'99 F-150 4.6 Serpentine Belt Change and noise
 

I have around 75000 miles on my 99 F-150 SuperCab XLT 4.6L and I have yet to change my serpentine belt, and I do not recall having my dealer do it when it was under warranty.

When is this usually changed? I took a look at the belt and I dont see much if any wear..... I am sure it is getting too old however.

I did put belt dressing on it some time ago and again last tune up.

Is this belt difficult or time consuming to change?

Is there a certain tension it must be to keep problems from happening or does it auto tension?

Recently the truck starting making a noise when you start it, until it warms up. Sounds like it is coming from a pulley, or something, I am hoping not the water pump (Which it could be, as I am sure I am past due on changing my coolant/antifreeze which I suppose would serve me right. I hope not though..)

I am going to figure out how to flush/fill my cooling system, but not sure where youc an get rid of coolant in Calif. My transmission fluid from my change is still sitting in the garage in a bottle because no one wants to take it.

Thanks,

Dave

The belt is really easy to change. It takes about 5 minutes if you've never done it before. It is auto-tensioned. An old or worn belt can cause the noise you describe.

on a side note...you can pour the old oil/antifreeze on a Joshua tree and tell it that it's from me *LOL*....hated them darn things.

Thanks JCStratt,

I honestly dont know what a Joshua Tree looks like, I am not from here and have not recognized one yet. Ha ha

What do you have to do to change the belt? I have never done a Serpentine, I thinki I remember my dad doing one when I was younger, and he had a hell of a time with that one. Different vehicle of course. He was a great mechanic, so I think that scared me a little. I am afraid that I will get it off in the driveway, and not be able to get it back on or tensioned right and be stuck until someone can come and help.

What do you think?

Thanks,

Dave

All you need is a new belt and a 1/2" drive breaker bar or ratchet (or 3/8' drive with a 3/8' to 1/2" adaptor). There is a square hole in the tensioner arm for the breaker bar (just like the hole in a socket). Put the breaker bar in the square hole and pull it back. It will take a fair amount of force. The belt will be loose and you just pull it out. Installation is the reverse of removal. There should be a sticker on the radiator cowl with the belt routing in case you forget how it came out.

The sticker showing the belt routing is very important. If you don't have one then either take a picture or draw it out.
On these engines I find it easier to remove the air intake hose from the air filter to the throttle body for more access to the belt.
One hint is to install the new belt over the A/C pulley first. You have to put it through in between the idler and tensioner pulleys and then around the A/C pulley.

Thanks Gentlemen, you are motivating me to do it my self. I really cannot afford to pay someone else anyway..... Gas is eating all extra cash away.. LoL

I have to buy a house some day!

Looks like I am changing a belt this weekend!

Thanks,

Dave

And honestly its friggin torture to have someone else work on my vehicles.. Had too many bad experiences and trust no one! Not even my self... Ha ha