Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2007 Ford Taurus can seem daunting, but with the right information and a bit of patience, it's a manageable task. This article provides a comprehensive guide, including diagrams, troubleshooting tips, and potential issues you might encounter.
Serpentine belt routing diagram for Ford Taurus
Understanding the Serpentine Belt System
The serpentine belt is a crucial component in your Ford Taurus, responsible for powering various engine accessories, including the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. A worn or broken serpentine belt can lead to a variety of issues, such as:
- Loss of power steering
- Overheating
- Battery not charging
- Air conditioning failure
Therefore, regular inspection and timely replacement of the serpentine belt are essential for maintaining your vehicle's performance and reliability.
Locating the Serpentine Belt Diagram
The manual said there should be a diagram of the belt routing on the car, but I have yet to find it. It was actually the first diagram. The belt broke so I did not know how it went.
Read also: Specifications of the 2007 Ford Taurus
Step-by-Step Replacement Guide
Here's a general guide to replacing the serpentine belt on your 2007 Ford Taurus:
- Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent electrical shock.
- Locate the Tensioner Pulley: The tensioner pulley is responsible for maintaining the correct tension on the serpentine belt.
- Release the Tension: Using a wrench (typically a 3/8" drive), engage the tensioner pulley bolt and turn it clockwise to release the tension on the belt.
- Remove the Old Belt: With the tension released, carefully remove the old serpentine belt from the pulleys. Note the routing of the belt before removing it completely.
- Install the New Belt: Route the new belt around the pulleys according to the diagram. Ensure the belt is properly seated in all the pulley grooves.
- Re-tension the Belt: Turn the tensioner pulley bolt clockwise to re-tension the belt.
- Verify Correct Routing: Double-check that the belt is correctly routed and seated on all pulleys.
- Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery cable.
- Start the Engine: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. Inspect the belt to ensure it is running smoothly.
As stated by Carlos in the video (link) provided by another member the belt was accessed and changed from beneath the vehicle after dropping the lower aero-cover and the small side cover panel inside the passenger side inner fender well. Not certain why Carlos in the video attempted to do this from above the engine, as it is very accessible from beneath. Routing the new belt was quite easy as well. Simply loop it over the alternator pulley, then under the A/C compressor pulley, under the tensioner, and over then under the C/S pulley while loosening the tensioner with the breaker bar (by pushing the wrench handle towards the rear of the car). All in, about 15 mins not including jacking up the car, and removing the tire.
One point of note, since I did not have an extra pair of hands at the time, I used a 3/8" drive, long-handled breaker bar to move the tensioner. Again, all from beneath the car. Other than providing extra light I'm not certain it was completely necessary to remove the side cover...but I did, as well as the tire.
How to Replace Serpentine Belt 2010-2019 Ford Taurus 3 5L V6
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Difficulty Releasing Tension
Hey I don't do a whole lot of car repairs, but I have just replaced my alternator to find that I can't budge the thing and get it to reduce the tension on the belt enough to get it back on the tensioner pully. I see that there is a bolt near the alternator going through a black bar that has a slot, and that this slot allows the screw to slide back and forth. I'm assuming tightening this bolt is how you lock in the tension when you move it back and forth. Anyhow, I loosened all the bolts relating to the alternator or brackets near it, and even with a pry-bar I still can't budge the alternator assembly to move that bolt up or down the slot. Am I doing something wrong? Can someone describe what direction (up-down-towards cab, etc.) I should be pushing the alternator to reduce the tension? Am I missing a screw somewhere that is holding this thing still? THANKS!
Belt Slipping or Squealing
If you notice the belt slipping or squealing after replacement, it could be due to:
Read also: Comprehensive Guide: 2006 Ford Taurus Catalytic Converter
- Incorrect belt tension
- Worn or damaged pulleys
- Misaligned pulleys
- Oil or coolant contamination on the belt
Carefully inspect the pulleys for any signs of wear or damage. Clean any oil or coolant from the belt and pulleys. If the problem persists, consider replacing the tensioner pulley.
Tickling Sounds Near Alternator and Idler Pulley
I'm having my ford taurus 2002 mode having 105K miles, It started to make tickling sounds near the alternator and the idler pulley, I took it to a mechanic and they replaced idler pully and then they replaced the water pump, however the problem stays unresolved. It sounds like some bearings are off inside (not sure where it comes from), alternator works fine. Could you suggest something to check with? I am surprised that they didn't fully diagnose the problem, rather than just simply replacing parts.
What you should do is to remove your serpentine belt out. Then spin your pulleys one by one. Pulleys should not make any noise when spun. NOTE*** You won't be able to spin the crank pulley, unless you have superhuman strength.
Potential A/C Clutch Issues
Found out my A/C clutch is going bad and that is why the belt broke. Fun stuff. They want $550.00 to replace just the clutch. I can get the A/C compressor and clutch for $218.00 from Autozone or $188.00 from Advance. Cannot be to hard to replace. Just got to find a way to safely get rid of the R134A in the system.
When they vacuum the system it does get rid of the r134a The other thing to think about is a junkyard compressor with a good clutch, they have just one 8mm screw holding the plate, then a snap ring holding the pulley, then you put just those on and you do not even open the system. I did this way on my Town Car in ten minutes. $50.00 at the bone yard!
Read also: Exploring the Last Taurus
Additional Tips
- Always use the correct size and type of serpentine belt for your 2007 Ford Taurus.
- Inspect the pulleys for wear or damage before installing a new belt.
- Ensure the belt is properly aligned on all pulleys.
- Consider replacing the tensioner pulley along with the serpentine belt, especially if it has high mileage.
- If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic.