Done several searches on replacing the serpentine belt on my 04 with 4.6. (new body style) Found several things that call for special tools to remove the fan. HUH?

Help please.

Do I need anything special or can I replace the belt as usual. Replaced belts on my Lincoln and Grand Marques so a little familiar.

Some on this forum indicate you haven't lived until you do one on an 04 to 08. Not looking for new lifes experiences, could get my mechanic to do it if I have to. Like to do some stuff for myself.

What does it take?

 

I have changed the belt on my 5.4 with no issues. It's about a 20 min job. No big deal. The 4.6 and 5.4 isn't much different as far as belts go.

 

Any tips to save me time and aggravation?

 

1/2" ratchet or breaker bar to remove tension on the tensioner. It'll be your preference but you can remove the AIS if you choose for a little more room but it isn't essential. Other than that it is a breeze.

 

I did the belt on my 2005 5.4 liter last year and I wouldn't exactly call it the easiest belt replacement I've ever done. In fact, it's kind of a pain. Two people (one up top and one underneath) could have done it much easier, but under a half hour solo is a decent estimate.

 

it is a 5-10 minute job...tops


it gets a little tight around the fan and the fan shroud, but nothing world defining.


now, if you take the fan off...that is a major PITA. You need a special wrench to hold the fan still while you break the connection...or a strap wrench works as well.



but yeah, you can pretty easily snake the belt through though

 

Thanks guys, job done. Internet is good for info. but sometimes it can mislead.

 

HEY im doing the same job right now! how do you release the tension on the tensioner??????

 

The fan in no way needs to come off or be messed with to remove/replace the belt. I don't understand why it even gets mentioned.

Just insert a 1/2 drive ratchet or breaker bar into the square hole on the tensioner and pull towards the passenger side (5.4) to release the tension. Slide the belt off the alternator and then you can let all the pressure off the tensioner, SLOWLY. Then work the belt off each pulley. Reverse the process to install the new belt.

 

EXACTLY!

 

My 4.2l v6 belt is like seriously easier to change than a vacuum cleaner belt...

 

How often do you guys recomend changing the belt? Mine still looks Ok but at 50k miles I was thinking of doing it anyway? Which belt is recommended? Ive used the goodyear gatorbacks in the past on my ranger, seemed like good ones to me?

 

A good quality belt can go 100K or more. I like to replace them at around 50-60K for piece of mind.

 

Yeah I changed mine at 75k. Took me 45 min to change it. That tensioner was a pita.

 

seems to be the best description on this thread. thanks.