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[Webby the Bear]

...had a Focus come in on Friday. I did the wishbones and the brakes. Then anaux belt was plonked on my tool cart. ''ooooh I hope that's not a stretch belt, you'll be there forever'' said one of the mechanics.

in the end I inserted a 13mm long bolt in to the tensioner, this slackened it and I was easily able to fit the new belt.

however wtf is a stretch type belt? never even heard of one 

[aaronjb]

It's exactly what the name implies a slightly stretchy belt installed on a system with no tensioner - the stretch is what provides the tension.

An absolute sod to install, I should imagine!

[Webby the Bear]

Aaron, that's exactly what they said (that it was a sod to fit).

So no tensioner.....a quick google search shows a special tool  ::)for fitting. I wonder if youd get away with stretching it over with a screwdriver or equivalent 

[Lazydocker]

Whilst not the right way, possibly

I've certainly fitted my fair share (at the roadside) by spinning the engine over with it stretched almost into place

[Webby the Bear]

thanks lazy 

I presume to remove old one you can simply cut it?

[iansoutham]

To remove the old one you simply cut the belt.

To replace, Ford ones come with the special tool to slide over one of the pulleys. Then, as you turn the crank clockwise, the special tool allows the new belt to simply slide into place.

Have done loads and once you work out how the tool is supposed to be used, it takes a matter of seconds/minutes to fit them. Also, to save the old belt sometimes, you can normally remove either the crank pulley (if held with 3 or 4 small bolts) or the PAS pump to relieve the tension and then refit accordingly (only do this if the history of the belt is known).

[Webby the Bear]

thanks for the info mate 

[Lazydocker]

thanks lazy 

I presume to remove old one you can simply cut it?

When I've had to fit them at the roadside (breakdowns) the old one was already missing

[Webby the Bear]

thanks lazy 

I presume to remove old one you can simply cut it?

When I've had to fit them at the roadside (breakdowns) the old one was already missing

 

Good point! lol