Belt tentioning, how do without the proper tool?

[PandaBear]

I am tempted to replace my dad's Taurus' serpentine belt myself, but from what I remember you either have to use a "audio/tune" type of tool to check belt tension or you have to use a gauge. Is it something that I should be able to handle ok?

FYI, I can do thermostat, radiator, O2 sensor, and exhaust manifold gasket myself, just wondering if belt is easier to do right or not.

 

[Eddie]

If there is no automatic tensioner to reset then use a straight edge and measure belt deflection when pressing on the belt. Maybe the owners manual will tell but if not try this. Pick a long straight belt section and place a ruler on the pullys at each end. With thumb pressure of ~ 20 pounds in the belts center measure the deflection. 1/8 to 1/4 inch is typical.

 

[Drew99GT]

It has a tensioner.

What year is it? If you google it, there's plenty of write ups on how to do it. Looks like you're lucky in that you don't need to remove an engine mount like you do on many GMs.

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ford-Repair-811/Ford-Taurus-Serpentine-Belt.htm

 

[The Critic]

Most serpentine belts are automatically tensioned. It's either tensioned or it isn't.

It's helpful if you have the belt routing diagram handy. Once you take the belt off, you may forget how it was routed and it may take you a little while to figure out how to reroute it correctly.

Do you own the Craftsman serpentine belt tool? If not, no big deal. Use your combination wrench. Go to Home Depot and buy a 3' section of PVC pipe for about $3. Have the guy cut it into 18" sections. Stick the wrench into the pipe and use it as your removal tool. The combination wrench alone will not loosen the tensioner, you NEED this tool or the Craftsman serpentine belt toolset.

 

[mechtech2]

Does your have the 8mm -5/16" bolts to adjust the belt? You set the tension yourself.
If it has a swinging tensioner, it is automatically adjusted.
Banjo string tight is NOT good. With a new belt, get it tight and run the engine a few minutes, then reset it. How tight? Like a handshake, it should be neither too hard or soft. It should always return when you press on it, or it is too soft. It should have give when you press it, about 1/2 in a long run of belt.

 

[Chris142]

Serpentine belts must be pretty darn tight or they will slip/ squeel. On ones that must be adjusted I adjust them so that I can twist the belt almost 1/4 turn.

 

[bdcardinal]

that belt is automatically adjusted. just line up the belt and let go of the tensioner and its right where it should be.

 

[PandaBear]

Thanks guys. I will go ahead and do it myself then.

 

[LAGA]

You can rent that tool for free at Autozone.