Timing Belt: Inspection

Check the belt carefully and if any damage is found, exchange it with a new one.
1. Vulcanization of the rubber backside.
  The backside is glossy and non-elastic so that, even if a finger nail is forced into it, no mark is produced.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Rubber Backside
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
2. Crack on the rubber belt surface.
  
  Fig 2: Checking Crack On Rubber Belt Surface
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
3. Abnormal wearing of side face of belt.
  CAUTION: Belts in good condition seem to be cut by a sharp knife.
  
  Fig 3: Checking For Abnormal Wearing Of Side Face Of Timing Belt
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
4. Abnormal tooth wearing.
  
  Fig 4: Checking For Abnormal Tooth Wearing
  Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.
  
  Initial stage
  
  Wearing of side face of load exerting tooth (Fabric puff up, rubber material peel off with color changing to white and fabric become uneven and rough).
  
  Last stage
  
  Fabric wearing of side face of load exerting tooth occurs and rubber is exposed (Length between teeth decrease).
5. Missing tooth.
If any abnormal noise or difficulty in rotating the pulley by hand is noticed, replace the timing belt tensioner and idler pulley.

Fig 5: Replacing Timing Belt Tensioner & Idler Pulley

Courtesy of KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC.