MySEL8AChevy

Does anyone know how to replace the serpentine belt or the one for the water pump on a 2004 Taurus with a Duratec DOHC engine? There seems to be no way to adjust anything on the water pump, so how do you replace the belt, pull the water pump? For the serpentine belt you can't get to the tensioner. Do you need a special tool? Any help would be appreciated.

jwko

can you not get a boxed end wrench on the idler?

MySEL8AChevy

Nope. Here is a picture from top view. There is only around 1/2 inch (at most) of room to get a tool on the tensioner. Maybe they use a new tool just for this. I don't know

eshan_dave

Hi,

I spent almost 4 hours yesterday trying to fit a box wrench between the body of car and tensioner, and failed.

BTW I have a 24V DOHC Duratec 2001 Taurus, similar configuration as yours as far as belt is concern. Finally got some help from people at Autozone (via their ALLDATA.COM website). I am going to attempt to replace the belt tomorrow as per their instructions. Here is what they recommended:

(1) Remove the right front tire.

(2) Remove the front fender splash shield as per following instructions:
(a) Remove the screws.
(b) Remove the pin-type retainer.
(c) Remove the front fender splash shield.

(3) Use a 1-1/4 inch open end wrench to remove the tension. Rotate the accessory drive belt tensioner clockwise and remove the accessory drive belt from the crankshaft pulley.

(4) Replace with new belt and reverse the instructions.

I will try to take pictures as I follow these instructions tomorrow.

--ED

MySEL8AChevy

Welcome to the forum eshan_dave

WOW - remove the tire I knew it looked involved. Look forward to seeing the pics and hearing how it went

Gearhead99

Take it to a shop if you're shakey on changing it. It is a bear to do.

__________________
Dave
2005 F150 SuperCrew "King Ranch"
2004 Thunderbird
1997 Ranger
1986 LTD II
1968 Cougar
1964 Corvair Monza

kato14709

I had to have my idler pulley replaced, under warranty. The mechanic had a tool specific for the job. It has a long handle and is very thin. Piece of cake to change the belt with this tool. Would probably be handy to have one if you work on your own vehicle.

dac122

The tool you're referring to is aptly called a "Serpentine Belt puller". It's basically a thin bar and half height sockets. I bought a kit from the local auto parts store. It came with 2 different bars, 3 metric sockets and 3 crows feet.

As I recall the kit cost about $20. Well worth case as I've changed about 5 serpentine belts with it, and can change a belt in less time than driving to the garage.

kato14709

Sounds like a good Christmas gift for me...

rocketmanforli

Hello i had this same problem please check out my post. I posted about a year ago. Rocketmanforli