replacing serpentine belt 2000 5.0 awd

[mace]

This is apparently an easy job, right? do you have to loosen bolts on the "tensioner pulley" or just use a bar to slack the belt? The tensioner pulley...is it the only pulley that visually isnt connected to anything..ie compresser, water pump, etc ? i saw one search diagram that showed it on top of the whole pulley arrangement...

the other thing is that it looks like a good idea to replace the tensioner pulley. does it just unbolt, and bolt on a new one ? if anyone had some pics, that would be GREAT

sorry for these basic questions, but I am trying to save some bucks...

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

(I believe the v8 is similar to the v6) Release tension by twisting the tensioner - remove belt - remove tensioner bolt - remove tensioner - install new tensioner - install new belt - there you go in a nutshell! $50 and you're good to go.

 

[mace]

re

sounds too easy ! so the tensioner pulley....it's the one on top,in the middle, by itself?

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

nope, sorry - the tensioner pully is the pully on the tensioner, usually towards the lower part of the belt system. The one on the top, by itself, is the idler pulley (right?) - which do you need to do? Both the idler pulley & belt tensioner are probably due to be replace by now. I was thinking that you were looking for the tensioner itself...

 

[mace]

re

well i was only going to do the belt, but i figure while i'm in there, do whatever is appropriate for the mileage (80K) . it does make the chirping sound from time to time, usually in damp conditions. so maybe i will do it all. I actually was looking for the tensioner pulley, to loosen it to remove the belt.
With the tensioner pulley, you just pry on it to loosen, or does it have some bolts i need to loosen?

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

The tensioner pulley is part of the tensioner. Using a 3/8" (?) breaker bar or ratchet with NO socket, insert the nub into the square hole in the tensioner arm, twist to relieve the tension, remove the belt from the tensioner pulley and go from there. The tensioner (approx $25) is held on by 1 bolt, which is reused if you replace it.

The chirping is usually from the tensioner itself - where it pivots against it's fixed body - which is attached to the front of the engine.

 

[Bwana Bob]

The tensioner is spring loaded. Just pull on it and hold it back while you slip the belt off. There should be a picture of this on a sticker under the hood. Mine squeaked in damp weather and it turned out to be the belt. However, a continuous squealing indicates diler or tensioner pulley. My fielnd had one of these seize up and it caused the belt to slip, disabling power steering and everything.


Bob

 

[mace]

Re

So I dont have to take off the fan shroud or anything..thats cool.

sounds like i shouldnt have too much trouble. i have done some maintenence stuff b4, wires, plugs, oil, hoses, brakes, and some other stuff....but believe it or not, never a fan belt.

thanks for all the info; I appreciate it.

 

[Fillupl8on]

The tensioner is spring loaded. Just pull on it and hold it back while you slip the belt off. There should be a picture of this on a sticker under the hood. Mine squeaked in damp weather and it turned out to be the belt. However, a continuous squealing indicates diler or tensioner pulley. My fielnd had one of these seize up and it caused the belt to slip, disabling power steering and everything.


Bob

I just had this happen to me last night, no fun limping it back home!

 

[storlied]

You might need two people to do this, get under the truck and just shove your arm in there pushing up on the wrench that's on the tensioner pulley and have someone yank the belt off one of the pullies like the upper idler pulley. It can be a pain in the ass, and I'm skinny. Good luck.

I just did my power steering pump, had a horrible whine.. ended up being an idler pulley... almost thought it was the alternator.. So I figured it was best to replace anything in there... I replaced both idler pulleys and it's quiet again, no whine, no squeaks. As much as a pain in the ass it can me to take the belt off n put it back on I just wanted to do it as minimal as possible.

 

[Joe Dirt]

If you're going to replace the tensioner and pulley, etc., it would be a lot easier (in my opinion, since I've done numerous both ways) to loosen the fan and remove the fan and fan shroud. It gives you a LOT more room to get in there.

No, you don't have to, but trying to get your arm in there can be a major pita and scab-factory.

You can check my radiator replacement thread for some pics of what you'll be looking at.

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