Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Fan belt R&R

[TboneMan]

I haven't replace a fan belt on a vehicle in a long time. I think the last one I did was on a 72 Maverick.



I going to replace my OEM with nearly 100k on it and I'm look for some pointers.



Does anyone have the proper procedure?

 

[rashwor]

It is easy.

1) Take a 3/8" drive rachet and cheater pipe that fits over the end of the rachet.



2) Place the rachet drive into the auto tensioner with the rachet in the "off" position. There is a square hole in the auto tensioner arm for the rachet to fit in. Note routing of belt. There should be a diagram under the hood that shows the routing.



3) Put cheater pipe on rachet and pull. Slide belt off alternater pulley, and release the rachet slowly.



4) Remove old belt working it off the fan and out between fan and radiator. This is the hard part.



5) Place new belt on over the fan and route over all pulleys except alternater (equally hard as getting old one off).



6) Place rachet back in auto tensioner arm. Put cheater pipe back on rachet and pull.



7) Work belt over alternater pulley.



8) Release rachet slowly and remove.



9) Verify belt is in all pulleys correctly.



10) Crank truck and idle to make sure belt tracks correctly and does not jump off.



11) Enjoy a job well done.

 

[pgleavitt]

Very easy to do. I would replace it with the Goodyear gatorback. You can get them at Autozone. They may have to order it. Very heavy duty belt and gets rid of the belt bark at engine shutdown

 

[TboneMan]

THANKS!



This is just what I was looking for. It sure beats the old days of tensioning the belt with the alternater.

 

[BarryG]

Tboneman:

I am getting ready to get a new belt as well, just turned 100k last week. You made me realize I hadn't changed a belt in I dont know how long either. Used to change them all the time.

 

[rashwor]

Ahhhh... the good ole days. The auto tensioner is one of the GOOD things that has happened!

 

[americana]

mine's gonna be due soon. saved it to my desktop. thanks much.