Looking for instructions on replacing serpentine belt

[mfarlow]

I'm currently out of town, and don't have my manual with me, but last night, my serpentine belt fell off.

I figure I'll take the opportunity to replace it when I get back home, but for now, I just need to know how to get the old belt back on, so I can drive home.

If anyone has any hints tips or how-to's I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[celly]

There are LOTS of threads in the archives about how it's done. You've got to use the search tool a bit better. In '96 the Explorer only had the 5.0L V8 and 4.0L V6 (OHV). The process is different for each so once you determine which engine you have, the search tools should flush out a lot of threads for you.

Good luck.

 

[mfarlow]

There are LOTS of threads in the archives about how it's done. You've got to use the search tool a bit better. In '96 the Explorer only had the 5.0L V8 and 4.0L V6 (OHV). The process is different for each so once you determine which engine you have, the search tools should flush out a lot of threads for you.

Good luck.

I'm doing this from my cell phone, so it's a bit of a PITA to search through the forum. I did do a search on "serpentine belt" which brought back quite a few pages of results. I did find a couple of threads concerning the 4.0L install, but nothing on the 5.0L install (which is what I have).

My sticker that was by the radiator showing the path of the belt has long since worn off, so I wasn't quite sure the path to follow. I also wasn't sure what tool I would need for the tensioner.

I'll go back to looking through the search results again and see what I can find.

 

[my98nnj]

Check your accessories and pullies, surp. belts don't just fall off, there's a reason why.

 

[marragtop]

Yes, check your tensioner idler pulley to make sure it's not binding up.

 

[celly]

I did find a couple of threads concerning the 4.0L install, but nothing on the 5.0L install (which is what I have).

I've got a 5.0 as well and there are lots of threads on the topic because that's how I got mine on. Log in from a PC because many of the threads have pics in them.

We don't have a tensioner like the 4.0. It's actually a pulley itself that you have to "loosen" with a socket and then pull the belt off and reduce tension to get the belt back on. It's under the alternator. Removing the airbox gives you much better access.

Good luck. I hated changing my belt because I'm a mechanical mental midget. It took me WAY longer to do it than it should have taken.

 

[mfarlow]

Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions. Looks like the idler pulley is bad.
I'm going to try replacing it tomorrow.