How to Replace Serpentine Belt Tensioner V8 4.6L 06-10 Ford Explorer

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 35 min · Ford Explorer

Replace the serpentine belt tensioner on a 2006-2010 Ford Explorer with the V8 4.6L engine.

Steps

1. Remove the air intake

   Loosen the intake hose clamp with a flat blade screwdriver, disconnect the breather lines, loosen the throttle body hose clamp, then pull the intake hose up and off.

2. Remove the serpentine belt

   Familiarize yourself with the belt diagram, connect a ratchet to the tensioner, turn it clockwise, pull the belt off one pulley, carefully release the tensioner, then work the belt off the A/C compressor, crankshaft, water pump, idler and power steering pulleys and pull it out of the engine bay.

3. Remove the old tensioner

   Remove its three 10mm bolts, then take it out of the engine bay.

4. Install the new tensioner

   Line it up, then fasten its three 10mm bolts.

5. Install the serpentine belt

   Loop it around the crankshaft pulley, bring it between the tensioner and A/C compressor pulleys, over the water pump pulley, under the idler and power steering pulleys, connect the ratchet to the tensioner and turn it clockwise, bring the belt over the alternator and under the smooth idler pulley, release the tensioner, then double check the routing.

6. Reinstall the air intake

   Line up the intake hose, reconnect the breather lines, then tighten both hose clamps with a flat blade screwdriver.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.