A/C and electrical loads (headlights) briefly to confirm normal operation.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $25-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $95-$160 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.