Q: What is the purpose of the self-adjusting serpentine drive belt in Ford Mustang and how should it be inspected and replaced?
A: Accessory components like alternators, power steering pumps, water pumps, and air conditioning compressors in vehicles are powered by a self-adjusting serpentine drive belt. The belt should be checked regularly since its lifespan is 100000 miles. To check it open the hood, and look for the front engine belt and you will see cracks, separation, fraying, or glazing on both sides with your eyes. Replace the belt if it is found out that it falls outside this range. Replace, and rotate the tensioner to release tension, remove the old belt and route the new one over pulleys then release the tensioner. For air conditioning compressor drive belts in 2011 and later models, a stretchy belt design is used that requires engine rotation and insertion of a flexible material to remove or install them.