How do I replace the serpentine belt on a 2003 Explorer?

[dalejohnson1010]

Hi everyone,

I am new to the Forum. Here's my question. how do you remove and replace the serpentine belt on a 2003 Explorer?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 2002-2005 section. You will need a breaker bar to release the automatic tensioner for the belt will come come off.

 

[abarkl]

I haven't replaced the belt on my '03 4.0L but if I recall there is a belt routing sticker under the hood, and paying close attention while removing the belt it shouldn't be that difficult to reinstall. And like BrooklynBay said you'll need to remove the tension from the tensioner, then you should be able to remove the old belt from the other pulleys and over the fan.

 

[gmanpaint]

It is easier to reach the tensioner from underneath if you leave the fan on. Remove the fan, and it is a piece of cake from above.

 

[1_v8_merc]

Yeah i've been wondering this as well.

Obviously you will need a breaker bar or something to snap on for leverage.


But my question is, HOW hard is it to remove the fan?
It looks like a PITA to change the belt in general because that fan and fan shroud are in the way.


But I guess you guys are saying it's not that bad?

Because my belt is kind of "iffy" and one of my pulleys is got dirt or something caught in it, so I needa change it out.

 

[gmanpaint]

A normal 3/8" socket wrench works fine on the tensioner.

The fan requires a special removal tool that can be purchased at just about any auto store.

You don't have to remove the fan & shroud to change the belt, but it helps in ease & room.