Hey everyone,

I shredded my AC belt during a recent trip so I need to replace both belts on my 2013 5.0 engine. I have a Shop Manual CD but I cannot find it at the moment and I'm running into something that doesn't seem right so I wanted to check here before I go FUBAR.I found this thread here which talks about the replacement process with the 5.0. I attached my serpentine belt tool to the AC tensioner and it rotates as it should when I move the bar clockwise. The drive serpentine belt isn't being as forgiving. I put a socket onto the bolt that secures the pulley to the tensioner (center of the photo). When I moved my bar to the right, the tensioner initially dipped a just little as it should but now the bolt itself moves clockwise when I push the bar clockwise. I'm guessing that's not how it's supposed to work so I stopped to come here and post. Is the tensioner just frozen with dirt grime? Do I need to spray the PB Blaster to help free its movement? What gives?

Thanks!
Steve


2013 5.0L drive serpentine belt tensioner

 

double post

 

Just did mine 3 weeks ago (2013 5.0) but mine was easy as it was that belt that shredded when the Alt. bearing seized!!!
I'm guessing that tensioner is all grimed up & that bolt is backing off ....
You could cut it off but you still might have a problem when installing the new belt??
It is a good idea to replace all pulleys /tensioners when you replace the belts!!!

Word to the wise: you are dealing with aluminum here so hand thread all bolts to start & don't over tighten & damage the threads!!!
That timing cover is very expensive & time consuming to replace!!!!
PS: I have found that all my high mileage trks. The alternators only last between 150 to 180,000 miles before the need to replace (270,000 km on trk. above
(270,000 = 168,000 miles)

 

Thanks Maco for the response. As it turns out, I'm a dummy and was rotating clockwise when that particular tensioner rotates counter-clockwise. I'm back on track now.