replacing serp belt on 1991 explorer

[harry64chevy]

if you look at the sticker on your truck it illustrates it and you have to pry it in a clockwise rotation...if you replace the tensioner at the same time is a smart way to go...

i will probally do the tensioner when i get home....i am just trying to throw the belt on to get home to ,my garage

 

[Glen4X4]

Glad to know this should be easy cuz I want to put a new belt on mine to go on the A/C

 

[BrooklynBay]

Here's a picture from Arnie897's photo gallery:

 

[Tbars4]

brooklynbay, your the man...

 

[Glen4X4]

cool, thanks for the pic. question tho, me hooking my a/c up is that going to effect my gas mileage any because of motor spinning the a/c compressor around even when it isn't on? I don't think it will but not sure.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The pulley will turn but it won't engage the compressor unless the electric clutch engages when you turn on the A/C.

 

[Glen4X4]

thought so, cool deal then

 

[aldive]

thanx everyone....what am i prying on thoughtensioner?

The belt tensioner ....

 

[shamaal]

You should have this sticker next to your hood latch.

 

[Maniak]

Just in case you haven't done it yet.. put a socket on the bolt in the middle of the tensioner pulley, and use the biggest ratchet or use a breaker bar on it (I can't use a breaker bar since I need an adapter to get my breaker bar onto the socket which makes it too long).

Anyway.. That bolt is reverse threaded.. meaning it will not come loose when you use it to rotate the pulley out of the way.

I know the truck is metric, but I just used a 5/8" socket on that bolt a few days ago(not sure what size it "really is")..

~Mark

 

[Mr_Evil]

Yeah, the Serpentine isn't that difficult to replace. It's easier when you got a buddy to hold the breaker while you feed the belt around the pulleys, but it can be done by one man. Be careful too, that spring in that tensioner is pretty strong and if you let go of the breaker you could whack yourself pretty good.

Now don't be alarmed about cracks going across the ribs of the belt. That's normal and your new belt will get them rather quickly. My belt got them in a couple months. Cracks going parallel to the belt or on the smooth side are signs of imminent failure.

Now the ONLY thing that'd make replacing the belt on a Gen 1 Explorer easier would be if the tensioner had the square drive hole like the newer trucks and my Powerstroke.