Help With Changing Belt on Ford V10

mikeleblanc413 wrote:
RE: 2000 Winnebago, Minnie Winnie, Ford V10

I'm interested in changing the belt and would appreciate any pointers from anyone who has done it. While it doesn't appear to be that complicated, one never does know. THANKS!!!!

I don't do a lot of my own repairs but when I had a seized idler wheel and a damaged belt I decided to change them myself. It took me and my neighbor 10 minutes for the belt and wheel. By far the easiest repair I have taken on in some time.

On our 2003 V10 it is necessary to remove the air filter housing to get at the belt and idler from the top. Also I found that I couldn't get my 1/2 inch breaker bar onto the idler as there wasn't enough room. IIRC the fan shroud was in the way. I bought a $10 two piece serpentine belt tool from Pep Boys, which worked fine and had more leverage than my breaker bar. Ten minutes is about right for changing the belt.

I carry a spare serpentine belt (a used belt) and the serpentine tool in basement storage and actually had to use both one time in a remote campground. IMO a serpentine belt is a critical spare part, as the engine isn't going to run for very long without the water pump.

What age or mileage is a belt change recommended? Or do you just check for wear and cracking? If I thought I could do it in an hour, I would just do it.

When the serpentine belt first came out a Ford mechanic told me that Ford said not to worry untell the belt started to loose rubber.

When I was in the repair business I seen many of these belts snap in two,rest of the belt would look like new.
I change mine every three years so I wont have to change of on the side of the road somewhere. dave

Thanks, guys! We have had the MH since 2008 so I must replace that belt soon.

I changed a ten year old belt on our old GM van last year but I sure don't want to have a trip spoiled over $40 and an hour or two of work.