Foo - how do I change a fan belt on my Ford sedan?

It's 12:58am down here, so no one's around to help me, and, would you believe,
I can't find any clear instructions on the net??!!

I know how to loosen them off, but how do the belts come off past the radiator fan?
Do they just get threaded over it, or is there some other trick to it?


thanks :)

Yeah, just slip it over the fan. Installation is the reverse if removal. Good Luck w/ it!

thanks

I guess it's easier than it looks -- the fan appears to be MUCH bigger than the belts :)

Not knowing exactly what model you have, it's tough to provide details, but you should be able to pull the bottom of the belt up against the fan hub, drop the top of the belt over the fan and work your way around the belt bringing it over the fan blades.

thanks

by the way, it's a 6cyl 1992 Aussie Ford with 3 belts: alternator, air-con, and (I think) power steering

thanks

by the way, it's a 6cyl 1992 Aussie Ford with 3 belts: alternator, air-con, and (I think) power steering

You're welcome. Did you 'get 'r done'?


Rear wheel drive w/ a longitudinaly mounted engine, yes? The give away here is that you have to take the belts over the fan.

Most front drives that I know of have a transverse mounted engine and run what's known as a serpentine belt and the fan is electric, not mounted to the engine.

i'm still working up the courage :p

Devil hates a coward. What's the worst that can happen? Do it one belt at a time and remember... righty tighty, lefty loosey. If you have a stuck bolt penetrating oil (or coke, the cola not the powder) is your friend.

Now get out ther rookie and do it!

thanks

I guess it's easier than it looks -- the fan appears to be MUCH bigger than the belts :)

Get the belt to the center of the shaft and lift it over one or two blades at a time. Then do the rest. You're right in that the diameter of the belt is likely smaller than the overall fan.

It will be easy once you get going.

If you can change a bike tire then you should be able to change a fan belt. If not you may be screwed :p

remember... righty tighty, lefty loosey.that's what I was was waiting for; some peer-reviewed science :)

Get the belt to the center of the shaft and lift it over one or two blades at a time. Then do the rest. You're right in that the diameter of the belt is likely smaller than the overall fan.

It will be easy once you get going. thanks, people

I'm gunna try to stop the squealing with some WD40, which is my last option.

I had some new belts put on a few months ago, and they've been squealing on and off since then.
The 'car dude' said that it was my oil leaks that are causing the slipping, not sloose belts, but my car's been leaking oil for 12 years!!! I tried soap, the sticky belt dressing stuff, degreaser, blasting them with the high-pressure hose, then I tightened the crap out of them which stopped it for about 2 months, but's come back again.

I can't afford to get my oil leaks fixed, so I'm gunna try putting the old belts on :p

bit stooopid? :D

Do NOT put WD-40 on your fan belts!!! I repeat: Do NOT put WD-40 on your fan belts!!!

They will srop squealing, and they won't turn the devices... like your water pump and fan and you'll overheat.

Take the belts off, clean the pullys with some brak kleen or the like, dress the pullys with some emery paper and reclean. Then put the new belts on. Stopping for a Foster's or two, the job should take an hour or so TOPS

thanks, people

I'm gunna try to stop the squealing with some WD40, which is my last option.

I had some new belts put on a few months ago, and they've been squealing on and off since then.
The 'car dude' said that it was my oil leaks that are causing the slipping, not sloose belts, but my car's been leaking oil for 12 years!!! I tried soap, the sticky belt dressing stuff, degreaser, blasting them with the high-pressure hose, then I tightened the crap out of them which stopped it for about 2 months, but's come back again.

I can't afford to get my oil leaks fixed, so I'm gunna try putting the old belts on :p

bit stooopid? :D
sounds like a clunker :(

Do NOT put WD-40 on your fan belts!!! I repeat: Do NOT put WD-40 on your fan belts!!!
What are you saying exactly? :)

thanks again.

It's now 4:10am, so I think I'll wait 'til tomorrow

Squealing belts are most likely too loose. Just like spokes, using a tension-gauge is really the only way to ensure proper tension. One of these tools really helps: Krikit V-belt tension gauge (http://www.midwayautosupply.com/detailedproductdescription.asp?13199). I also use it to set proper tension on cam-timing belts and balance-shaft belts.

Also squealing could be worn bearings in the accessories that are driven, like the alternator, AC-compresor or power-steering pump. With the belt off, spin those by hand and make sure the movement is fluid and smooth with some drag.

Yes, belts should always be dry and clean. No substances of any kind on them.

Worn pulleys can cause squealing as well, if they are worn enough that the pulley is actually noticably smaller in diameter wherre the belt sits.

In those cases, the squealing is from the belt rubbing up on the raised edge formed by the belt contact area wearing down.