1997 Ford Explorer 5.0 Serpentine Belt Replacement
As a car owner, you know that there are some parts of your car that need replacement from time to time to ensure its smooth running. One such part is the serpentine belt. This belt plays a crucial role in the functioning of your car as it powers various engine components. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to replace the serpentine belt of a 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0. So, let’s get started!
What is a serpentine belt?
The serpentine belt, also known as the drive belt, is an essential component of the car engine. This belt is responsible for the operation of the alternator, air conditioning, power steering pump, and other various engine components. It is usually made of rubber and has several grooves on its underside. The grooves on the serpentine belt match up with the pulleys of the engine components that it powers.
When to replace the serpentine belt?
Like any other car part, the serpentine belt has a lifespan. With regular usage, the belt can get worn out, which can cause it to break eventually. If your serpentine belt breaks while driving, your car's engine will not function properly, and your car will come to a complete stop. To avoid such a situation, it is necessary to replace the serpentine belt after every 60,000 miles or once every four years, whichever comes first.
Tools needed for serpentine belt replacement
Before we start, let's make sure we have all the necessary tools to replace the serpentine belt. Here is a list of tools that you will need:
- Ratchet
- Sockets of various sizes
- Breaker bar
- Serpentine belt tool
Steps to replace the serpentine belt of a 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0
Step 1: Open the hood of the car and locate the serpentine belt
The serpentine belt is located on the front of the engine. It is usually on the left side of the engine, but it can also be on the right side depending on the car model. Once you locate the serpentine belt, you will need to inspect it for any cracks or signs of wear.
Step 2: Loosen the tensioner pulley
The tensioner pulley is responsible for keeping the serpentine belt tight. To replace the belt, you need to loosen the tensioner pulley. Use the serpentine belt tool to turn the tensioner pulley counterclockwise to loosen the belt tension.This will allow you to remove the belt easily.
Step 3: Remove the old belt
After loosening the tensioner pulley, remove the old belt from the pulleys. Make sure to note the belt's routing before removing it so that you can install the new belt correctly.
Step 4: Install the new belt
Now that you have removed the old belt, you can install the new one. Refer to the diagram under the hood or the car's manual to make sure that you install the new serpentine belt correctly. Make sure it is properly aligned on all the pulleys.
Step 5: Tighten the tensioner pulley
After installing the new belt, use the serpentine belt tool to turn the tensioner pulley clockwise to tighten the belt. Check the belt tension to make sure that it's tight enough, but not too tight.
Step 6: Start the engine and check the belt's alignment and tension
Finally, start the engine to check the belt's alignment and tension. If everything looks and sounds okay and there are no strange noises coming from the engine, you have successfully replaced your serpentine belt!
Conclusion
Replacing your 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0's serpentine belt is an easy and necessary procedure to keep your car running smoothly. By following the steps mentioned in this article and taking the necessary precautions, you can replace the serpentine belt yourself and save money on labor costs. Remember to replace the belt after every 60,000 miles or once every four years to ensure your car's optimal performance.
