Ford F150 5.0L V8 Belt Change in 15 minutes

[@dougguthrey2329]

Good video and thanks for recording it. One tip for those of us who have a stock bumper, there's 8 10mm bolts to remove the lower apron. There's two plastic guides you have to feel over the top of them and squeeze to release them. The apron will drop and give you more clearance to get under the truck. I replaced both tensioners and the idler above the AC unit. All were shot. I did most everything from the top without removing anything, I had to put the serpentine belt on from below because there's not enough room to wrench that tensioner back from the top. Took me a couple hours. Another tip: There's not much room to pull the bolt on the AC tensioner. There's a hose directly in front of it. I used a 1/4 ratchet and socket to loosen it, then back it out by hand with just the socket on it. The replacement has been redesigned and came with a new bolt. It was easy to install with a ratchet wrench.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@dougguthrey2329, thank you for the advice on removing the lower apron. Also thank you for including info on replacing the tensioners!

[@Emezsk8]

I did both my belts with help from this video , Thank You ! 180,00 mile belts and water pump along with a couple hoses , the “t” hose upper radiator hose and heater hoses all lasted me 186,000 not to bad, Ford wanted $2800 😮 Nope , you tube to the rescue Thanks again

[@jacobsupgrades]

Wow that's a lot of miles on the stock belts. How bad was the water pump replacement? I just had to replace the Rad T pipe and quick connect gaskets at 140,000, it wasn't too bad. I will never go back to a ford dealer for maintenance / work unless it's a recall, it's always a rip off.

[@isaacolson5282]

@@jacobsupgrades I agree with staying away from the dealer but ironically their oil service is hard to beat. I'm a big DIY person but I actually let them do this because I can't justify not using the deal. My Ford dealer offers the "works" package and for $95 this includes oil/filter change, tire rotation, inspection, and valet service. They come to my work, get the truck themselves, service it, and bring it back. For $37 of labor and not even entering the dealer, it's really a good value. Now the prices they quote to fix things after their free inspection is always laughable but at least it gives me an idea of what might need attention!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@isaacolson5282 That deal is hard to beat for having that work done! I agree taking it into the pros is good to make sure nothing is missed when inspecting. Do they only offer that package if you purchased the truck from them?

[@isaacolson5282]

​@@jacobsupgrades I think this deal is for everyone! Maybe other Ford dealers don't offer the mobile pickup valet but worth looking into!

[@Somebody10432]

Replaced my belts today thank you. I also removed the pully. I could not get it past the pully even with pulling down on the tensioner. Researched the 13mm bolt for the tensioner is 18 ft lbs for all the torque wrench users.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@Somebody10432 thanks for the feed back and torque spec! Cheers 🍻

[@stevenroth3693]

The best video on You Tube of this procedure.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@stevenroth3693, thank you!

[@sillymanandrere]

Thanks for the help sir. In case nobody mentioned it, you don't need to remove the pulley. Go back and engage the primary tensioner, and this makes room for the belt come out easily.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@sillymanandrere glad to help! Thanks for the advice

[@keve1212]

Well lit, well explained, reference diagrams included, and 2 different camera angles. This is a great video! Thank you for uploading this.

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thank you for the great feedback! I strive for great content to help others out.

[@txproudproudamerican9474]

Wow!! Excellent video and a lot of guts to do this in a parking space at an RV park.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@txproudproudamerican9474 thank you! At the time my wife and I were traveling full time and really working the truck hard towing and off roading. This taught me to be comfortable and confident to work on it where ever I am because I didn't have a home base or garage to work in.

[@moose40fire]

great video thank you for walking me through the steps.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@moose40fire thank you for the feedback I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@blakeburnette986]

Very well done could really see and he didn't skip past the hard parts!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@blakeburnette986 thank you for the feedback!

[@davidlindsey2727]

I looked for this video just to determine whether I had to remove the primary tensioner in order to get the AC belt off. Fantastic video showing everything. Sidenote, there is a special place in hell for an engineer that does not leave an additional two or 3 mm of space so that the AC belt can be removed without taking off a tensioner!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@davidlindsey2727 I'm glad you found my video helpful. I agree, I was in shock that I had to remove the tensioner as well!

[@sillymanandrere]

In case nobody mentioned it, you don't need to remove the pulley. Go back and engage the primary tensioner, and this makes room for the belt come out easily.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@ ok, I'll try that next time

[@anticomunist1513]

Thank you so much for this video you just saved me 100 dollars.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@anticomunist1513 glad to help out! Don't forget to subscribe I have more maintenance videos on the F150.

[@dano8770]

Thank you Buddy. I'm going to replace the belt on 2018 ford f150 Your KZbin helped me a lot.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@dano8770, I'm glad my video helped out. It's fairly easy project, the hardest part is the tensioner.

[@deedslivengood]

Same here for my 2018 V-8!

[@plsc1988]

Thank you! I was on the road just now. Your video saved me a lot!

[@jacobsupgrades]

Good! I'm glad to help out

[@lhamagedon]

Great video! The process took me in 1 hour but everything went smooth.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@lhamagedon thank you! I'm glad it went smoothly for you.

[@fastroddy5223]

Thanks man, you saved me. That idler pulley removal is the key!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@fastroddy5223, You're Welcome! Yes it is

[@nolanwheeler1950]

GREAT video. Super helpful, especially with the diagrams

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@nolanwheeler1950 thank you for the feedback, I'm glad you found it helpful

[@FreniFitness]

Thanks, it is a great video! Saved over $300 doing it myself!

[@jacobsupgrades]

Awesome! I’m finding that doing more things myself is saving a lot of money over time. Labor costs add up quickly!

[@thefreemancompanytxllc2178]

Excellent video very helpful. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thank you! Don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more F150 videos

[@jin6000]

Don’t you have to hold the cams in place to make sure the engine doesn’t fall out of sequence?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@jin6000 no, just send it

[@jin6000]

@@jacobsupgrades Love it. 😂 Thanks man.

[@kayakkevin]

Really good video. Awesome camera angles.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@kayakkevin, thank you, I strive for the best angles and clarity in my How To videos.

[@ParkerHale06]

Well done video, straightforward and easy to understand by anyone reasonably handy. Thank's

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thank you for the great feedback!

[@cristianmetz9470]

This was of great help, thank you for your efforts!

[@jacobsupgrades]

Your welcome! I'm glad my video helped out.

[@MrDanielmarlowe]

I got 155 on mine. I think it’s time.😂 they’re starting to make noises now the pulleys hopefully that won’t be too hard. Thanks for the tutorial.

[@jacobsupgrades]

Wow that's some good life out of those belts! You might find some better vehicle performance once you change them out.

[@EvilAlYankadick]

Hitting my '16 with 140K today, along with oil, O² sensors and air filter. She purrs again and no codes

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@EvilAlYankadick which ones were giving you codes?

[@jerryrodriguez3975]

I agree with most comments on here, your video really helped me do this myself . Tho auto mechanics are very important any chance of not having to visit one is equally as important to me. Thanks again. I just subscribed also.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@jerryrodriguez3975, welcome to the channel! Lots of time and money can be saved by doing it yourself. Thanks for the great comment!

[@daver8298]

Great video. Instructional and to the point. Thanks.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@daver8298, thanks for the kind comment!

[@NativesunrealtyJacksonville]

Thank you for making this great video. Really liked that you included upper and lower views. BTW, your bolt came out much easier than mine.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@NativesunrealtyJacksonville, I'm glad my video helped you out, I bet the salty air in Jacksonville didn't help.

[@Mperks243]

Very informative, what do I do if the tensioner seems to be seized?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@Mperks243, Try using PB Blaster Penetrating Catalyst and let it sit for a bit before hand. amzn.to/3KIpFub

[@Mperks243]

Thanks

[@2005GLI]

Are the tensioners the same part # for both?

[@jacobsupgrades]

They are not, the serpentine tensioner is BL3Z-8620-F and the AC is BR3Z-6B209-H. Idler Pulley is BL3Z-8678-D.

[@2005GLI]

@@jacobsupgrades really appreciate it! Going to be doing everything on front and glad I asked. Almost ordered 2 of same one.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@2005GLI glad to help out. I think I'm due to replace mine as well.

[@mmoore102]

Best video for this type of install.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@mmoore102, thank you!

[@zeke186]

Are the A/C Belt and Serpentine Belt the same type of belt or different? Would you need two belts for a 20’ F150 2.7 Ecoboost?

[@jacobsupgrades]

The A/C and Serpentine belts are usually different sizes. Your 2.7L has only one belt. Here's a link for your serpentine - amzn.to/4f1j7TU

[@mlu7888]

4:58 I got my ac belt off by turning the alternator belts tensioner counter clockwise That gave me enough clearance to get the belt off.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@mlu7888, thanks for the feedback that's good to know.

[@sojministries337]

Thanks for your video this helped me out a ton 🙏🏼

[@jacobsupgrades]

Your welcome! I'm glad to help out 👍🏻

[@capitalcanecorso1314]

That was the best video i seen doing this .. great work brother 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻...

[@jacobsupgrades]

@capitalcanecorso1314, thanks dude!

[@fj9460-lr]

Excellent video; thanks!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@frankjacoby9460, thank you, your welcome!

[@rleb4545]

Thanks for the video.. It is really going to help when I replace mine... I am doing the water pump so might as well replace the belts while i have it all taken apart. I really liked those diagrams you put up.. Do you or anyone else have any links to these types of parts exploded views etc?

[@jacobsupgrades]

I'm glad I could help out. I found this diagram in one of the F150 forums. I'm sure there are more diagrams like this in a Haynes manual that would be handy for that project and future ones. Here's a paperback copy for $35 amzn.to/3tGOba4

[@gabrielalvarez4328]

In the intro it shows your truck with a basket that sits across the bed. I’ve been looking for something just like yours. What setup is this?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@gabrielalvarez4328, it's a custom upgrade I did to the TracRac SR rails with Retrax Mx cover. I used the toolbox slides with square crossbars and RhinoRack Mesh Half Basket. Unfortunately the basket isn't made anymore but I'm sure you can find a similar one.

[@jacobsupgrades]

Here's the walkthrough of my full setup kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2O7aWhmpLSAbM0si=Ix1YvuuA9A9akZVd

[@theparenttrap5396]

Good video. I had to replace my AC tension pulley as well but I will say if you don’t have a breaker bar, get some help cuz this was so difficult without that leverage.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@theparenttrap5396 yes a breaker bar makes the job much easier!

[@davew2236]

Hi. Good video on belt change. Surprisingly hard to find information for that year. I have the same year and model truck that's why this will be helpful. Any reason why you didn't change the belt tensioner when doing the belts? Also where you get the shop manual references? The shop manual I purchased doesn't have this information regarding the 5.0 litre. All the other engines except the 5.0. Thanks in advance.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@Dave W, I'm glad I could help, I noticed there weren't any videos out there. I didn't see anything wrong with my tensioners so I let them be. I found the belt diagrams on the F150forum.com under "serpentine belt replacement" and added the colors and steps myself in Photoshop for a better understanding. No 5.0?! Return that shop manual lol

[@0pushit]

Great video! Got them both on and off 👍 Thanks

[@jacobsupgrades]

@0pushit, thank you! I'm glad my video could help you out.

[@03kenseth]

Great video very detailed as well.

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@elijahrodriguez9757]

Thanks for the video. Question: I’m trying to buy both belts currently. Are they the same thing? I can’t seem to find info on distinguishing them

[@jacobsupgrades]

Glad I could help! Yes there is a difference, I'm not sure the exact lengths but these are the correct belts and part numbers. Motorcraft Drive Belt JK6648 (Serpentine) - amzn.to/3XlNFr1 Motorcraft V-Belt JK4540 (AC Belt) - amzn.to/3XmbFKH

[@JJK-le2yj]

Great video, thanks! The diagram was a very big help. I just replaced both on my 2015 5.0 with 90,000 miles. They didn't look too bad at all. I left my tensioners and pulleys too since they aren't that cheap and appeared to be in good condition (actually never changed em yet on 04 Jeep WJ with 235,000 mi 😁)

[@jacobsupgrades]

@JJK-le2yj, you're welcome, I'm glad my video helped out! Good diagrams are a must for belts. If your belts start to show early wear then test those tensioners and pulleys. I agree if it ain’t broke don't fix it.

[@maxtap1]

thank you. i'm considering doing this myself. it looks pretty simple and i have all the tools. thanx again

[@jacobsupgrades]

@maxtap1, it's not very difficult, the hardest part is getting the new belts on since they are stiff. It might help to set them in the sun to soften up before installing them.

[@maxtap1]

@@jacobsupgrades dude i cant even fit under my truck and i have a 2" level. im a big guy (6-5 225lbs) but damn i don't know how you can fit. i removes the skirt under my bumper and i still can hardly fit. There are two plastic tabs that project down that scratch up my shoulders so i can even move around.. i'm gonna give it another shot. I may have to go from the top and remove stuff.

[@maxtap1]

update. it was actually getting late yesterday when i tried it so i guess i couldn't really see but i got up early this morning and did it. its a piece of cake. thank you again for the video man.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@maxtap1 I'm glad my video could help your install go smoothly.

[@MrSumobug]

Great video. Tight space to work in let alone record it. Thanks 👍🖖

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@MrSumobug thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful

[@hmarsh1083]

Im impressed. Did😊 you use and kind oramps?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@hmarsh1083 thanks! No clamps needed.

[@DRNEGOLICIS]

Thanks so much for posting this, a customer brought me the same truck . They attempted to change the a/c compressor so I received everything including lines and some bolts in a box in the floor board, more than halve the bolts are missing . The last thing holding me up is figureing this stupid a/c belt. Didn’t know there’s supposed to be a tensioner!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@DRNEGOLICIS, I'm sure that was difficult with it already being taken apart. I'm glad my video helped you out, the owners manual for my 2015 wasn't even close to how the actual engine bay was laid out. Very little info on the 2015-2017 F150 5.0's out there.

[@gasmonkey3706]

One of the best videos I have seen. Very well done. I am assuming this covers the 5.0 up through 2020

[@jacobsupgrades]

@gasmonkey3706, thank you! I do know the 5.0 was changed up some in 2018 but I believe the belt layout is still the same. Let me know if yours turns out to be any different.

[@gasmonkey3706]

I took on this job last week and it was very easy to complete without any issues. Removing the front plastic air dam did add a ton of extra clearance. Following your detailed video made the job a pleasure and satisfying journey.

[@Taino5.0]

Do you have to remove the tensioner pulley or was it just removed to test spin?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@Taino5.0, I had to remove the tensioner pulley in order to remove and replace the AC belt. Otherwise there's no way your getting the new one on.

[@zachlinville1]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@zachlinville1 I'm glad you found it helpful, thank you for the comment!

[@back2basics668]

What software did you use that shows those really nice diagrams??? I want it!!

[@jacobsupgrades]

I found the images posted on a few Ford forums and animated the colors to help in premier pro.

[@smcool100]

Excellent video. For the bolt / fastener you removed per Ford Shop Manual it should be torqued back to 35 lb-ft. It is called the "Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner Bolt". Thank you!

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thanks for the feedback and info on the bolt and torque spec!

[@santiagomosti161]

Of course. I just finished replacing my belts like 5 mins ago. I was at 100k miles!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@santiagomosti161 nice I hope it was a smooth install

[@DenoTheTruth]

Im at 123k and have been hearing a high pitch squeaking noise when in drive at low and high speeds. I narrowed it down to this. My truck is used so I doubt it has been changed before. Could those belts cause that noise? I have a 2015 4x4 Lariat 5.0

[@jacobsupgrades]

@dennisdaniels4822, yes worn belts could cause that noise. It's recommended to change them at 100k miles. It could also be a bad bearing or idler. When you change the belts out is a good time to spin all the wheels to make sure it's not a bad bearing also.

[@DenoTheTruth]

@@jacobsupgrades Thanks, I appreciate it. I’ll take a look when I replace them.

[@charlessmutnik]

Shouldn’t you replace tensioners too

[@jacobsupgrades]

I didn't see anything wrong with mine at the time so I left them. If the bearings or springs seem worn then yes change them out.

[@chuckjones2368]

great video most important to follow the belt diagram as with most serpentine belts drive you crazy trying to put back on take a pic if you can.

[@jacobsupgrades]

I like your take a picture idea before hand. I often reference back to my videos on how it was put together before hand if I can't remember. I wish they put the belt diagrams on the inside of the hood like they used to.

[@shawnwegner3746]

yay , good job looks easy

[@jacobsupgrades]

@shawnwegner3746, it's relatively easy the only hard part is that tensioner.

[@BGJ710]

Very helpful good quality

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thank you for the kind comment!

[@dilutedparanoiaable]

Great video thanks

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thank you!

[@andrewshah10]

wow great video man! could you possibly change your alternator from below as well?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@andrewshah10, I think it would be easiest to change the alternator out from below due to its location.

[@jeremybode3129]

Why not replace the tensioner if you already have it off?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@jeremybode3129, that' a great point, I should have. When I was filming this I didn't realize I would need to remove it to remove and install the new belt before starting. If I wasn't doing this at a campground with only one vehicle I most likely would have bought a new tensioner.

[@jeremybode3129]

@@jacobsupgrades ok that makes since now I feel like bum because I'm worried about pulling it off at home in my garage with tools lol I plan on doing it soon

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@jeremybode3129 No sweat, it's really not that difficult. The hardest part is getting the new belts on. 🤘

[@streetz252boi]

Great instructional video. I was told to bump start a few times to makesure the belts lined up before actually starting the engine. Just a recommendation.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@streetz252boi , thanks for the advice that's good to know.

[@lancehughes4132]

Excellent video ! However, for anyone thinking this is a 15 minute job; give your head a shake. You'll be working in a very tight space thanks to Fords better idea of making vehicles so difficult to work on . The second time doing it.... might take 15 minutes. Expect to find idler/tensioner bearings on their way out.

[@jacobsupgrades]

I can imagine with a stock bumper this can be a more difficult job. I have a lot more room to work with the Road Armor bumper. Did you replace your idler/tensioner? I think I'm due to replace mine at 140,000 miles.

[@lancehughes4132]

@@jacobsupgrades Hi Jacob. Yes, it's factory bumper and very tight space working from above and some from below.. Your question re: idler/tensioner replacement? No, I popped out the seals on the bearings and re-greased them. Virtually all near dry. Don't waste your money, re:grease them asap. BTW, if I didn't have your video, this job would have been longer and a lot worse that it was. In closing, I really don't blame Ford for the engineering preventing easier repairs or standard maintenance procedures. The blame falls on guys more concerned where their cup holders located and the trim package; too useless to swing a wrench anymore.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@lancehughes4132 I like the way you think! Great idea to re-grease them.

[@lancehughes4132]

@@jacobsupgrades Look Jacob, re-grease all of those bearings. The tensioner pulley on the alt. water pump side, is LEFT HAND THREAD. I found out the hard way so take note. The tensioner spring on these should last 200k plus. Don't forget the lock tight.

[@VladmirVorkeshky]

Thank you. Great video.

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thanks a lot, glad this video was helpful.

[@DingleBerry-o8u]

My belt keeps coming of track on top of the water pump pulley doesnt anyone have an idea?

[@jacobsupgrades]

@user-kf2ky2jh6g, if you have changed the belt recently and know it's the right size my guess would be a seized bearing or bad tensioner. Worst case water pump is the problem.

[@jeffreycheng5984]

A bad water pump can chuck the belt, a bad tensioner can also chuck the belt. I learned that replacing the water pump on an Olds 88.

[@mikescott4387]

Thank you

[@jacobsupgrades]

Thank you for the comment!

[@ramongarcia4179]

thank you thank you

[@jacobsupgrades]

@ramongarcia4179, your welcome!

[@BilgePump]

I’m still trying it ain’t working but it probably because the pulleys r wet. I’ll get it I’m mechanical. ⚙️

[@jacobsupgrades]

@FinancialDown, using a longer wrench or breaker bar might help opening up the tensioner all the way. It might help to have a second set of hands too.

[@danielfortier8745]

thanks

[@jacobsupgrades]

No problem, hope this video was helpful!

[@anthonygoff1035]

Why use a ac Delco belt on a ford ilike to stick to all ford parts.

[@jacobsupgrades]

@anthonygoff1035, it was the only belt locally available at the time. I like to stick with Ford parts when possible.

[@georgehuerta1990]

Definitely doesn’t look like fun but doable

[@jacobsupgrades]

@georgehuerta1990, it's really not too bad, the most difficult part is getting the AC belt off and removing the tensioner. If you have the stock bumper you won't have quite a much room as I have underneath.

[@starlord872]

Very helpful video, thank you!

[@jacobsupgrades]

@@starlord872 thank you!