Genuine Ford F-150 Drive Belt

Ford F-150 Drive Belt Parts Questions & Answers

• V-Belt
  7L3Z-8620-A
  Q: What is the importance of the serpentine drivebelt in the overall operation of the engine and its components on Ford F-150?

  A: A single serpentine drivebelt is located at the front of the engine and plays an important role in the overall operation of the engine and its components. The vehicles covered are equipped with a single self-adjusting serpentine drivebelt, which is used to drive all of the accessory components such as the alternator, power steering pump, water pump and air conditioning compressor. With the engine off, open the hood and locate the drivebelt at the front of the engine. Using your fingers, move along the belts checking for cracks and separation of the belt plies. Also check for fraying and glazing, which gives the belt a shiny appearance. Both sides of each belt should be inspected, which means you will have to twist the belt to check the underside. The tension of the belt is automatically adjusted by the belt tensioner and does not require any adjustments. Drivebelt wear can be checked visually by inspecting the wear indicator marks located on the side of the tensioner body. If the indicator mark is outside the operating range, the belt should be replaced. To replace the belt, rotate the tensioner counterclockwise on V6 models, or clockwise on V8 models to relieve the tension on the belt. Remove the belt from the auxiliary components. Route the new belt over the various pulleys, again rotating the tensioner to allow the belt to be installed, then release the belt tensioner. Make sure the belt fits properly into the pulley grooves - it must be completely engaged. Most models have a drivebelt routing decal on the upper radiator panel to help during drivebelt installation. Remove the drivebelt as described previously. On V6 models, remove the bolt in the center of the tensioner, then detach the tensioner from the engine. On V8 models, remove the three bolts securing the tensioner to the engine block. Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to tighten the tensioner bolt(s) to the torque.