Mickey Luis
Active Member
I have an 2003 Sport that basically is identical to the Sport Trac from the dash to the front bumper. I have the 4.0 SOHC and noticed I needed an belt tensioner after noticing it bouncing like crazy. I also noticed wear on the idler pulley. From doing a search here on this forum I came up with the suggestion of putting the Dayco 5060860 belt and Gates belt tensioner. I decided to go with the suggestions.
I got all three new parts (belt, tensioner, idler pulley) and had no problem with changing the tensioner and the idler pulley. I tried my best to get the new fan belt on but even with the tensioner fully clocked downward (no tension) I couldn't get the belt on. It literally was just a hair too small and I gave up after a hour of trying. I then placed the original belt back on temporarily that is slightly worn but still good. It slide into place easily and the tensioner was about half way in the middle looking at the marking.
What I like to know, "Is it me?" Did I do something wrong? The suggested belt which is only a half inch different from factory original size, but somehow just didn't fit. Everything I read here says it will fit so I'm stumped. I got the belt off of Ebay so returning it is not the easiest thing. Any advice is appreciated.
I got all three new parts (belt, tensioner, idler pulley) and had no problem with changing the tensioner and the idler pulley. I tried my best to get the new fan belt on but even with the tensioner fully clocked downward (no tension) I couldn't get the belt on. It literally was just a hair too small and I gave up after a hour of trying. I then placed the original belt back on temporarily that is slightly worn but still good. It slide into place easily and the tensioner was about half way in the middle looking at the marking.
What I like to know, "Is it me?" Did I do something wrong? The suggested belt which is only a half inch different from factory original size, but somehow just didn't fit. Everything I read here says it will fit so I'm stumped. I got the belt off of Ebay so returning it is not the easiest thing. Any advice is appreciated.