Nice video. I discovered my belt was on its way out today while changing the oil on my '04 Sable 24v 3.0. Came here to check for ideas on how to get the tensioner to move after seeing how little clearance exists between the frame rail and tensioner. What I ended up doing was using was my large, curved-jaw vice-grip style oil filter pliers - clamped vertically on the tensioner. One of the teeth even grabbed a protrusion on the west side of the tensioner casting for extra security. I was then able to use a short section of conduit pipe over the adjusting screw on the pliers, and pushing towards the front of the car, released tension and pulled the belt off. Much easier than fighting the 3/8 drive ratchet or making/using a specialized 'tool' for a one time job. Hope this helps someone too.
I gotta say thank you got this bifep. The instructions you shared are exactly precious. REALLY HELPFUL, I Really had a heck of a te seeing the middle wheels for the belt. 😩 I will share what happens when I get this job finished. God Speed
I shared in the previous comment. I apologize for all the words that are not there and the miss spelled one's. As I began to write the comment out my typing board was sitting on top of what I wrote. I couldn't see anything I was writing. So I posted my comment. I was mortified! So I will say Thank You for these instructions. I'm still trying to reach the middle wheels. I'm wondering if I'm missing one of the middle ones! But I'm trying to see why. Will comment about the way I end up . Thanks.
Thank you so much for this video...I've watched several other videos and had been unsuccessful...had it changed in ten minutes after watching this video
Thx but my Duratec did not have a # 15 bolt on the tensioner. Instead it had a hole for a 3/8" drive ratchet but there was not enough room for the ratchet. Here's what I did. Using a donor short socket extension, I cut off the 3/8" drive and welded it a flat piece of steel. The flat steel bar was 2' long which provided enough leverage. I mounted the serpentine on all of the pulleys except for the top. I pulled on the steel lever, that rotated the tensioner, and I was able to put the belt on. My guess is Ford charges a lot for the tool but I made one out of a short socket extension, flat steel, and my trusty Miller welder.
I was taught to line e'm up, then wrap a rope or rag,, ropes better,, around the belt, pull really hard till the tensioner goes in and then slip the belt over the idler,,worked perfectly and no tool needed
If you watch the entire video you will learn why I used a 3/8 drive breaker bar. I agree the Serpentine belt tool is the best way in many cases. Not everyone has one and the purpose of this video was to show alternative methods that can work and get the job done.
Hello, I'm a Cougar 2.5 V6 owner, I want to know if this procedure will be fine also for my car, and if there will be any kind of adjustments to do after the change or any kind of check. Thanks
I am not familiar with your engine. I don't know. Perhaps. If it has a 3/8 square hole in the tensioner, yes. Ohterwise, see if you can get a wrench on the tensioner bolt and try to rotate it.
Make sure it is fully seated in the grooves in all of the other pulleys before you get it in the last one.. Make sure you have the correct belt. A cheap belt may be a hair too short. Other than that, it is hard to diagnose it from here. Sorry
I don't take money from anyone and I don't want the appearance that I do. The tools suggested here are common at any auto parts store or some Home Center that sells auto mechanic tools. If you want to look on line you will not have to try hard to find them on ebay or Amazon or at your favorite tool vendor. thanks.
It is in this measure not referred to as a breaker bar, the serpentine belt tool IS NOT design for that much force, it will break the 3/8 adapter piece off.
Nice video. I discovered my belt was on its way out today while changing the oil on my '04 Sable 24v 3.0. Came here to check for ideas on how to get the tensioner to move after seeing how little clearance exists between the frame rail and tensioner. What I ended up doing was using was my large, curved-jaw vice-grip style oil filter pliers - clamped vertically on the tensioner. One of the teeth even grabbed a protrusion on the west side of the tensioner casting for extra security. I was then able to use a short section of conduit pipe over the adjusting screw on the pliers, and pushing towards the front of the car, released tension and pulled the belt off. Much easier than fighting the 3/8 drive ratchet or making/using a specialized 'tool' for a one time job. Hope this helps someone too.
been trying to do get the darn thing on for the past hour with my brother. This video really shows how it is done. Wish I had seen this 2 hours ago.
Alan,
Thanks for the endorsement! Good luck with your car!
Man, you have no idea how helpful this video was. I dont even own a ford and this still saved the day, thank you so much!
Thanks for your feedback. Your point is well taken, that this process can generically be applied to many makes and models. Glad to be of help!
I gotta say thank you got this bifep. The instructions you shared are exactly precious. REALLY HELPFUL, I Really had a heck of a te seeing the middle wheels for the belt. 😩 I will share what happens when I get this job finished. God Speed
I shared in the previous comment. I apologize for all the words that are not there and the miss spelled one's.
As I began to write the comment out my typing board was sitting on top of what I wrote. I couldn't see anything I was writing. So I posted my comment. I was mortified!
So I will say Thank You for these instructions.
I'm still trying to reach the middle wheels.
I'm wondering if I'm missing one of the middle ones! But I'm trying to see why. Will comment about the way I end up . Thanks.
All the info on removing and installing the serpentine belt was very good. It took very little time with two people. Thanks!!!!
The tape tip is gold, thanks!
Thank you so much for this video...I've watched several other videos and had been unsuccessful...had it changed in ten minutes after watching this video
just watched your rag method, now I need to see if my tensioner has a notch. thanks for this method too.
Brother youre da man I appreciate your help and patience making a video the right way. Very Respectfully Hugo Melchor, USN/DAV Retired
Thx but my Duratec did not have a # 15 bolt on the tensioner. Instead it had a hole for a 3/8" drive ratchet but there was not enough room for the ratchet. Here's what I did. Using a donor short socket extension, I cut off the 3/8" drive and welded it a flat piece of steel. The flat steel bar was 2' long which provided enough leverage. I mounted the serpentine on all of the pulleys except for the top. I pulled on the steel lever, that rotated the tensioner, and I was able to put the belt on. My guess is Ford charges a lot for the tool but I made one out of a short socket extension, flat steel, and my trusty Miller welder.
I was taught to line e'm up, then wrap a rope or rag,, ropes better,, around the belt, pull really hard till the tensioner goes in and then slip the belt over the idler,,worked perfectly and no tool needed
Great video, no bs just showing how to get er done. Thank you for the help.
Just found this, awesome, extremely helpful, like the socket trick vs a pipe
If you watch the entire video you will learn why I used a 3/8 drive breaker bar. I agree the Serpentine belt tool is the best way in many cases. Not everyone has one and the purpose of this video was to show alternative methods that can work and get the job done.
This guy is brilliant! Thanks much
great video
Thank you so much, I watched this and had my belt on in 30 seconds!!!
Thanks I'm new with this car. What's the smaller belt to the right drivers side of the engine?
wow.. great tutorial video. you made the removal so friendly and easy. thank you for building my confidence to do this.
Alfonso, Thanks for your response and check back for more instructional videos coming soon.
Mil gracias! Alfonso. Buen Trabajo. Good Job. Thank you very much
Hello, I'm a Cougar 2.5 V6 owner, I want to know if this procedure will be fine also for my car, and if there will be any kind of adjustments to do after the change or any kind of check. Thanks
I am not familiar with your engine. I don't know. Perhaps. If it has a 3/8 square hole in the tensioner, yes. Ohterwise, see if you can get a wrench on the tensioner bolt and try to rotate it.
Thanks, great vid. Very clear and helpful
Even doing this i still dont have enough slack, its just a little to tight for me to slip over the last pulley, suggestions?
Make sure it is fully seated in the grooves in all of the other pulleys before you get it in the last one.. Make sure you have the correct belt. A cheap belt may be a hair too short. Other than that, it is hard to diagnose it from here. Sorry
this helps alot alternator bad so gotta do....what engineer came up with those bolts
Thanks much! I'm going to give it a try.
Gracias, - saludos desde Mexico !
Helps to take tire off and you can see more.
So go from the backside,,? I'm buzzed
thanks, this was great
Does anyone remember bumping v belts over pulleys while yer friend bumpy the starter
You don't need all these tools to take off and take on serpantine belt. You can do that with hands easily
That would be an interesting video!
Not always. If you are as strong as a gorilla, maybe. Or Your tensioner is on it way out.
NICE !!!!!
Iused a lug tool that takes off lugs off rim.on some cars
The one time I wish I had tiny hands
Sorry! Thank you very much. I'm enyoyed 100%
you should put an amazon affiliate link
I don't take money from anyone and I don't want the appearance that I do. The tools suggested here are common at any auto parts store or some Home Center that sells auto mechanic tools. If you want to look on line you will not have to try hard to find them on ebay or Amazon or at your favorite tool vendor. thanks.
Change that belt no tools in 3 minutes
You must of seen my other video on how to change a Serp belt with a rag. or maybe you have the hand strenght of a gorilla. Either way congratulations.
It is in this measure not referred to as a breaker bar, the serpentine belt tool IS NOT design for that much force, it will break the 3/8 adapter piece off.
Breaker BAA..