Front drive belt replacement

[shaker281]

About to order parts. Anything I need to know?
I am coming up on 113,000 miles.

Are folks replacing the tensioner, idler pulley and belt? Or just the belt.
What needs to come off (reservior?) to access the belt? Looks pretty tight in there!

Will a standard ratchet fit in there to relieve tensioner pressure?

 

[SHOdded]

I replace the belt and tensioner together. Not going to go in a second time just for the tensioner. You can take a gamble if the belt shows no outward signs of wear, there is no slippage or noise, etc. But I like one-and-done.

Accessory Drive Belt — 3.5L GTDI
Removal

NOTICE: Under no circumstances should the accessory drive belt, tensioner or pulleys be lubricated as potential damage to the belt material and tensioner damping mechanism will occur. Do not apply any fluids or belt dressing to the accessory drive belt or pulleys.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Remove the RH front wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

1. Remove the 7 pin-type retainers and the RH splash shield.

1. Working from under the vehicle, rotate the accessory drive belt tensioner clockwise and remove the accessory drive belt.

Installation

1. Working from under the vehicle, position the accessory drive belt on all pulleys with the exception of the crankshaft pulley.

1. NOTE: After installation, make sure the accessory drive belt is correctly seated on all pulleys.
   
   Rotate the accessory drive belt tensioner clockwise and install the accessory drive belt on the crankshaft pulley.

1. Install the RH splash shield and the 7 pin-type retainers.

1. Install the RH front wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner — 3.5L GTDI
Removal

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to Section 100-02 .

1. Remove the RH front wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

1. Remove the 7 pin-type retainers and the RH splash shield.

1. Working from under the vehicle, rotate the accessory drive belt tensioner clockwise and remove the accessory drive belt.

1. Remove the 3 bolts and the accessory drive belt tensioner.

Installation

1. Install the accessory drive belt tensioner and the 3 bolts.
   • Tighten to 11 Nm (97 lb-in).

1. Working from under the vehicle, position the accessory drive belt on all pulleys with the exception of the crankshaft pulley.

1. NOTE: After installation, make sure the accessory drive belt is correctly seated on all pulleys.
   
   Rotate the accessory drive belt tensioner clockwise and install the accessory drive belt on the crankshaft pulley.

1. Install the RH splash shield and the 7 pin-type retainers.

1. Install the RH front wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to Section 204-04 .

 

[shaker281]

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks.

Sounds like a good opportunity to swap PTU fluid at the same time.

 

[glockcoma]

Here’s a pic from when I changed my belt. You can see the ratchet in the tensioner

 

[shaker281]

Thanks. I do appreciate!

I notice that at Rockauto they have a kit from Gates, supposedly for the GTDI, but it comes with a power steering belt. I am assuming this is a mistake on their part. I am leaning towards the OEM MC tensioner (BT4Z6B209B) and belt (JK6455D), given they lasted this long without any problems. Gates is about $25 cheaper, but not sure if they are as robust as the MC parts, particularly the tensioner.

Comments?

 

[SHOdded]

OEM is best to go with. I know Gates provides lifetime warranties on water pumps and stuff, but I stick with Ford/Motorcraft.

OTOH, IF the part is correct, and it is a non-critical part like the serpentine belt/tensioner on the SHO, maybe I would risk it IF DIY'ing is not a big deal. Just to get the experience.

 

[shaker281]

Does anyone know what size those miserable little phillips head plastic body "rivets" are?
Going to order some off Amazon. That way I won't care when I have to rip them out with side cutters!

The holes seem to be 1/4" and the rivet stem, maybe 6mm?
https://www.amazon.com/Mtsooning-10...ywords=6mm+hole+plastic+rivet#customerReviews

 

[SHOdded]

For the fender liner? I believe this is it
-W706805-S902
Screw
4.2 X 1.4 X 19 , Screw And Washer
$1.50 $0.87

https://www.fordpartsgiant.com/part...s/splash-and-heat-shields.html?Filter=(30393)

 

[shaker281]

Thanks. I'm referring to those plastic expanding plugs with the plastic phillips head screw inserts. Looks like the ones that hold the fender liner in place are 6.3mm or 1/4" size. I always mangle a few trying to get them loose. I think this assortment should cover it. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076BMVZ8...olid=2G4MJKMBY1JUJ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

BTW, glockcoma's pic of the ratchet on the tensioner makes it look MUCH easier to get at then it actually is! Pretty tight spot. LOL Belt looks pretty good for 113,000 miles. Probable could have gone 150,000 no problem.

Good news is I managed to swap some more PTU fluid for Royal Purple while I was down there. No surprises, just looked like nasty gear oil. And got the oil changed for winter.

 

[SHOdded]

W706092-S300
Hardware - Miscellaneous
Rivet - Blind
Blind Rivet , 6.65 x 17.5mm

Base Number: HM1
Callout Name: HM2

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Multi-func...S300-Bag-of-10-FREE-USA-SHIPPING/162724459535

 

[shaker281]

Awesome. As usual, you've got the goods!

 

[Johnbigdog]

Use a mechanics pick to take out the center. They never screw out. Then you can pull out the whole thing.

For the Christmas tree ones that SHOdded first referenced, the harbor freight trim tool kits works well. Pretty much the same as the brand names out there.