The 2004, Ford F150 5.4 ltr has three idler pulleys that are easily identifiable as they only contact the belt over a very small arc of the wheel. The replacement procedure is basically the same once you have identified the candidate idler. Be sure to match the part at the auto supply store.
This procedure
1) Rotate the tensioner clockwise and remove the belt. Use a 1/2" wrench directly into the square hole and a cheater pipe is helpful so one hand can loosen while the other hand removes the belt at the generator.
2) Remove the candidate pulley.
3) To install, reverse the procedure. All pulleys have 18 ft-lb torque.
4) be absolutely sure the belt is properly aligned on all NINE pulleys before starting the engine.
P.S. - This a great time to inspect the belt and consider replacement. If over 100,000 miles change the belt unless it looks absolutely perfect!
buy a Honda or Toyota. Hope this helps
It is one of those small round items that the belt rides on. The idler is not attached to an accessory such as the power steering or alternator.
loosen the nut on the idler pulley. There is a bolt at 10:00 o'clock from the pulley. Loosen this bolt until you can put the belt on then tighten the bolt till the belt is tight then tighten the nut on the idler pulley. Recheck the belt tension after a day or so..
It could be the clutch fan that is going bad. I had the same issue & the expense of the part and manpower can be $400 to $700.
You don't use a different belt. If your A/C quits and you don't have the money to fix ot simply don't want to, you get an idler pulley to replace the compressor pulley, remove compressor and use same belt. The idlers are available from Amazon or ebay among other suppliers
Start in the upper / center postition and continue clockwise. 1. Over / Right - Generator pulley 2. Outside / Right edge of power steering pump pulley 3. Under the Crankshaft pulley 4. Over the Idler pulley 5. Under / Left Tensioner (pulley) 6. Over / Left A/C Compressor pulley 7. Under Water Pump pulley
You can remove the old serpentine belt on your 2004 Dodge Ram by loosening the tensioner pulley. Put the new serpentine belt on and tighten it with the tensioner pulley.
I had a similar noise and had the idler pulley replaced. Noise still there and mechanic said it was probably the bearings in the pump, probably from overtightening the belt.
On my 97 Cavalier I can use a 15mm box end wrench on the spring tension idler pulley. The idler pulley is in the middle of all the pulleys on the belt. It is right under the engine mount and above the crankshaft pulley. It is difficult to get to, but I can put the wrench on the bolt in the center of the pulley and apply clockwise force (looking at the engine from the passenger side fender) to rotate the idler down. This will loosen the belt. You will need to do the same to re-install the belt. Be careful, the pulley will try to spring up when you remove the belt. Make sure you memorize or draw the belt path before you remove it. If you forget, Advance Auto Parts can print a diagram. It was the same for our 2004 Cavalier. I took the right wheel off and lining behind it.... much much easier! (pulley and belt right there)
Loosen the tightner pulley then slide it off. Then do the loosen the pulley and put the new one on. Same way to replace all serpitine belts
The serpentine belt configuration for a 2004 6.0 diesel engine typically runs around all the engine accessories and over the idler pulley. A single belt is used to power the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and AC compressor.
You loosen (1/2 turn) the 15mm nut that locks the idler pulley. Then from under neath you turn the 13mm bolt that will tighten and loosen the belt. Be sure to tighten the lock nut when done.