replacing serp belt on 1991 explorer

[harry64chevy]

i need help! Truck broke down tonight on highway and no one was open tonight to get a belt so i am just trying to prepare myself on the things that i will need for tomorrow. How much of a pain in the @ss is it going to be?:roll:

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Did the belt pop off or snap?

 

[harry64chevy]

Welcome to this forum! Did the belt pop off or snap?

oh its shreaded pretty good

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you check the pulleys to see if there is a rough spot?

 

[Tbars4]

first, where are you broke down at, lol????

if you pop the hood, one of your stickers by the radiator shows how the serpentine goes on...it is generally pretty easy to put on and alot easier if you have good daylight...you haven't said what all happened so i take it the belt either jumped or snapped...i usually suggest also to replace the belt tensioner at the same time...this may be the reason you had your problem...a weak tensioner...

 

[harry64chevy]

Did you check the pulleys to see if there is a rough spot?

well to be honest with you...no... but i am pretty stupid because this is my second car and i new that it need to be replaced. It was awful, cracked very badly. But i just never got around to it. So its my fault 100%!!

 

[toypaseo]

...i usually suggest also to replace the belt tensioner at the same time...this may be the reason you had your problem...a weak tensioner...

X2

I had my Ford mechanic neighbor replace my serpentine belt. He suggested replacing the tensioner at first, but within a few minutes, he was telling me to replace it now. He called the Ford parts department, and hooked me up with a "neighbor" discount, since he could not get me the employee discount. Still saved me like $30. I think I paid around $66 total for it.

He also suggested using Goodyear Gatorback belts in the past, so I had one of those on hand.

 

[harry64chevy]

first, where are you broke down at, lol????

if you pop the hood, one of your stickers by the radiator shows how the serpentine goes on...it is generally pretty easy to put on and alot easier if you have good daylight...you haven't said what all happened so i take it the belt either jumped or snapped...i usually suggest also to replace the belt tensioner at the same time...this may be the reason you had your problem...a weak tensioner...

i wasnt driving but what i got from my gf is PWR sterring went out, then smoked alot, she drove it approx. 2 miles until she pulled over. (hopefully engines not fried...lol

 

[harry64chevy]

i wasnt driving but what i got from my gf is PWR sterring went out, then smoked alot, she drove it approx. 2 miles until she pulled over. (hopefully engines not fried...lol

Are they pretty simple to replace? what all do i need? I know a belt isnt anything big. But i had a 95 saturn and those belts were a ***** to put on. I am just trying to get prepared since i wont be in the garage.

 

[BrooklynBay]

You just need a breaker bar since it's an automatic belt tensioner.

 

[harry64chevy]

You just need a breaker bar since it's an automatic belt tensioner.

alright cool....yes the old belts just shreaded i have to dig that out...thats gonna be fun...is there any wrenches or sockets i will need...like will i have to losen anything

 

[BrooklynBay]

Older set ups without an automatic spring loaded belt tensioner required sockets, pry bars, and breaker bars. This is pretty straight forward.

 

[harry64chevy]

Older set ups without an automatic spring loaded belt tensioner required sockets, pry bars, and breaker bars. This is pretty straight forward.

please dont think i am a total jack @ss...but what can i use as a breaker bar. how long do it have to be approx?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Use a 1/2" drive which is about 18" long. It's not the type with a ratchet.

 

[harry64chevy]

Use a 1/2" drive which is about 18" long. It's not the type with a ratchet.

Ok and i am going to need to pry what? the tensioner? which one is it when i am looking at it..

 

[BrooklynBay]

This is a breaker bar:

 

[harry64chevy]

Ok and i am going to need to pry what? the tensioner? which one is it when i am looking at it..

yea thanx..i understood that...what do i need to pry on though

 

[aldive]

Use a 1/2" drive which is about 18" long. It's not the type with a ratchet.

A 3/8" bar or a long handle ratchet ( what I use ) is the correct size for the job. A 1/2' bar/ratchet will require a 3/8" adapter.

 

[harry64chevy]

A 3/8" bar or a long handle ratchet ( what I use ) is the correct size for the job. A 1/2' bar/ratchet will require a 3/8" adapter.

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

 

[Tbars4]

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...