Serpentine belt replacement? (how to?)

[tpuig]

I'll be driving through some pretty remote areas soon, and am wondering about worst case scenarios. In my "spares" kit, I've got a couple fuel and oil/oil filters, and grabbed an extra serpentine belt just in case. Although not planning on it, if I have some really bad luck and have to replace it, how do I do it? Any tips? Like using a long breaker bar, size of socket, etc? Thanks. (BTW, it's an early SO CA emission version)

TP



p. s. any other items that I should include when visiting the boonies? (already got a tire patch kit, tow straps, compressor, first aid, extinguisher, Hi-Lift and 12 ton bottle jack and basic tools, water jugs, spare fuel)

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Heck, most folks grab a cell phone and call it good. :-laf







Half inch square drive breaker bar is what I use. No socket just the square drive end. Doesn't take all that much to take the tension off the tensioner but the long breaker bar is handy to reach. Oh, a third arm is handy too.

 

[jacqnbill]

Belt Replacement

Don't know about 2003 but the 2004. 5 gave me a fit primarly due to close clearance and lack of knowledge on my part. I tried to loop the belt over the fan and pulley but there is a bracket and wire running from the bottom of radiator to the fan clutch which blocks the belt. Also there is no diagram under the hood showing installed belt direction. I would find a diagram and keep it in the truck. You need a 1/2 inch breaker bar as suggested by previous poster.



Bottom line the belt installs under and around the fan pulley. I finally started it from below and slid it under the fan pulley. Hard to describe but it can be installed wrong with the water pump running backwards causing overheating.



My suggestion take a mechanic with you.



Bill Davis

 

[klenger]

I know that this does not help a bit, but it's a real PITA to get the new one threaded. By looking at the pullies and the tube that goes up to the water pump, you would swear it was impossible to do w/o taking things apart. Worst case, as long as you have the belt with you, you can always ask for help in replacing it. At least you won't have to FedEx a part to you in the desert of Utah, etc.

 

[swexlin]

Worst case, as long as you have the belt with you, you can always ask for help in replacing it. At least you won't have to FedEx a part to you in the desert of Utah, etc.

This is what I have done. Since my stock belt shredded for no good reason, I am now a bit paranoid, and really don't trust it. I bought a spare, and keep it in the truck, along with a breaker bar. Bottom line - I'm sure I could find someone with a little mechanical know-how to help me with it.

 

[tpuig]

Cool, thanks for the tips. I'll be in the middle of Baja with no cell coverage. Guess I better plan on lots of beer, too. But at least the Baja 1000 will be running by and I'm sure some of those folks are rather mechanically inclined. Provided they're not working on their own rigs...

I hadn't thought to look in the FSM, which I'm sure covers it.

TP

 

[thames1948]

I don't know if this works because I haven't ever tried it, but I was told to buy a non ac belt because some times the ac bearing will sieze and throw the belt. Do they even make an non ac belt?