5.0 Serpentine belt change out problems?

[snipe2]

Looking to change the belt on my '99 5.0. How do I loosen the tension? Any problems I should look out for. Any other maintenence I should do while I'm in the area?
Thanks.

 

[Millertime1987]

I think its lower left side you may need to go at it from the bottom.

 

[RacerX]

My '97 has the tensioner on the passenger side, down low enough that the easiest way to reach it is from underneath (I think you can also remove the airbox and reach it from above. Grab the center bolt with a deep offset box-end metric wrench (I forget the size - there are other threads here with that info) and crank it clockwise - that will compress the spring and loosen the belt.

You might consider replacing both the tensioner pulley and the top idler pulley while you're at it (they might both be the same part). I'd consider that inexpensive preventive maintenance.

 

[Tom G]

I did mine a week ago.

Do it from the bottom.

15 mm (IIRC) socket on the bolt on the front of the tensioner pulley. Turn it clockwise (tightening direction).

 

[xMike87x]

Just changed mine a week ago. I had to remove the intake and go from the top. I couldnt turn the tensioner far enough from the bottom side because my socket wrench kept hitting the frame. Reached in from the top and the belt went on with ease. 15mm should be the right size for the tensioner.

Mike

 

[snipe2]

Thanks for the info. Appriciate the help.