Replacing the serpentine belt on a Ford F150 requires loosening the belt tensioner. However, depending on your particular model, you may have to remove one or more components--and use special tools--to remove the belt.
Park your Ford F150 on a safe place and open the hood.
Place a drain pan under the engine in the direction of the upper radiator hose, where it connects with the radiator, if you have the 7.3L engine model. Remove the radiator clamp using a Phillips screwdriver or ratchet and socket. Twist and pull the hose off the radiator fitting. Go to Step 6.
Remove the cooling fan mounting bolts using a ratchet and socket if you have a 6.0L engine model. Then remove the four cooling-fan stator mounting bolts using a ratchet and socket and remove the stator. Go to Step 6.
Remove the air duct from the air cleaner assembly if you have a 5.4L or 6.8L engine model. Go to Step 6.
Remove the fan assembly if you have a 4.6L engine model. Use special Ford fan tools 303-240 and 303-239 to remove the fan (see Tips). Move the fan assembly over the radiator shroud, away from the engine.
Remove the serpentine belt from the engine. On the 4.2L engine, rotate the belt tensioner counterclockwise using a wrench and remove the belt; on the 4.6L engine, rotate the belt tensioner clockwise using a breaker bar with a 1/2 drive and remove the belt; on the 5.4L and 6.8L engines, rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise using a wrench and remove the belt; on the 6.0L engine, rotate the belt tensioner clockwise using a breaker bar with a 1/2 drive and remove the belt; on the 7.3L engine, rotate the drive belt tensioner clockwise using a breaker bar with a 1/2 drive and remove the belt.
Route the new serpentine belt over the accessory pulleys, except the tensioner pulley, on all engine models. Rotate the tensioner pulley--in the same direction you turned it for belt removal--and slide the belt over the tensioner pulley. Make sure the belt is properly routed and seated on every accessory pulley.
Install the fan assembly if you have the 4.6L engine; install the air duct if you have the 5.4L or 6.8L engine; install the cooling-fan stator and fan, if you have the 6.0L engine; and install the upper radiator hose if you have the 7.3L engine model.
Add coolant to the coolant reservoir to bring the level between the "Add" and "Full Hot" marks, if you have the 7.3L engine. Start the engine and let it reach operating temperature. Add more coolant as necessary and turn off the engine.
