The front engine accessories on the 2000 Mercury Sable are operated by a single multi-ribbed serpentine belt. The belt is designed to fit inside of each accessory pulley. The single belt makes it possible to operate each accessory from the same belt. These accessories include the air conditioner compressor, water pump, alternator and the power steering pump. As the crankshaft turns the belt around the accessories, the belt tensioner keeps the belt properly tensioned inside of the accessory pulleys. If the belt becomes damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
Open the hood and locate the serpentine belt routing diagram. The diagram is a sticker that is stamped to the left hand side of the fan shroud. Use the routing instructions from the diagram to install the new serpentine belt.
Locate the self-adjusting belt tensioner on the front right hand side of the engine. Use the square opening at the top of the tensioner arm to rotate the tensioner.
Slide the end of the 3/8-inch drive breaker bar into the square opening of the tensioner arm. Turn the breaker bar clockwise to turn the tensioner. Once that the tension is off of the serpentine belt, slide it out from under the tensioner pulley. Then, release the tensioner.
Pull the belt out of each accessory pulley. Then, hold the new belt next to the old belt to ensure that the new belt is the proper length and width.
Slide the new belt around the bottom crankshaft pulley first. Then, follow the routing instructions on the belt routing diagram to route the new belt around the remaining pulleys. Leave the tensioner pulley as the last pulley to route the belt under.
Rotate the tensioner clockwise with the breaker bar again. Slide the new belt evenly under the tensioner pulley. Release the tensioner and remove the breaker bar. Inspect the belt to ensure that it is inside of each pulley.
Crank the 2000 Mercury Sable for about 10 to 15 seconds to completely fit the belt inside of the grooves on each pulley. Inspect the belt as the motor is running to ensure that it stays seated within the pulleys.
Turn the motor off and close the hood.
