Serpentine Belt Replacement?

[firedepot]

Hello All!
I have a 97 Mountaineer 2WD with the 5.0,and recently I have started noticing squealing from the serpentine belt area.It seems to me,that the belt looks to be in good condition,but the top idler pulley seems to be making a squealing noise,also.Should there be any play-such as being able to rock the idler pulley back and forth?The truck has $139k on it,also.Would it be wise to go ahead and change the belt and the idler pulley,and should I just use Motorcraft parts?Also,this would the first serpentine belt I have ever changed,how do you remove it ,and how hard is it?

 

[aldive]

It never hurts to replace a belt that has miles on it.

If it were me, I would replace the belt tensioner, idler as well as the belt. Cheap insurance in my opinion.

Further, the replacement is rather easy.

Good luck .........

 

[2000Sportdriver]

The truck has $139k

wow that is expensive