How to Replace a Ford Fan Belt

The main function of the fan belt on a Ford is to turn the fan so that it can keep the radiator cool. Different types of Ford vehicles come equipped with different types of belts. Some Ford models come equipped with a regular V-belt that turns the fan belt. Most newer Ford model vehicles come equipped with a serpentine belt. The V-belt is held on by an adjustment bracket while the serpentine belt has a tensioner that keeps it tight.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2-inch drive ratchet
• 1/2-inch drive socket set

Instructions

V-Belt

1. Park the Ford in a safe area. Open the hood and inspect the fan belt. If the fan belt is one small belt that is in the shape of a "V," it is a V-belt. If the belt is one complete belt that is routed around all of the pulleys, then the belt is a serpentine belt. If yours is a serpentine belt, proceed to Section 2.

2. Locate the adjustment bracket for the V-belt. This bracket is under the alternator. Loosen the locking nut that is in the center of the bracket with the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and a socket. Then, turn the adjustment bolt at the end of the bracket counterclockwise to loosen the belt. Remove the belt from the pulleys.

3. Put the new V-belt around the fan pulley and the crankshaft pulley. Then, tighten the adjustment bolt at the end of the bracket clockwise to tighten the belt with the ratchet and socket. To ensure that the belt is properly tightened, push down on the belt with your hand. There should be no more than one-half inch of slack in the belt. Then, tighten down the locking bolt in the middle of the adjustment bracket with the ratchet and socket.

4. Look over the belt to make sure that it has been properly installed. Then, crank the engine and inspect the new belt again with the engine running to make sure that the belt stays seated within the pulleys. Then, turn the engine off and close the hood.

Serpentine Belt

1. Park the Ford in a safe area. Open the hood and inspect the fan belt. If the belt is one complete belt that is routed around all of the pulleys, then the belt is a serpentine belt. If yours is a V-belt, return to Section 1.

2. Locate the spring loaded tensioner on the front of the engine. Turn the tensioner counterclockwise to loosen the tension from the belt. Then, pull the belt off of the pulleys with your other hand and out of the engine compartment. To install the new serpentine belt, find the serpentine belt routing diagram on top of the fan shroud or on the underside of the engine.

3. Route the new serpentine belt by following the routing directions on the diagram. Then, turn the tensioner clockwise again and slide the belt around the tensioner pulley. Release the tensioner and pull the ratchet and socket off the tensioner. The belt tensioner will bring the serpentine belt to the proper tension.

4. Look over the belt to make sure that it has been properly installed. Then, crank the engine and inspect the new belt again with the engine running to make sure that the belt stays seated within the pulleys. Then, turn the engine off and close the hood.

Tips & Warnings

• If the belt is a serpentine belt and you are not able to locate the serpentine belt routing diagram, use a pen and a piece of paper to write down the exact routing direction of the old belt before removing it.

• Take the keys out of the ignition before working inside of the engine bay to prevent anyone from accidentally cranking the engine.

References

• 2 Car Pros: Ford Serpentine Belt Routing Diagrams by Year Model

Resources

• Autozone: Free Online Repair Guides for All Make and Model Vehicles (Free Membership Required)