How do you put the serpentine belt on a 2002 Ford Focus?

Can a serpentine belt be put on wrong?

In some instances it may be possible to install a serpentine belt the wrong way. If this happens, one or more pulleys will rotate in the WRONG direction, affecting the operation of the alternator, water pump, A/C compressor or power steering pump. This can cause major problems.

Do you need a special tool to replace serpentine belt?

There are only a few things you’ll need to replace a serpentine belt: a new belt, a belt tensioner tool and maybe a socket wrench. These things should be easy to find at an auto parts store. Gloves and eye protection never hurt either. Every car engine is different, even engines from the same auto manufacturer.

How do I know if my belt tensioner needs replacing?

Appearance: Cycle the tensioner (mounted on the engine) through the entire range of motion (from stop to stop) by applying torque to the arm with a wrench. The tensioner arm should move smoothly and freely. Solution: If you notice a binding, sticking or grinding tensioner arm, the tensioner should be replaced.

How do you put a serpentine belt on without a tensioner?

If your vehicle does not have an auto tensioner, insert a pry bar or piece of wood between the alternator and the engine. Run the belt over the alternator pulley, then use the bar to pry the alternator away from the engine and increase the tension on the belt. Tighten the bolts again as you apply tension.

Are V belts directional?

From a purely technical point of view, a new timing belt is completely symmetrical, meaning it does not have a direction of rotation. “Then what’s the use of timing belts with directional arrows?”, we hear you wonder. If your new timing belt has timing marks, then there are similar marks on the pulleys/on the engine.

What is idler pulley used for?

The idler pulley is a common part that’s found on the majority of the vehicles on the road. Its primary function is to provide tension and guide the engine drive belt. These belts wrap around the various parts of the engine such as the power steering pump, alternator, water pump etc

What’s the difference between tensioner and idler pulley?

The primary distinction between tensioners and idler pulleys is the presence of an adjustable bolt. Tensioners are positioned on the bolt through mounting. Idler pulleys are not mounted to an adjustable bolt.

How do you know if you have a bad idler pulley?

Visual Clues of a Worn Idler Pulley

If the pulley or bearing is noticeably damaged, cracking, breaking, seizing, or otherwise coming apart, it is an indication that it requires prompt replacement.

How do I know if my tensioner pulley bearing is bad?

Symptoms of a bad tensioner pulley include difficulty starting the car, loud grinding or screeching noises, a loose engine belt, and a lack of power when trying to speed up the vehicle.

What happens when an idler pulley goes bad?

If the surface of the idler pulley wears, or the pulley seizes or binds it may cause the engine belt to squeal as a result of it rubbing against the surface of the pulley. In some instances a bad pulley may bind or slip and cause the belt to squeal when the engine is first started.

What kind of noise does a bad tensioner make?

Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner

If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.

What problems can a bad tensioner cause?

Driving with a bad belt tensioner is unsafe since the tensioner is meant to guarantee ample tension that powers accessories. Wear on the belt tensioner will eventually cause the belt to slip, generate loud noise, and also create an unsafe level of heat along the accessory pulleys.

How do you adjust a belt tensioner?

What does a bad timing pulley sound like?

Belt “Squealing” or “Whining” Noises

A common warning sign of an issue with your timing belt pulley is a high pitched squealing sound coming from the belt. Think of this sound as an alarm bell signaling a need for repair or replacement.

How do you tell if timing is off on an engine?

What will happen if timing is off?

A car’s engine timing is the time between when the spark plugs fire and when the pistons begin moving. If your engine timing is off, your vehicle may run poorly or not at all. This can cause your engine to stall or run rough, and it may even cause other problems.