Stupid cage... no I didn't almost get run over

[manofthefield]

I'm trying to change the serpentine belt on Brandi's Focus, but the engine is so GD close to the fender I can't get the belt tensioner loose   The haynes manual says to put a wrench on it and turn clockwise to loosen the tension.  The tensioner doesn't move with what little leverage I can get, and all I seem to be doing is stripping the bolt head.    Focus

... I wonder what would happen if I go the other way and take the tensioner bolt out...

[Crucialval]

You would never get it back on. I would try looking for a place tp pry on it at the pulley and maby push it over. If your striping it your either using the wrong size wrench, turning the wrong bolt, or turning the wrong way.

[NWDave]

On my Jeep you don't use a socket head, just a 1/2inch drive, and I used a long ratchet.. the 1/2inch drive just fits into the tensioner's arm.

[manofthefield]

I got the belt off, but I'm going to wait for a second set of hands to get the new one on.  In the description, the Haynes clearly says that you need to turn the bolt on the tensioner clockwise, nothing else.  But then in a picture, it describes doing it with a 3/8" drive on the tensioner bracket... that way worked.  With my normal 3/8 socket and the limited working area I could get it loose enough to get the belt off, but I'm going to need 2 hands to get the new belt on while a thrid hand holds the tensioner back... or a breaker bar for more leverage on the tensioner

[yamahonkawazuki]

yup   

[ledfingers]

ahh, my knuckles have been split open countless times in that situation. my condolences.

[FearedGS500]

you could always pull the fender wall off and turn the wheel to the left what i have to do on my eclipse . or you can put it up on a set of ramps and get underneath it . works just as well

[manofthefield]

One busted knuckle, that's about par for the course

you could always pull the fender wall off and turn the wheel to the left what i have to do on my eclipse . or you can put it up on a set of ramps and get underneath it . works just as well

Actually the tensioner was up against a sheet metal inner fender/ upper suspension mount... no wiggle room.  And I did have it up on jackstands since I did an oil change too, but the tensioner was harder to get to from the bottom.  I eventually got it though... no more embarrassing squeally  belt.

[bosozoku]

I'm trying to change the serpentine belt on Brandi's Focus, but the engine is so GD close to the fender

If you expect to be able to work on it, next time don't get a wrong-wheel-drive with the engine flipped the wrong way!

-b.

[manofthefield]

Haha, yeah, but it's not my car

One thing I love about my Tacoma is that I never have to put it on jacks unless I'm taking the wheels off.  Of course hardly anything ever goes wrong with it, so it only matters for oil changes.  Actually I could do an oil change on my Subaru without putting it in the air, too

[yamahonkawazuki]

Hmm ive never had probs on focii serp belts no

[manofthefield]

It'd be a lot easier if I had to do it again, the Haynes kinda misled me at first.  This was on the SPI engine, don't know if the zetec is any easier (or more difficult).  I'm probably just a little slow