How to replace 5.0L Idler F15 XLT 94 Drive Belt

Squealing noises are either
* a worn or loose belt. replace the belt.
* an A/C belt idler bearing. Replace belt and idler.
* alternator bearing: replace the alternator.
* timing belt idler bearing(s). Replace the timing belt and all bearings (there's a full kit for this).

Most accessory drive belts have an idler pulley that tensions the belt. The idler pulley either has s 1/2 inch square drive hole or some other way to apply force to counteract the spring. Identify the idler pulley and push it in the direction to loosen the belt, then remove it.

using a breaker bar or some other tool w/ 1/2'' drive, insert into idler, there is a square hole, remove belt tension, donot remove belt, but lift belt off say the alternator, it would help if you hang the belt w/ wire or something so as not to let it drop. using a 15mm wrench, remove mounting bolt to idler, remove idler. better to replace the entire ilder w/ pulley, as an assymbly, they wear out like any thing else. when istalling new idler, must be positioned correctly. theres a finger which protrudes out of idler, this must be inserted @ engine sideof idler. reinstall bolt, tighten, reposition belt, using breaker bar 1/2" drive again, remove belt tension, so you can get belt over alternator pulley, release tension , done ! make sure belt is centered, and on properly according to belt rounting. when satisfied w/installation , start engine, check your work, remember to visulize existing idler, etc., etc., before you start this so you can put on the new one on exactly the way the old one was !!!!!!!!!!1

it is always good practice to replace idler pulleys , seals , hydraulic adjuster when replacing a timing belt as the everything is worn out as well
It is now possible that the idler bearings for the belt are failing
If the pulleys , crank and cam seals and hydraulic adjuster were all not replaced with the belt then they job will have to be done soon

it may not be the belt that is the problem it could be the A/C clutch that is squealing or the A/C compressor unit cheers.

Removal & Installation

1. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise and remove the drive belt.
   WARNING Never suddenly let go of the tensioned idler pulley. The force of the spring pressure suddenly released may damage the idler pulley mechanism. Always release the spring pressure gradually.
   
   
   

   Fig. Rotate the belt tensioner to relieve tension on the belt-4.6L engine shown, others similar
   

To install:

1. Route the belt over the pulleys making sure all the grooves in the pulleys and the belt line up correctly. Refer to the accessory belt routing section of this manual.
2. Rotate belt tensioner clockwise and slip drive belt over idler pulley on tensioner.

1. Rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise and remove the drive belt.
   WARNING Never suddenly let go of the tensioned idler pulley. The force of the spring pressure suddenly released may damage the idler pulley mechanism. Always release the spring pressure gradually.
   
   
   

   Fig. Rotate the belt tensioner to relieve tension on the belt-4.6L engine shown, others similar
   

To install:

1. Route the belt over the pulleys making sure all the grooves in the pulleys and the belt line up correctly. Refer to the accessory belt routing diagrams above.
2. Rotate belt tensioner clockwise and slip drive belt over idler pulley on tensioner.

If for any reason, the tensioner is crooked, replace it!!! Also, install the belt with the writing facing you like you are trying to read a book. This WILL (a trick I learned at Mercedes) prevent even a new belt from squeeling!!

chirp can be a worn idler pulley or bearing, if belt is 30,000 miles old replace it and check the pulleys for excessive side to side play.

There is a spring loaded idler pulley that you put a socket and breaker bar on to release the tension to get the belt on

check out this site it will probably help , they hav erepair guides for most vehicles http://www.autozone.com/home.htm

remove belt then there is a bolt in center of bracket remove that bolt it is a 15mm bolt