How to Replace the Serpentine Belt in a Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer has one dedicated drive belt that runs the engine accessories. The drive belt is called a serpentine belt because it snakes around various pulleys under the hood including the crankshaft, alternator and accessories. This article refers to model years from 1991-2001. Though Ford Explorer models generally have this type of auto-adjusting belt system, check your model year for specific information.

Instructions

1

Note the routing of the belt for future reference (so you can fit the new belt on correctly). If you don't find a belt routing diagram under the hood or in your owner's documentation, make a sketch for your reference.

2

Find the tensioner pulley which is generally located near the crankshaft and then find the bolt on the side of the pulley.

3

Use the wrench to rotate the tensioner pulley counter-clockwise and release tension on the belt.

4

Hold the tensioner in position with the wrench and slip off the old belt and install the new one according to your belt routing diagram.

5

Make sure all ribs on the drive belt are fitted correctly into the pulley grooves and that the belt is seated on all pulleys.

6

Release the tensioner.

7

Run the engine and observe for flapping, noises or other signals of incorrect installation.