• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Tips for changing drive belt

  • Thread starter Thread starter CarFreakGT
  • Start date Start date Nov 18, 2005

CarFreakGT

20+ Year Stangneter
May 26, 2003
395
11
29
Louisville, KY
Nov 18, 2005
#1
  • Nov 18, 2005
  • #1
I'm sure that this question will sound lame to a lot of you who do a lot more wrenching than me, but here goes. Any tips for making it easier to change out the drive belt? I can never get the tang on the tensioner to line up w/o loosening the alternator. Then the alternator can be a real bear to get back on--especially w/ a new belt. I try using pry bars. I can get leverage, but just not enough room to get the pulley on the tensioner to travel far enough for the tang to line up. Any tips?
 

HISSIN50

"How long does it take to get help in here?
15 Year Member
Nov 29, 1999
31,179
33
129
Nov 18, 2005
#2
  • Nov 18, 2005
  • #2
What tang? The wear indicator?

I just use a breaker to get slop to get the old one off and new one on. Do you run a non-stock belt or something (accessory delete, etc)?
 

srothfuss

Last night I stabbed the same guy 7 times in a row
Oct 17, 2004
1,796
3
0
Woodward Ave.
Nov 18, 2005
#3
  • Nov 18, 2005
  • #3
There is a specific sized socket that fits over the bolt on the the tensioner. Then slip a 3' pipe over the socket and use that to pull the tensioner up.... and off comes the belt!
 

old_blue

15 Year Member
Nov 3, 2003
1,783
282
124
Nov 18, 2005
#4
  • Nov 18, 2005
  • #4
does it have a tensioner or did you get rid of it??? just fyi the tensioner is in between the alternator and power steering pump (more towards the passenger side) and the belt goes under it. you just put a socket on the nut and then turn counter clockwise. Make sure you have plenty of leverage though. I hope that helps. if not then just ignore me.
 
L

luckythirteen13

New Member
Jul 19, 2005
648
0
0
Anaheim, CA
Nov 18, 2005
#5
  • Nov 18, 2005
  • #5
i belive the bolt on the tensioner is 18mm. just stick a wrench on that and pull up.
 

65ShelbyClone

Founding Member
Sep 9, 2000
4,675
38
119
Antelope Valley, SoCal
Nov 18, 2005
#6
  • Nov 18, 2005
  • #6
I just used a big flat balde screwdriver to pry the tensioner pulley up and loosen the belt. No trick to it.
 
J

jaackal

New Member
May 12, 2003
402
0
0
NJ
Nov 19, 2005
#7
  • Nov 19, 2005
  • #7
18mm socket with a ratchet, get a pipe to pull it up and its done....i wouldnt use no screw driver like mentioned above
 

65ShelbyClone

Founding Member
Sep 9, 2000
4,675
38
119
Antelope Valley, SoCal
Nov 19, 2005
#8
  • Nov 19, 2005
  • #8
Yeah, and I wouldnt use no cheater bar either, so we're straight.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Forced Induction V3 pulley change
  • JD1964
  • Sep 14, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2
Replies
36
Views
827
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 21, 2025
JD1964
M
Consistent noise from engine, except when idling
  • Manlaw213
  • Sep 25, 2024
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
491
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Oct 11, 2024
Manlaw213
M
R
What's it Worth? 1997 Cobra, a ton of mods and restoration
  • riored97snake
  • Yesterday at 7:32 PM
  • What is it Worth?!?!?
Replies
0
Views
24
What is it Worth?!?!? Yesterday at 7:32 PM
riored97snake
R
Drivetrain 83’ Glx convertible C5 Trans help!
  • JacksonJared2113
  • Dec 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
334
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 26, 2025
JacksonJared2113
Engine Bad belt tensioner, tapping noise
  • AnthonyA1234
  • Aug 31, 2023
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
19
Views
2K
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 3, 2023
AnthonyA1234
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?