MustangForums.com

Ford Mustang GT 1994-2004: How to Replace Serpentine Belt

When the serpentine belt wears in the Ford Mustang GT, your car will start squealing as soon as you start it. Read on to learn how you can replace the serpentine belt yourself.

By Bassem Girgis - October 19, 2015

This article applies to the Ford Mustang GT (1994-2004).

The serpentine belt is a rubber belt that is connected to a bunch of components in your Ford Mustang GT. When the engine rotates, it rotates the belt, and thus rotating various parts like the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and the air conditioner compressor. As the belt wears and cracks, it starts getting looser and the pulley will rotate faster than the belt, making a squealing noise. Inspect your belt for any signs of wears and cracks. Read on to learn how you can replace the serpentine belt in your Ford Mustang GT.

Figure 1. Serpentine belt is located on the front of the engine.

Materials Needed

  • 1/2" socket and ratchet
  • New serpentine belt

Step 1 – Loosen the tensioner

Locate the belt tensioner under the hood of your engine. Use your 1/2" socket to loosen it. Connect the socket to the tensioner and pull down on it; it will move a few inches and that releases the tension.

  • Figure 2. Locate tensioner.
  • Figure 3. Loosen the belt tensioner.

Step 2 – Remove the belt

While you press down on the tensioner, pull the belt out. Take it off of the alternator first, then remove it off of the bottom components and pull it out.

Figure 4. Push down on the tensioner with one hand and pull the belt out with the other.

Step 3 – Install new belt

Route the new belt the same way the old belt was routed. You can use the diagram on the bottom of your hood to see how it's supposed to be routed. Loop it around all components, then push down on the tensioner when you wrap it around the alternator.

Figure 5. Serpentine belt diagram.

Related Discussions