I have 70K+ miles on my 2002 F150 5.4 FX4. I am getting a squealing noise when WOT accelerating. Sounds like a bad belt. I did a search and found people mentioning the Gatorback. I looked up the part number and found 4060990. Others here, even with a 5.4 have mentioned part number 4080990. I just want to make sure I get the right part. Also, if I decide against the gatorback, is there a difference between a V belt, a timing belt, a serpentine belt? If so, which am I looking for?

Thanks.

 

You need a serpentine belt. I think there are at least two different belts. One belt is with air conditioning and the other belt is without air conditioning.

I also remember that the serpentine belt has 6 ribs or 8 ribs so you need to get the number of ribs that will fit the width of your pullies.

 

jjboods-
You have the right part number with the "6" for 2002-2003. You need a Poly-V belt. This is a serpentine belt and not a timing belt.

 

Are they tough to replace/install. Any particular specs that need to be met...like torque or doing anything with the timing?

 

The serpentine belt is not too difficult to replace. Get your hands on somebodys old "throwaway" 1/2 inch beam torque wrench or borrow a 1/2 inch serpentine belt tool if possible. A very long 1/2 breaker bar should also work. You insert the tool into the center of the tensioner pully so that you can remove and install the serpentine belt. You might also check your engine compartment and see if it has a belt routing diagram somewhere. I think my Gatorback belt came with a routing diagram though.



The serpentine belt routing diagram sticker should look something like this...

 

When "re-tensioning", how do I know how much to tighten it down? I've read that a 1/2" socket wrench can be used...true?

 

jjboods,

You use the 1/2" breaker bar to relieve the tension while you remove the belt from one of the pulleys. The tensioner is spring loaded and will spring free once the belt is removed from one of the pulleys. You then remove the belt, and replace it with the new one following the dressing code on the sticker, then pull up the tensioner and place the belt on the last pulley and release the tensioner to properly tension the belt. I find the altenator pulley the easy one to remove the belt from while holding the tensioner.

Good luck! I know this is as clear as mud! But once you do it or see it done, you will call it very easy.

Gene

 

The tensioner pully is spring loaded. You do not have to tighten anything. You just use the 1/2 socket wrench (make sure its a long one for leverage) to create enough slack on the tensioner pully to remove and install the serpentine belt...

 

Sounds easy. I just wasn't sure about re-tightening.

 

Just replaced mine with a gator back and no more squealing. Its not a bad job just be persistent, there is not allot of room in there but like is saids above use a long 1/2 ratchet. I used a 1/2 inch ratchet with a cheater pipe about 2 ft long and it was a snap.

Oyea bro the only dumb question is one that is not asked.