Serpentine Belt

brianlambert · #1 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 02:32 PM

I'm in need of some advice on how to replace the belt. I don't know which pulley to loosen to provide slack for removal and replacement. It's on an '03 6.0 diesel.

BPofMD · #2 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 03:11 PM

There is a tensioner release on there...no need to loosen ANY pulleys....

brianlambert · #3 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 04:47 PM

Where is that located?

dstig1 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 05:18 PM

It's one of the pulleys on the belt path that isn't connected to an accessory but has an arm attached to it that it pivots on. Dunno which engine you have, but Ford has made it easy on their gas engines the past 10 yrs or so (and this fixes over/under tensioning nicely too). The tensioner has a recess for a 3/8" or 1/2" socket wrench, so you just snap that in and pull one way to release tension and pull the belt off. Pull again to get it back in place. Extra hands can help, and a long handled wrench/breaker bar also helps pull against the strong spring.

It should be obvious which pulley is the right one when you look at it.

-Dave

NorCalBusa · #5 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 05:58 PM

What is the life expectancy of a serp belt anyway/how many miles to change it?

QwkTrip · #6 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 07:15 PM

Owner manual should have a service schedule showing belt replacement. The service interval is conservative to ensure that most people do not have a failed or slipping belt. But that's the whole point right? Preventative maintenance.

brianlambert, when you try to loosen the tensioner pulley be prepared to put some muscle into it. Otherwise it won't move.

DPorter · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 07:26 PM

tensioner is just below the alternator

dstig1 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 08:52 PM

Somewhere in the 70-100k range is good, generally. I did our Exploder V8 at 100k after the belt had been making some noise. Never had a problem with it, but the noise stopped with a new one.

And yes, it is a strong spring, so a breaker bar is well advised rather than a short ratchet....or a length of pipe over the wrench. A helper is also advised as it can be hard to pull against the spring and still get the belt in place. It's fast with help.

QwkTrip · #9 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 08:58 PM

Somebody needs to do more arm curls....

dstig1 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 09:17 PM

Bitez Moi.

You mentioned it took a heavy pull too....

I say anything that makes life easier is a good thing

QwkTrip · #11 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstig1

I say anything that makes life easier is a good thing

Absolutely!

EXv10 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 11:15 PM

Nothin to it, just give the 1/2" breaker a pull and pop it off.

dstig1 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:05 AM

Well yeah - Like many things, getting it off isn't too bad - but getting it back on was the 4-handed operation. At least on the Exploder 5.0 it was. Haven't done the 5.4 yet, but I suspect it is similar.

EXv10 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 12:59 AM

I was pretty easy on my V-10. Off and on.

dstig1 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-04-2009, 01:40 AM

Kewl.