The serpentine belt tensioner on a 2000 Ford Windstar applies proper tension to the serpentine belt to keep the belt on the pulleys in the serpentine system. The tensioner consists of a stationary hub, bolted to the front of the Windstar's engine, a spring-loaded arm and a pulley mounted on the end of the arm. Normally, if the tensioner fails, it's due to the spring in the tensioner's arm. If you own a 2000 Ford Windstar and you have basic auto-repair skills, you can remove the serpentine belt tensioner in about 30 minutes.
Turn off the engine. Open the Windstar's hood, supporting the hood with the prop rod. Locate the Windstar's serpentine belt diagram, which is attached to the fan shroud, and familiarize yourself with the pulley locations illustrated on the diagram.
Move the Windstar's serpentine belt tensioner off the serpentine belt with the serpentine belt tool. Shove the belt off the pulley with your free hand before allowing the tensioner to slowly move back into place. Pull the tool out of the engine bay.
Remove the two tensioner mounting bolts with the socket set. Depending on your size and dexterity, as well as the specific engine accessory configuration on your Windstar, you may need to do this through the right wheel well instead of the engine bay.
Remove the Windstar's tensioner from the engine by hand.
