4.6L Belt/Tensioner Replacement

[todd.gundlach]

I am pretty sure I have to replace my tensioner on a 1999 Continental - anyone done it before?

I recently had a mechanic do the water pump - but there is now a weird rattle coming from the tensioner and figure I could do the belt and tensioner together - It seems to be accessed through the wheel well - is this correct?

todd gundlach

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by todd.gundlach

I am pretty sure I have to replace my tensioner on a 1999 Continental - anyone done it before?

I recently had a mechanic do the water pump - but there is now a weird rattle coming from the tensioner and figure I could do the belt and tensioner together - It seems to be accessed through the wheel well - is this correct?

todd gundlach

Yes, that's correct. The inner fender skirt needs to be removed as well.
You may want to replace the Idler Pulley as well while you're in there.


Basically it goes like this;

• Remove the Belt
• Remove the Tensioner
• Remove the Idler Pulley
  
• Reverse process for installation

Belt Removal

WARNING:
Do not allow drive belt tensioner to snap back, as damage to drive belt tensioner or personal injury could result.

1. Remove the screws and position the power steering fluid reservoir out of the way.


2. Remove the nut and the bolts and position the degas bottle out of the way.


3. Lift or rotate the automatic drive belt tensioner away from the drive belt.


4. Remove the drive belt.

Installation

1. CAUTION:
Incorrect drive belt installation will cause drive belt failure.

Note:
Make sure drive belt is properly installed on each pulley.

Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.



Refer to Correct Illustration for Torque





Belt Tensioner Removal

1. Remove the two bolts and position power steering pump reservoir out of way.


2. Rotate the drive belt tensioner to release tension on the drive belt and position the belt out of the way.


3. Remove the bolt.


4. Remove the pushpins and position the inner RH fender wall out of the way.


5. Remove the drive belt tensioner.



Installation

1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.



Belt Idler Pulley Removal

1. Remove the belt; refer to Belt Removal.

2. Remove the bolt.


3. Remove the belt idler pulley.



Installation

1. Follow the removal procedure in reverse order.

[kenrbutler]

Very good information Thanks but what size of wrench fits the bolt for the tensioner
thanks

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by kenrbutler

Very good information Thanks but what size of wrench fits the bolt for the tensioner
thanks

We're always the last to know these things Should be Metric.

A 6 point socket will hold best & prevent stripping the bolt head.