Serpentine kit?

[Andromeda441]

Hey guys,

So I am contemplating changing my own serpentine belt. After doing a search on this forum, I see that it isn't too difficult. My question is this: how can I tell, before I go to buy the belt, whether I just need the belt or will more likely need pulleys and/or tensioners?

Any advice is much appreciated. I'm a woman, and a tad small at that, and I haven't done much auto work since my dad taught me the basics at 16 years old.

 

[04TC]

If the tensioner isn't visibly vibrating or shaking when the car is running, then you should not need to replace the tensioner. If there are no noises or other issues with the water pump, alternator etc. that are run by pulleys you should probably be fine just replacing the belt.

Are you replacing due to maintenance schedule or due to a problem with the system

 

[Andromeda441]

If the tensioner isn't visibly vibrating or shaking when the car is running, then you should not need to replace the tensioner. If there are no noises or other issues with the water pump, alternator etc. that are run by pulleys you should probably be fine just replacing the belt.

Are you replacing due to maintenance schedule or due to a problem with the system

The belt just started squeaking on me a little bit, so I'm pretty sure it's a gonner...

 

[Ballyhoo]

A belt and you should be fine. And you would be correct on the ease of replacement, less than ten minutes, just follow the routing guide shown on the decal located on the radiator cover panel. To simplify it further, borrow or rent a 1/2 breaker bar, as opposed to a standard ratchet, 18 inches or longer will vastly decrease in pressure needed on the tensioner. Or a simply pipe over the ratchet handle.

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[oktowncar]

Use Motorcraft brand parts when possible

 

[NOBODY]

Many times the tensioner and water pump are replaced at the same time.
Not because they are bad, however the labor is nearly the same. Replacing the belt and then a year later the water pump/tensioner sucks.

 

[Andromeda441]

A belt and you should be fine. And you would be correct on the ease of replacement, less than ten minutes, just follow the routing guide shown on the decal located on the radiator cover panel. To simplify it further, borrow or rent a 1/2 breaker bar, as opposed to a standard ratchet, 18 inches or longer will vastly decrease in pressure needed on the tensioner. Or a simply pipe over the ratchet handle.

That is extremely helpful, thank you so much!!

 

[dave42]

Does your belt have cracks? How many miles? Mine is the original belt at 210K miles and still looks good. I bought a spare belt when RockAuto had them on sale but haven't needed it yet.

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[Action]

I did the same for my Navigator. With 185K miles on the clock it still has the OE belt. Maybe living on borrowed time. And the belt is in my SUV. Pretty easy to change. Move the tensioner and remove the belt. Install the belt and move the tensioner again to pick up the belt.

Action

 

[Andromeda441]

Does your belt have cracks? How many miles? Mine is the original belt at 210K miles and still looks good. I bought a spare belt when RockAuto had them on sale but haven't needed it yet.

It's got around 148k on it now. Is there something else in there besides the serp belt that would make that same squeaking noise?

 

[Action]

Tensioner

Action

 

[Norms1stTC]

It's got around 148k on it now. Is there something else in there besides the serp belt that would make that same squeaking noise?

Could be tensioner, any one of the many pulleys on the engine, bearing on the alternator, water pump, crankshaft, etc... The cheapest way to see if it is the belt is to buy some belt dressing in a spray can, start the car and spray on and see if it quiets down.

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[Andromeda441]

Could be tensioner, any one of the many pulleys on the engine, bearing on the alternator, water pump, crankshaft, etc... The cheapest way to see if it is the belt is to buy some belt dressing in a spray can, start the car and spray on and see if it quiets down.

I made a video last night with the sound it's making and a look under the hood while it was running. I'll try to find somewhere to post it and put a link here...

 

[jkeaton]

Mechanics stethoscope comes in very handy in these situations to isolate where the sound is actually coming from.

 

[oktowncar]

I made a video last night with the sound it's making and a look under the hood while it was running. I'll try to find somewhere to post it and put a link here...

Upload to YouTube then copy the link in the address bar and paste it here

 

[oktowncar]

Could be tensioner, any one of the many pulleys on the engine, bearing on the alternator, water pump, crankshaft, etc... The cheapest way to see if it is the belt is to buy some belt dressing in a spray can, start the car and spray on and see if it quiets down.

If I suspect a belt I always grab a bar of soap/candle and gently apply it to the outer edge of the belt to see if the noise goes away

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[Andromeda441]

Mechanics stethoscope comes in very handy in these situations to isolate where the sound is actually coming from.

I imagine this is an expensive item?

 

[Andromeda441]

Upload to YouTube then copy the link in the address bar and paste it here

I just now saw your post, I uploaded it to Bubblup. If this does not work then I'll try YouTube.

Video belt squeak

h1h2raq.sharing.bublup.com

 

[Nongmin]

Naw, a cheap add to your tool kit. and it works quite well, too!

Mechanics Stethoscope

Amazing deals on this Mechanics Stethoscope at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[jkeaton]

I imagine this is an expensive item?

Nope, can use a log handed screwdriver in a pinch. Or find a harbor freight tools.