2004 Focus 1.8 Diesel Alternator Belt Change

[andyd99]

Guys and gals,

I know this question has been asked a million and one times probably, but i need to change the alternator belt on my 2004 focus diesel. The squealing noise is driving me crazy. It seemed to get worse last night when i did an oil and filter change, topped up the pas fluid and spilt some onto the belt. It needs doing anyway, but my questions are

Is it an easy job to do on my drive?

Can I do it without jacking the vehicle up??

Is it an easy risk to take not being that vehicle technically minded, bearing in mind I use the car everyday for work?

Does the d/s front wheel have to come off to gain more access or can it be done from under the motor??

Apologies for all the questions, but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

[karlos1987]

Very easy job mate. Not sure on access on your car though.

I've always done mine from the top of the engine reaching down.

You just need to loosen the belt tensioner and swap belts. The tricky part is tightening the tensioner back up so it's just right.

What I do is count how many turns to slacken it off and do the same when tightening back up.

You shouldn't really mess it up but if you do its not the end of the world. You would just be without a car till you fix it.

Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app

[stef123]

Iirc the 1.8 is an auto tensioner..

[karlos1987]

Iirc the 1.8 is an auto tensioner..

My bad.

Get a Haynes manual for your car and it will show you how to do it.

Sent from my C5303 using Ford OC mobile app

[andyd99]

Iirc the 1.8 is an auto tensioner..

Sorry to sound thick, but is that not an easier job????? more involved???

[stef123]

Sorry to sound thick, but is that not an easier job????? more involved???

It does make it an easier job. No fiddling about setting the tension