98 3.0 serpentine replacement

[johnparry]

Trying to replace serpentine belt....know that tensioner has to be released...feels like there is hex head bolt in middle of tensioner (not square drive hole like others)...what size is bolt.....limited clearance to sidewall tells me can't get regular socket onto it....what's the deal...have seen references to tensioner wrench..is that what I need? I know this easy once I get tensioner released..why does Ford make this so hard?

[TomV]

Sears has the right tool for this job. It is somewhere in the ballpark of $25 - $30. I have done it with somewhere around a 14 mm socket, but it has been a while. I would use the tool. If I remember it was a 2 man job. You do not want to round off the bolt head.

[hughw]

I have a 2000, may be different from your 98...but I used a 15mm wrench. (Since rachet would not fit) I put a the 15mm box end on the bolt and "piggy-backed" another wrench on the open end of the wrench, piece of cake..... I understand that Harbor Freight has the belt removal tool you need if you prefer.....By the way use a good belt..like a Gates....Cheaper belts like Kelly-Springfield will be squeeking in a few months.

[fordfool]

i bought the special wrench, but it didnt want to cooperate with me. the clearance is very tight down there. so i bought a (i think it was a 15mm) crow-foot. its a cut off end of an open end wrench that fits on a ratchet. i put it on the already slim head of the special wrench and it worked pretty good! and yeah go with a good belt. they are twice the money, but the goodyear "gatorback" is a good one.

[mwt]

I would definatley go with the Gatorback. They are the quietest belt I have used.

Mike