Spring Loaded Belt Tensioner Broken

[Glowin97x]

1997 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0L Well i was at a light and i heard a boom and parts drop out of the engine. No power steering and battery light camne on. I ran into traffic (not the best idea) and grabbed the parts. I immediatly saw the spring and the tensioner and put them in a bag. Popped the hood and saw the belt (still intact) just off everything. So my question is how hard would it be to fix it myself, and how much is it going to run in parts? Grrrrrrrrrrrrr i just fixed the damn tranny! :fire:

 

[Glowin97x]

?

 

[96SportFL]

The part is between $20 and $40 depending on the brand at the parts store. Its not to bad. I think all you'll need the longest 3/8 drive rachet you have and 13mm socket. You might also have to move the air box out of the way to gain some room to work.
Steve

 

[410Fortune]

You may also replace the belt at this time if it is cracked, hard, or worn.
You will need a breaker bar to re-install the belt and new pully.

You put a long ratchet or breaker on the end of the pully and use it to move the pully to the loose position so you can slip the belt back on.

 

[Glowin97x]

awsome we got it on yesterday. Wish i had seen the breaker bar part my dad and i did it with our hands with the pulley installed. Took some serious muscle. Thanks for all your help guys! Oh and the belt must have just been changed because it looked pristene

 

[WDP]

While you are there, replace the idler pulley too- cheap $6-$8, it has the same mileage on it as the tensioner pulley. Guaranteed to start making noise in a couple of weeks. No sense in doing it twice.

WDP