- 3/8-inch drive ratchet and socket set
- 10 mm socket
- Long-handled flat-blade screwdriver
Instructions
1. Open the hood of your Taurus and locate the serpentine belt. It is the longest belt in the engine compartment and runs around the crankshaft, alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
2. Use the ratchet and 10 mm socket to loosen the tensioner pulley. The tensioner pulley is located on the front of the engine, just below the alternator.
3. Once the tensioner pulley is loose, use the flat-blade screwdriver to pry the belt off of the pulleys. Start at the crankshaft and work your way around the engine.
4. Once the belt is removed, inspect it for cracks, tears, or other damage. If the belt is damaged, replace it with a new one.
5. To install the new belt, start by wrapping it around the crankshaft pulley. Then, work your way around the engine, wrapping the belt around the other pulleys.
6. Once the belt is in place, use the ratchet and 10 mm socket to tighten the tensioner pulley.
7. Check the belt tension to ensure it is not too tight or too loose. The belt should be snug, but not so tight that it squeals.
8. Close the hood of your Taurus and you're done!
Tips
- If you are having difficulty removing the belt, you may need to use a pry bar to help you.
- Be careful not to drop the tensioner pulley bolt. If you do, you will need to remove the alternator to retrieve it.
- It is a good idea to replace the tensioner pulley at the same time you replace the serpentine belt.
