Serpentine Belts

Easier than you think . . . Forget the pry bar, the socket, or whatever other tool you might have been told to use. Position the belt on every pulley except for the alternator belt. Pull the belt toward the front of the van (this pulls the tension pulley) and wrap it around the pulley on the alternator. It takes about 5 seconds and does not require a tool at all. Answer: Notes: There are a few ways to move / pry the arm inwards, thus releasing the tension on the belt for removing/installing: grab on the pulley bolt (15mm?) with a wrench, or some later models have an opening for a 3/8th socket wrench to attach to directly without a socket. "Screaming"/whining that goes up and down with engine speed is a key symptom of a bearing wearing out - one of which of course is the tensioner pulley bearing. The serpentine belt tensioner / idler pulley is preset at the factory. If it is worn out, it will need to be replaced. NOTES: The belt is recommended to be replaced around 60,000 miles There is a wear indicator (minimum vs maximum) on the face of the tensioner arm to let you definitively now when it's time to change the belt. Answer This is a very simple task. All you need is a pry-bar about 24" long that could reach as far as the idler (towards the passenger wall within the engine compartment). The idler is the one that maintains the tension for the serpentine belt during operation. Next is to insert it on the back of the idler (note that there is a slot for it to go and lift down towards you. Your serpentine belt would become loose then your can remove the belt. Note: Please remember how the belt was wound from component to component as this is very important. Another option is to find a socket wrench mounted to a driver and same principle-apply a clockwise motion and the idler will be loosened. Very important: DO NOT DO THIS WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, K... Good luck. Tips: remember the two pulleys that don't have the grooves in them will be against the smooth side of the belt Answer The serpentine belt tensioner is spring loaded. It is the pulley located all the way back toward the firewall. Put a 15mm wrench on the bolt head in the middle of the pulley and leverage the tensioner to slack the belt and remove it. Answer if you're under the hood, look at all the pulleys. the big one in the back, that is the one you will need to get to. I am not well with the proper terms or even tools, however, when you go to tighten it, it will turn towards the front of the car. at that time, you can get the belt off. Remember the diagram of how it goes on, cause if you don't, none of your things will work. oh, buy a book also. it is faster than this forum. Answer You need to obtain a flat serpentine changing wrench. They come in a variety of qualities, but a cheapie will do ~10$. You hook that on the end of the sprung idler pulley and rotate against the spring pressure. the belt will loosen, pop it off, and put the new one on. The whole process will take under 10 minutes once the old belt is off. I considered cutting it off, but didn't need to with the wrench. Without the flat wrench, you will fight this for too long and likely not succeed. Answer I couldn't find a flat serpentine wrench (breaker bar) - the local stores used to carry them. What works just as well is a 15 mm box end wrench (the circular type that encloses a bolt), with a set of vise grip pliers for torque. The wrench is offset just enough to be able to place on the 15 mm bolt of the automatic belt tensioner pulley. Rotate the wrench clockwise (toward the front of the car) to release the pressure on the belt. Answer A small rope on the end of the 15MM wrench will hold the tensioner or a helper can pull on the rope. Answer I labored with this one for quite a while, searched the internet, and then someone at work told me the secret. To remove the tension, take a box-end wrench and place it on the pulley bolt. Then use the wrench as a lever (like you are tightening the bolt) and pull toward you. The arm of the tensioner will come toward you (it rotates around the bolt which holds the tensioner on the engine). Remove the belt. If you want to remove the tensioner and/or pulley, loosen the pulley bolt while it is still on the engine (it is easier this way than when the tensioner is off the engine), then loosen and remove the tensioner bolt. Now you can replace the tensioner. You can also just replace the pulley if that is the problem and save about $25. Answer It took me four hours to replace the belt on my Windstar... First, take several pictures of the left side of the engine, getting as much of the belt as possible. You'd be surprised how quickly you can forget how the belt is wound around the pulleys and alternator. I'm glad I did, because the guys at the parts house gave me the wrong pattern. I wasted an hour because of their mistake!!!!! The belt runs around a tensioner arm located near the firewall toward the bottom of the engine (by the pass. side front tire). I'm not an auto mechanic, so I don't know the technical term. This is spring loaded and puts tension on the belt. Spray this arm with a boatload of WD 40 'cause you'll need it to move somewhat freely. Take the old belt off and put the new belt on, starting at the flywheel and around the tensioner and all the other pulleys except the alternator which is at the top of the engine. Squeeze the belt at the tensioner, pull the belt towards you, creating some slack in the belt and try to wrap the belt around the alternator. This is the best I could explain it. It's not that easy. You may be better off getting a new tensioner because the old one might be frozen up too bad. Good Luck! Answer Purchase a serpentine belt wrench. They are a long flat looking wrench from a local auto store. There is a belt tensioner in the rear of the engine. Place the wrench on the tensioner pulley, and pull the wrench toward the front of the engine. This will loosen the belt. Install the belt around the crankshaft, and all other pulleys, excluding the alternator pulley. Hold the last bit of the belt in your hand, and then pull the tensioner toward the front of the engine again, and slip the belt onto the alternator pulley. Answer And for a 2002 Windstar (3.8L). The tensioner pulley was at the back near the bottom. (If you look at a serpentine diagram, it would be at the bottom left.) To release the tension, you have to get a 13mm wrench around the bolt in the center of the pulley and turn clockwise. Space is very tight (no room for a socket), so I recommend using a serpentine tool with attachable wrench heads. AutoZone loans them out for free (deposit required). Answer Actually, the info from the linked question was not correct for a 2002 Windstar (3.8L). The tensioner pulley was at the back near the bottom. (If you look at a serpentine diagram, it would be at the bottom left.) To release the tension, you have to get a 13mm wrench around the bolt in the center of the pulley and turn clockwise. Space is very tight (no room for a socket), so I recommend using a serpentine tool with attachable wrench heads. AutoZone loans them out for free (deposit required). Removing serpentine belt on Windstar You will need a 1/2 inch drive breaker bar. Look on top front of radiator you will see a winding diagram for replacing the belt also. The tension release pulley, located just below and in front of alternator, has a 1/2 slot in the center of pulley. Insert the 1/2 inch breaker bar in middle of tension pulley and pull up, tension will be released. Reverse procedure to reinstall.- Darrell Answer To install: Install the drive belt over all the pulleys, other than the drive belt tensioner. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise, using a 15mm socket or wrench, then install the belt over the drive belt tensioner pulley. Make sure that all of the V-grooves make proper contact with the pulleys. Answer Well it's probably the same as the 1999 Windstar, so if it is: you need a 13mm key. It's better to have 2 people for this job: one underneath the vehicle with the key and one under the hood to remove the belt. If I remember correctly you torque frontward and the belt will release . Hope it can help! By the way, my van does not have the serpentine belt diagram sticker, so be sure to take a look if you have one, and if not, take a paper and mark the location of the belt through the different pulleys before removing the old one. See "Related Questions" below for links to online sources of belt routing diagrams. Answer I have successfully changed my serpentine belt on my '96 Windstar. After fighting the tensioner nut my neighbor grabbed a pry bar and put it in the notch on the other side of the nut and belt it very easily moved the pulley down and relieved the tension and slipped the belt off. Leaving the bar in place and letting it pull backwards he rested the pry bar against the car while we put on a new belt. Pulling forward again and slipping the belt back over the alternator for the final touch. Forget the wrenches this was so simple I should sell the answer. Answer First, buy the correct belt, then look on the fan shroud which should give the route that the new belt should take. I'm my 95, it didn't, but the only thing I was doing was replacing the alternator, so I still knew how the belt went. Then release the belt tensioner nut, which is 18mm and hard to reach. Release this nut a few turns, then the tensioner will slide toward the side of the car, and the belt should fit on. To re-tension the belt I am considering buying a tensioner tool, which is a long handled lever for $35.00. If you need a diagram, email me. Answer First of all, you will need to locate the drive belt tensioner and the drive belt tensioner pulley. There should be a belt routing map under the hood. If you have a 6 cyl 3.0L engine: the drive belt tensioner is located between the crankshaft pulley and the water pump pulley and the drive belt tensioner pulley is located between the alternator (or generator) and power steering pump. If you have a 6 cyl 3.8L engine, the drive belt tensioner is located at the very back of the engine (if you follow the belt back from the alternator, the first pulley you come to will be the drive best tensioner) and it's very inconvenient to get to. The drive belt tensioner pulley is located between the alternator and the power steering pump pulley. Per Chilton's manual, use a 15mm wrench on the bolt of the drive belt tensioner and rotate the tensioner clockwise to release the tension. Remove the belt from the drive belt tension pulley. When installing the new belt, make sure that the drive belt is routed correctly and note the position of the indicator mark on the tensioner. Note: A standard belt tensioner tool will not get the job done. Ford may have a special tensioner tool for the Ford Windstar, but I haven't found one. I used a non-angled 15mm 6pt box end wrench (longest one I could find) and used a section of galvanized pipe to slip over the wrench for leverage and was able to release the tension to change the belt. Answer Just replaced alternator on my 2002 Windstar. Found easiest way to loosen belt tension was by jacking up(and installing stands) front of van and having skinny son slide under. Could loosen tensioner for removal and re-installation with a **13mm**combination wrench and some grunting. Also, prior to loosening belt, I taped belt to all pulleys wherever I could reach them. That way the belt stayed in place. Answer My brother has a 1998 ford Windstar 6 cyl 3.8 engine. The drive belt tensioner broke. so He got a new replacement. He tried to put the serpentine belt ALL BY HIMSELF with no avail. just before he gave up. he call me. here is what we did: He installed the new drive belt tensioner using a 18 mm wrench without fully tighten the bolt. We routed the belt correctly (following the belt routing map under the hood). only leaving off the alternator pulley. now the only thing left was to put the alternator pulley. this was accomplished by us working simultaneously. while I grabbed the belt close to the tensioner and pulled it with all my strength toward the alternator to relief the tension ; my brother using both hands put the belt around the alternator pulley taking advantage of the loose belt. Once the belt was in place; He tightened the 18mm bolt fully. Mission accomplished. **New Edit: Added to above - on a 1999 Windstar with 3.8L I just did a similar method, but I just wrapped a small rag around the old belt and pulled towards me (front of van) until it was loose enough to pull the belt off the alternator. The I removed the belt from the rest which takes a little bit of twisting and using a flashlight to see where it may be hung up on. Then I put in the new belt around all pullies except the alternator at which time I had my wife come over and carefully place the belt while I pulled on it again. *This ended up being about 20 minutes total time. -------------------------------------------------------------------- New Edit For my '98 Windstar 3.8 liter, the first issue is that the picture in the service manual pointed out the idler pulley as the Belt Tensioner; the BT is actually nearer the firewall. I loosened the bolt (18mm) that secures the BT to the engine and the BT pulley bolt(15mm) but was still unable to move the BT in any way. I then put an ~8" loop of 1" webbing around the BT's arm, slid a crowbar thru it and using the top of the strut housing as a fulcrum, lifted the crowbar. The BT shifted and I was able to reach down with one hand and remove the belt from off the idler pulley. First, note that there are significant differences between the 2002/3 and previous model years when it comes to the location of the belt tensioner and belt routing. For 2002 3.8 engines, the belt tensioner is below the power steering pump, below the passenger compartment air intake duct. Unfortunately, this makes it almost impossible to access from above the vehicle. If you can raise the vehicle, you may be able to access the tensioner from below (see final note at bottom of this post). Here's a procedure I've used: 1) Disconnect the negative battery cable. 2) Draw a diagram of the belt routing--I believe there are as many as 5 belt routings for various Windstar years and models. 3) With heavy gloves on, pull up and forward on the belt from the top of the engine (grasp the belt between the alternator and the power steering pump). 4) With the slack produced from #3, slip the belt off the small alternator pulley, taking care to not pinch your fingers while you're pulling on the belt. 5) Work the old belt off all pulleys and discard. 6) Route the new belt according to your diagram from #2 so that it is properly aligned on all pulleys, and riding in the grooved pulleys EXCEPT the alternator. 7) Now, again pull hard on the belt to compress the tensioner, and slip the belt over the alternator pulley. Again, be careful to not pinch you fingers. 8) Reconnect the negative battery cable. 9) Have an assistant crank the engine while you observe the belt travel. Make sure the belt is running fully engaged on all pulleys. If something amiss, you may have to repeat the proce Answer NOTE: The "official" way to release the belt tension is to rotate the tensioner about 110 degrees counter clockwise, and press a flexible metal leaf on its side into a holding slot. Doing this does away with the need to pull hard on the belt. On at least some pre-2002 Windstar models, this was rather easily done with a long screwdriver or pry bar because the tensioner and the front idler pulley were one unit. But on the 2002, Ford decided they should be 2, and moved the tension into an impossible-to-access from above location. On the 2002, you can't even get a socket on the tensioner pulley bolt to rotate it that way, because there's less than 1 inch of clearance between the bolt head and the vehicle frame. You'll have to decide if it's worth getting under the vehicle to save some pulling effort. Answer To replace a worn belt, locate the idler or generator pulley. Loosen the hold-down fastener for the idler or generator pulley. Pry the idler or generator pulley inward to release the belt tension and remove the belt. Match the old belt up for size with the new replacement belt. Observe the belt routing diagram in the engine compartment. Install the new belt over each of the drive pulleys. Often the manufacturer recommends a sequence for feeding the belt around the pulleys. Pry out the idler or generator pulley to put tension on the belt. Pry out the idler or generator pulley to put tension on the belt. Install the belt squarely in the grooves of each pulley. Before adjusting belt tension, check for proper pulley alignment. This is especially critical with serpentine belts. Measure the belt deflection in its longest span. If a belt tension gauge is available, use it and compare the tension to specifications. If a belt is too tight, wear to bearings for the water pump, alternator, and engine crankshaft can result. Some late-model Chrysler engines require a torque reading to be taken when tension is applied to the generator drive belt. This is especially important on the longer, multiribbed V-belts. Pry the idler or generator pulley to adjust the belt to specifications. Tighten the idler or generator pulley fastener. Start the engine and check the belt for proper operation. Answer I just replaced the drive belt on my wife's 1998 windstar, Sunday evening(2/19/06), If you looking on the hood after it is raised you will find a diagrahm that shows how it goes on the pulleys. looking towqards the firewall, you will see a pulley on the top of the other pulleys. there is a place that you can put the end of a crowbar into. being careful to make sure that you have a firm hold with the crowbar, pull the crowbar back towards yourself. this will relieve tension on the automatic belt tensioner. make sure that you have the belt on all pulleys and finally, push the belt onto the idler pulley, it will be the small one that is smooth Answer Use a pair of medium sized slip joint pliers, upside-down and tilted slightly to the left, to pull back on the tensioner. You will get plenty of slack and keep all of your fingers. Answer An answer is found in the linked question I have a 2002 Windstar, and in it there is a belt tensioner pully (which swings on an eccentric radius) that tightens the belts around the other pulleys on the front of the engine (not front of van due to transverse mount). This is accessed by elevating the vehicle passenger side near the front axle (like you would if removing the front right tire) and above the front axle near the top of the fender wall is this pulley. If looking at the engine under the hood, it would be near the fire wall down by the fender. Once located then use a 13mm wrench (box end preferably) to swing the tensioner pulley toward the front of the van. This will loosen the belt where it can be pulled off the pulley. Make sure you use place the wrench where adequate swing can be achieved. follow the pattern of the existing belt for the replacement of the new one. If the belt has come off, simply find a diagram, or go by the pulley grooves or flat to understand which side the belt goes. Mine was broken, so I had to do that. It was easier for me to start from the top under the hood but leave the alternator pulley as the last one to wrap over (I did this with help, as I had the pulley swung, someone else wrapped the belt over the alternator pully). I hope this help...Be blessed in Christ ><> blueletterBible.org e-Sword.net Answer You need to use a socket wrench. There's a square hole behind the tensioner (You need to get under the car) and get the socket wrench and fit the head into the square hole. You will also need some hollow steel tubing to place over the wrench handle for use as a breaker. You will need this for leverage to get enough clearance to fit the new belt on. Answer pully is at the back of the engine,to left of the coil pack,a 15mm wrench fits the bolt,pull it toward you 2000 Ford Windstar - You'll need to put the car on jack stands or secure ramps. Find the tensioner by pointing a flashlight into the engine compartment just to the rear of the alternator pulley. Then slide unde the car next to the passenger side wheel. The bolt on the tensioner is 12mm. You'll need to use a box or open end wrench. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to take the tension off. To replace a worn belt, locate the idler or generator pulley. Loosen the hold-down fastener for the idler or generator pulley. Pry the idler or generator pulley inward to release the belt tension and remove the belt. Match the old belt up for size with the new replacement belt. Observe the belt routing diagram in the engine compartment. Install the new belt over each of the drive pulleys. Often the manufacturer recommends a sequence for feeding the belt around the pulleys. Pry out the idler or generator pulley to put tension on the belt. Pry out the idler or generator pulley to put tension on the belt. Install the belt squarely in the grooves of each pulley. Before adjusting belt tension, check for proper pulley alignment. This is especially critical with serpentine belts. Measure the belt deflection in its longest span. If a belt tension gauge is available, use it and compare the tension to specifications. If a belt is too tight, wear to bearings for the water pump, alternator, and engine crankshaft can result. Some late-model Chrysler engines require a torque reading to be taken when tension is applied to the generator drive belt. This is especially important on the longer, multiribbed V-belts. Pry the idler or generator pulley to adjust the belt to specifications. Tighten the idler or generator pulley fastener. Start the engine and check the belt for proper operation. Well it's probably the same as the 1999 Windstar, so if it is: you need a 13mm key. It's better to have 2 people for this job: one underneath the vehicle with the key and one under the hood to remove the belt. If I remember correctly you torque frontward and the belt will release . Hope it can help! By the way, my van does not have the serpentine belt diagram sticker, so be sure to take a look if you have one, and if not, take a paper and mark the location of the belt through the different pullies before removing the old one.

Under-the-Hood The first place to look is somewhere in the engine compartment: front, passenger side on top of the radiator housing On the passenger side shock tower On the bottom side of the hood - look up on the plastic panel above the radiator. There should be other information such as type of spark plug and gap and type of AC refrigerant and etc., there too. On-line Source Dayco.com offers a free online comprehensive serpentine belt reference tool - including routing diagrams and tensioner information. See "Related Links" below I had this exact problem yesterday. It was an '02 model also. Not a single diagram anywhere. I went to the local auto parts store and had them make a copy for me. You could also go to a dealership service department and if you ask real nice they will copy one from their book. I went to Autozone and got a diagram. Autozone.com also has the Chiltons Repair Guide for free - includes the serpentine belt routing & much much more. I found that it is only tight one way. Just remember the two pulleys that don't have the grooves in them will be against the smooth side of the belt. It was a real bear , but we got er done. %22Related_Questions%22_for_an_extensive_discussion_on">See "Related Questions" for an extensive discussion on Windstar serpentine belts & installation help Diagram - pully/Belt I'm working on putting mine back now - still having trouble stretchiing it over the idler pully, but if you look around under your hood- you will see a pully/ belt diagram on a white label. Mine is right about over my head if I'm leaning over to look at the idler pully. See "Related Questions" below for complete coverage of where to find these diagrams.

Free online diagrams can be found at Dayco.com. They offer a free online comprehensive serpentine belt reference tool - including routing diagrams and tensioner information. Visit scribd.com/doc/28287331/Dayco-Serpentine-Belt-Guide. Somewhere under the hood, usually on the fan shroud or near the radiator, there should be a sticker with a diagram of the belt routing, 2001 may even be on the hood. On this diagram it will show a tensioner pulley and idler pulley and the approximate location. Most Fords use a 15mm or 16mm bolt on the tensioner. This is where you put a wrench to rotate the tensioner and remove the belt. When you turn the tensioner bolt, turn towards the front of the car. There will be a lot of tension so pull hard. Installation Notes: Put a wrench on the (spring loaded) tensioner/idler pulley and take out the tension. You can then remove the belt. Replace the belt by fitting it around the pulleys and lastly loosening the tension with the tensioner/idler pulley to allow the belt to fit over the last pulley.

I couldn't change my 2000 Taurus 3 Liter DOHC engine serpentine belt without raising the front of the car on car ramps and/or jack stands. Otherwise, it was too difficult to thread the new belt around the lower engine pulley. Then you use a breaker bar (or similar) with a 3/8 inch socket drive plugged into the belt tensioner located directly in front of the alternator. Before releasing the tension with the breaker bar, make sure you know how the belt threads around each of the pulleys, and remove the old belt. I had to use various methods to hold the new belt in place on each pulley as I threaded it through all the pulleys, leaving the upper most pulley last to provide enough slack in the belt. Finally, re-tension the belt tensioner with the breaker bar and slip the belt over the upper most pulley. There is a square hole for a 1/2 socket or a bolt head on the tensioner pulley to connect to and pull the pulley away from the belt to enable removing the belt from the closest pulley you can with your free hand. This can be insane and very time consuming. There were 3 types of engines made for this year. You need to know which one. All will take a 15mm offset box wrench. All types will need to be turn clockwise? Put a wrench on the (spring loaded) tensioner/idler pulley and take out the tension. You can then remove the belt. Replace the belt by fitting it around the pulleys and lastly loosening the tension with the tensioner/idler pulley to allow the belt to fit over the last pulley. Answer Attach a 15mm socket or wrench to the bolt attaching the tensioner pulley. On all 3.0L (OHV) engines, rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise to relieve belt tension and slide the belt off the pulleys. On 3.0L (DOHC) engines, rotate the tensioner counterclockwise to relieve belt tension and slide the belt off the pulleys. Answer There's an automatic belt tensioner pulley that keeps the proper tension on the belt. This is not adjustable. To remove the belt, get a wrench (or the Ford tool) on the center bolt of the tensioner - its the only pulley that doesn't attach to anything, ie power steering,alt, water pump etc - and turn it away from the belt. When its loose enough, you can remove the belt. Remember how it goes on! There is a square hole for a 1/2 socket or a bolt head on the tensioner pulley to connect to and pull the pulley away from the belt to enable removing the belt from the closest pulley you can with your free hand. This can be insane and very time consuming. There were 3 types of engines made for this year. You need to know which one. All will take a 15mm offset box wrench. All types will need to be turn clockwise? Use a large screwdriver or pry bar and insert it between the alternator pulley and the belt on top (the space just before the belt makes contact with the pulley) and pry belt to the outside of the pulley using the pulley for leverage. This may take a few tries. fell free to cut it off if your installing a new belt anyway. To install the belt look at the routing guide for the drive belt. It should be on a sticker right above you on the underside of the hood or the radiator support bracket.threading the belt can be tricky but you should get it after a few tries. Once the belt is threaded, pull onto alternator pulley as far as you can and use the screwdriver again to pry the belt back onto the pulley(again it may take a few tries) you may also be able to rotate the alternator pulley to help you get it started. I'm sure this is not the correct factory method of installing the belt but i have done it several times and have had no ill effects. Answer Yea, first you have to figure out how to loosen the tensioner then it is a breeze! Even I can do it then! Del The tensioner is located above and to the right of the alternator. you have to remove the passenger side tire, and the plastic guard under the wheel well. Take a 15 mm wrench up inside and feel for the tensioner. Turn clockwise to loosen. Remove the belt, and go in reverse to put it back on. There should be a square hole on the tensioner in which to fit either a 3/8 or 1/2 breaker bar to lift tension off belt for replacement Answer the library should have a shop manual for this vehicle, you can make copies of the right sections :) The belt map may still be displayed on the radiator top . You need a tool/socket wrench to attach to the tensioner. Install the belt using the map with you or a helper pushing or pulling on the tensioner.Put the belt on the last pully. Release tensioner. Be sure belt is on and in all pully grooves correctly. they make a wrench you put it on the belt tension pully and pull and its off. auto zone will rent you the tool for free Answer put a 15mm open end wrench on the tensioner. A socket will not fit. You will probably have to put a piece of pipe on it for extra torque. rotate it clockwise to release the belt. the installation diagram is under the hood. put belt in place.Rotate the tensioner again clockwise and then release slowly...That's it. Answer Most cars and trucks today have what is called a serpentine belt which runs most accessories.They are very dependable and usually easy to replace. To decide if your belt needs replacing, simply look at the grooved side of the belt to see if it is cracking badly. A couple of cracks every 3 inches is normal, but if you see cracks every 1-2 inches I would recommend that you replace it. On most cars and trucks the procedure is basically the same. First off, get the correct belt by bringing your cars VIN number to the parts store(located on your cars dashboard) the parts store may need it. If there are two choices, get them both so you can complete the repair. Once you have the correct belt, take a minute to review how the belt runs across the pulleys and also check to see if your car/ truck has a under-hood diagram of belt routing in case you need it. In most cases you will need a socket wrench or breaker bar with either a 3/8" and /or 1/2" head on it and possibly a short extension. Some models may require a wrench of these similar sizes. Now that you are ready to go to work, you will need to find the spring loaded tensioner which is generally located near the top of the belt path; it usually has a shinny pulley on it. Look at the tensioner and insert the tool into it and apply opposing pressure to release the tension on the belt. Now, simply install the new belt making sure it fits into the grooves on all the pulleys. Start the car to check it and you are done and you saved yourself some money! Answer Squeeky belts are a sign that something isn't aligned properly. Take it to a garage. I have done this in my 99 Taurus. You have to take out the reservoir tank and go under your car and loosen the two motor mount bolts. Then find a spot to jack up the motor about 3 inches. You can get to the tensioner then. It is not really that hard. I don't understand why Ford made it so hard to change. Or you could look over the "Related Questions" below and find out how others did it without going through these extra steps (including my own 1998 Sable DOHC) diagram should be on the hood. Follow it and just loop the belt over the pulleys.Ensure all pulleys spin freely other than the main flywheel Sometimes the diagram, right up over your head on the bottom of the front of the hood dries up and falls off. You can see another diagram at http://z.about.com/d/autorepair/1/0/M/U62444298.gif You need a 15mm box end wrench and possibly a piece of pipe to fit over it for leverage. Its NOT the easy to get at pulley right beneath the alternator. Its the other one below that, the one that's harder to get to. Put the wrench end over the nut in the center of the pulley and pull it towards (clockwise) the front of the car. The pulley will slip back and the belt will loosen. 1996 Ford Taurus Answer the directions should be right under the hood left hand side if not buy a chiltons book from orielly will show how belt goes on if not just follow pulleys belt will only go on one way update... If the plastic piece showing the diagram is missing on your car, you can call the ford dealership and have them e-mail it to you. They did that for me. I can tell you there are many places on the web (and many auto parts stores) which will show you the "correct" diagram for a car, but are completely wrong!!! I got about 4 or 5 "correct" diagrams for my ford windstar, all of which were wrong. it wasnt until i called the dealership and spoke with the parts dept. was I able to finally get a diagram that worked. Steve phx AZ

There 'should' be a diagram sticker somewhere inside the engine compartment. - free online diagrams Dayco.com offers a free online comprehensive serpentine belt reference tool - including routing diagrams and tensioner information. See "Related Links" below Installation notes: NOTE: See "Related Questions" below for more information on installing serpentine belt - Taurus information equally applies to the Sable Replace the belt by fitting it around the pulleys and lastly loosening the tension with the tensioner/idler pulley to allow the belt to fit over the last pulley. Attach a 15mm socket or wrench to the bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley. On all 3.0L (OHV) engines, rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise to relieve belt tension and slide the belt off the pulleys. On 3.0L (DOHC) engines, rotate the tensioner counter-clockwise to relieve belt tension and slide the belt off the pulleys. Replace the belt by fitting it around the pulleys and lastly loosening the tension with the tensioner/idler pulley to allow the belt to fit over the last pulley. Go to the Autozone website and put in the information on your car and they will show you a diagram. Put a wrench on the (spring loaded) tensioner/idler pulley and take out the tension. You can then remove the belt. Replace the belt by fitting it around the pulleys and lastly loosening the tension with the tensioner/idler pulley to allow the belt to fit over the last pulley. Should be located on the underside of the hood. Hey Nikki==It should be on the fan shroud. If it isn't and you don't have an owners manual, go to a used car lot and find a like car and draw a schematic or if you haven't taken it off yet, draw your schematic before you remove it. GoodluckJoe

Go to the mtd website, you will find them there.

The serpentine belt tensioner / pulley is on the front of the engine, and part of the belt 'routing'. Its job is to put tension on the belt as it drives the other devices like the power steering pump, water pump, air conditioning compressor. It is an aluminum casting that mounts with a single bolt to the engine. The pulley is attached to the arm. There are a few ways to move / pry the arm inwards, thus releasing the tension on the belt for removing/installing: grab on the pulley bolt (15mm?) with a wrench, or some later models have an opening for a 3/8th socket wrench to attach to directly without a socket. "Screaming"/whining that goes up and down with engine speed is a key symptom of a bearing wearing out - one of which of course is the tensioner pulley bearing. The serpentine belt tensioner / idler pulley is preset at the factory. If it is worn out, it will need to be replaced. NOTES: The belt is recommended to be replaced around 60,000 miles There is a wear indicator (minimum vs maximum) on the face of the tensioner arm to let you definitively now when it's time to change the belt. To remove the tensioner and/or pulley: loosen the pulley bolt while it is still on the engine - it is easier this way than when the tensioner is off the engine loosen and remove the tensioner mounting bolt - try an 18mm socket first, it's the most common size. You can also just replace the pulley if that is the problem and save about $25. Price reference: Tensioner/pulley assembly - $40 Pulley alone - $17-20 I just replaced the alternator on my wife's 2003 Windstar. It may not be applicable to your 97. I put the car up on ramps because the tensioner is the bottom-most pulley, nearest to the passenger compartment and almost directly below the power steering pump pulley. You need a 13mm wrench. I had a helper (my wife) working topside to put the belt over the alternator pulley, etc while I took the tension out of the tensioner pulley. I had to use the full allowable travel of the tensioner in order to get the belt on all of the pulleys properly. A younger stronger person could probably do it by himself by leaving the belt off of the balance wheel until last. There are likely spring clips that could be removed from the tensioner and then replaced as the final step, but there's not much room and my way dodged some skinned knuckles. Hope this helps. The "official" way to release the belt tension is to rotate the tensioner about 110 degrees counter clockwise, and press a flexible metal leaf on its side into a holding slot. Doing this does away with the need to pull hard on the belt. On at least some pre-2002 Windstar models, this was rather easily done with a long screwdriver or pry bar because the tensioner and the front idler pulley were one unit. But on the 2002, Ford decided they should be 2, and moved the tension into an impossible-to-access from above location. On the 2002, you can't even get a socket on the tensioner pully bolt to rotate it that way, because there's less than 1 inch of clearance between the bolt head and the vehicle frame. You'll have to decide if it's worth getting under the vehicle to save some pulling effort. Follow serpentine belt to pulley that is not connected to any engine component Follow the serpentine (drive) belt into the engine compartment. Now go down. See that pulley that is farthest away from the front grill? That is the tension adjustment pulley. Put a wrench on the center bolt (on the pulley) and apply counter clockwise force. This relieves the tension on the belt. I'd recommend a friend be present to place the belt while you are holding the pulley in the retracted position. Hope this helps. Remove the belt, and the tensioner pulley just unbolts. You will need a flat type wrench. Can be purchased at local auto store. If I remember correctly the bolt is a 15mm. All the way in the bottom back of the belt. It's easier to access it from under the car with a 13 mm wrench. If you're replacing it jack and support the car and remove the pulley (left hand threads) from under the vehicle. Then you can easily access the 3 mounting bolts. (The pulley has to come off to completely remove the bottom mounting bolt anyway) A long tensioner wrench does not relax the pulley enough to install a new belt from the top because of the AC, etc. hoses and the limited travel of the wrench. This is how I did it for my 3.8 engine, don't know about a 3.0 liter. pretty simple.. remove the serp belt by rotating the tensioner, then remove the bolt(s) the hold the tensioner inple. reverse to install. make a note of belt routing before you take it off, although there should be a sticker under the hood indicating belt routing. Addendum to above: Note that the location of the Belt Tensioner is noted incorrectly in the Ford factory service manuals. The BT is near the firewall. Loosen the bolt that holds the BT to the engine block, put a wrench on the BT pulley bolt and, using leverage, rotate the entire assembly upward to relieve the belt tension. If the assembly is too tight to move (mine was) thread a loop of 1" webbing around the BT arm, put a crowbar through the loop and heave. Make sure to avoid punching holes through things like your AC Compressor or manifold during this process. ...and I didn't find this simple at all Yes - the pulley can be replaced as a separate part. When you purchase the replacement part, it should be pretty logical on how to replace it on the tensioner arm - just one nut/bolt. One note: you may want to loosen the pulley nut/bolt while the tensioner is still mounted to the engine - AFTER the belt has been removed! tensioner won't lose tension unless they are bad or the belt is worn out. you can't adjust the tension.

Changing the Drive Belt If I can do it you can do it! just get a 15mm socket and use it to turn loose the small pulley of the tensor it will remain tight but will rotate upward loosing tension on the drive belt you can also use a piece of 1 inch by 2 feet long E.M.T.pipe to assist you pull the ratchet wrench counterclockwise. , oh I almost forget my truck is a 1998 f-150 4.2L six cylinder. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Serpentine Belt Under the hood should be a diagram of the belt, this is your best reference without the service manual. All you have to determine is which direction to rotate the belt tensioner, and then put the belt back on as shown in the diagram. If it is not you can run down to your nearest auto parts store and they can print it out for you or just buy the Hayes or chilton manual on your car. It only cost a few bucks and it well helps you out later down the line if something else brakes. Relieve Serpentine Belt Tension. Before removing the belt, note its routing around all applicable pulleys for ease of installation. 1. Using a box end wrench on the tensioner pulley center bolt, rotate the tensioner assembly clockwise. 2. While holding the tensioner in this position, remove the alternator drive belt from one or two of the applicable pulleys. Use a box end wrench to rotate the tensioner pulley assembly clockwise to relieve serpentine belt tension 1. Slowly release the tensioner, and remove the box end wrench from the center bolt. 2. Remove the alternator drive belt from the remaining applicable pulleys. To install: When installing the drive belt on the pulleys, ensure that it is properly seated in all of the pulley grooves. 1. Using the box end wrench, rotate the tensioner clockwise again, then position the drive belt on all of the pulleys. 2. Slowly release the tensioner until it eliminates all drive belt slack. 3. Inspect the tensioner indicator to be sure that the belt is properly tensioned. If the belt tension is incorrect, the belt should be replaced with a new one, or, if installing a new belt, the belt may not be the correct belt for your vehicle. 4. Then start the engine. Ensure that the drive belt works properly. 5. Stop the engine, then double-check to ensure that the belt is properly seated on all applicable pulleys.

the belt is ether too old, or a faulty component that is being driven by the belt.

You remove the belt tensioner simply by unbolting it. It is a 15 mm bolt. These do tend to fail often and the bearing itself is available for less than $10 at shops like Kaman Bearings or other bearing wholsalers. Ford do not sell the bearing, only the whole tensioner for about $35.

Looking at the engine from the passenger side fender the serpentine belt revolves around 5 different pulleys. Theres only 1 belt ,,,,the serpentine.

That depends on the vehicle. IF the belt runs the water pump an alternator, you won't be driving very long.

take off the old belt and try to turn all the pulleys, all should turn freely except for the crankshaft, (the big one on the bottom)

Simple answer No. There are a few larger vehicles, 3/4, and 1 ton trucks and SUV's etc that use power steering fluid from the power steering takeoff to power the brake assist system. In those cases the engine belt does power the brake system, but it will still work without engine power with more pedal pressure required. In the rare cases the brake assist is powered from the power steering, the brakes and anti lock will still function, rather the engine is running or not or the belt has broken or not. Same goes for diesels that use and engine driven vacuum pump to provide vacuum for braking assist and other systems requiring vacuum.

There should be a schematic on the fan shroud. goodluckJoe -- More info. -- For a 2.4 L: Attach 13 mm wrench to pulley tension bolt (the pulley without the ridges), and push counterclockwise or toward the body of the car. For the 2.2 L, the Haynes manual lists 15 mm wrench in the opposite direction.

The most reliable way is to go directly to the belt manufacturer's site. In your owners manual, and near the serpentine belt there should be a routing diagram for your model that will show you the configurations(AC / no AC). also your owners manual should have a full set of specs for your specific model of vehicle. The belt routing is dependent upon the car you have.

It will be on the cover just over the radiator you will have the diagram for the serpentine. I do not know if Ford Taurus 1996 is the same as Ford Taurus 1994. But my 1996 serpentine routing diagram is under the hood, you may have to wipe it with a rug or towel if its dirty and hard to see. Hi, You can go to your Ford dealer and they will print one for you. Dayco has these diagrams available on-line for free. Enter all the pertinent info and it will show you the belt routing and tensioner information.

What is a Serpentine belt? The term "serpentine" refers to the belt style of which there are typically three: "V" belt, multi-grooved serpentine, and flat. Where do you find the Serpentine Diagram? The diagram should be under the hood in front of radiator. How are Serpentine belts adjusted? Most serpentine belts use a spring-loaded self-adjusting tensioner; these tensioners have a spot for a breaker bar or ratchet wrench (some use a socket & some don't) that turn either clockwise or counterclockwise to loosen and/or tighten. How do you remove and replace the Serpentine belt I recommend two people for this job, one on top the other underneath. This will make it go quicker. 1. Find the tensioner that is holding pressure on the belt. You must remove this tension in order to remove the belt. Some tensioner's have a slot for a ratchet to be inserted to allow you to remove the pressure. Some have a pry point. 2: Turn the ratchet clockwise until enough tension is relieved to move the belt off of the belt tensioner. 3: Ford recommends replacing the belt tensioner every 100,000 miles. 4: After removing the serpentine belt check the back of the belt and smooth side pulleys for glazing. If these seem extremely glazed use a 400 grit wet dry sand paper to deglaze the surface (these surfaces rely on tension to turn them properly, if they are excessively slick they may slip) 5: Using the diagram on the top of the radiator replace the belt. Total time should be 5-10 minutes if you take your time. When it shows sign of wear i.e. glazing cracking, peeling There should be a sticker in the engine compartment, somewhere in front of the radiator, that shows the proper routing of the serpentine belt. On the 4.0 L OHV engine the serpentine belt tensioner is located below the alternator Generally speaking if you follow the belt around all of the items it drives, you will come to a tensioner. (the only thing that doesn't have a fluid line or wires connected to it) The tensioner (spring loaded) applies downward pressure on the belt to make it tight and drive the items it goes around. It can be loosened by a box end wrench 11/16 or maybe 3/4 or in some cases a 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar. Turn the tensioner in the opposite direction with one hand and remove the belt with your other hand. Reverse the procedure to reinstall the belt.

It SHOULD be under the hood, either on the radiator housing or above your head, on the underside of the hood.

It is a serpentine BELT , not hose.

Windstar 3.8 serpentine belt is tensioned by a belt tensioner. This is a pulley about 4" in diameter toward the back of the engine with a built in spring that pivots the pulley toward the back of the engine keeping the belt tight. there is no adjustment. Put a long rod into the gap just to the right of the pulley and rotate the pulley upwards by pushing down. You will be pushing against the spring. This also allows removal of the belt.

The idler pulley is the tensioner for the serpentine belt. To loosen it, do the following... - Notice the bolt in the centre of the idler pulley. Find the appropriate socket. - Using your rachet (set to loosen) put the socket on the bolt so that the rachet handle is pointing towards the windsheild. - Push down on the rachet handle. The tensioner will give slack to the belt. (careful because it is under spring tension) - While holding the tensioner down slip the belt off. Gently allow the tensioner to spring back slowly until it stops.

if you're under the hood, look at all the pulleys. the big one in the back, that is the one you will need to get to. I am not well with the proper terms or even tools, however, when you go to tighten it, it will turn towards the front of the car. at that time, you can get the belt off. Remember the diagram of how it goes on, cause if you don't, none of your things will work. oh, buy a book also. it is faster than this forum. You need to obtain a flat serpentine changing wrench. They come in a variety of qualities, but a cheepie will do ~10$. You hook that on the end of the sprung idler pully and rotate against the spring pressure. the belt will loosen, pop it off, and put the new one on. The whole process will take under 10 minutes once the old belt is off. I considered cutting it off, but didn't need to with the wrench. Without the flat wrench, you will fight this for too long and likely not succeed. I couldn't find a flat serpentine wrench (breaker bar) - the local stores used to carry them. What works just as well is a 15 mm box end wrench (the circular type that encloses a bolt), with a set of vise grip pliers for torque. The wrench is offset just enough to be able to place on the 15 mm bolt of the automatic belt tensioner pulley. Rotate the wrench clockwise (toward the front of the car) to release the pressure on the belt. A small rope on the end of the 15MM wrench will hold the tensioner or a helper can pull on the rope.

You can't, the serpentine belt (or fan belt) on a grand marquis is equiped with a self tensioner, if your belt is making noise it either needs to be replaced or one of the pulleys on the cars may be loose and would need to be replaced.

i had the same exact vehicle. you don't release the tensioner, you'll have to take the presure off with a ratchet and socket. on the front of the tensioner pulley there is an arrow that has "loosen" next to it . get a socket that fits on the bolt in the middle of the pulley. ratchet the pulley towards the loosen side. there will be alot of tension so be careful. the belt will loosen when you turn it. slip the belt off the pulley and very slowly release the pressure off. it will pull against you alot but it will stop. just reverse this when putting the belt back on. also try to not take all the belt off if you don't have to, this will help w/putting the belt back on.