I'm trying to install the serpentine belt on a 2004.5 truck. All I've got to show for an hour's work is some cuts on my fingers from the fan blade. I've been trying to do it by starting at the crank pulley and then going over the tensioner, then the AC compressor but I can't get the belt to go over the tensioner properly. I have the manual, but that's of little help. Does anyone have some tips about how to do it? Thanks.

 

To paraphrase the manual "position belt over all pulleys except the water pump pulley then use a 1/2 ratchet to rotate the tensioner clockwise to install the belt on the water pump pulley."

The water pump pulley is the top center one.

A cheater pipe on the ratchet will make it easier.

Also make sure you have the correct routing. Starting at the water pump pulley and working around clockwise:
Water pump (under)
Idler (over)
Power Steering (under)
Fan (over)
Crank (under)
tensioner (over)
A/C (under)
Alternator (over)

 

I believe it's a 3/8's" ratchet. There is a square hole on the tentioner. Insert the ratchet into the tensioner and move it to get some slack. You will need a cheater bar to get one back on. It has plenty of spring power.

 

Thank you for the help. It is a 1/2" ratchet on the tensioner. Knowing the order that works best is a big help. I'll have a couple more questions about getting the truck back together soon. I bought a basket case and I'm putting it back together.

 

I got the belt on. Thank you handytim. I used a ratchet from under the truck on the tensioner and wired it to keep the tensioner out of the way while I placed the belt. That made things a lot simpler.