Serpentine belt little bit too tight?

2008 FORD EDGE
AUTOMATIC
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COOLY3589
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I'm trying to put on my new serpentine belt and it's a little bit too tight ,I'm trying figure what can I loosen to fit it on
Sep 18, 2026 at 10:10 AM
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STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,330 POSTS
Which belt are you replacing? The rear belt (4 in the image) is a stretch fit belt, you use a special tool that stretches it while guiding it onto the lower pulley. The front belt (1 in the image) has a spring loaded tensioner that you use a ratchet to rotate clockwise so that the belt can fit. Normally with that one I put the belt under the tensioner and onto the crank and AC pulleys, then hold it up and move the tensioner so I can slide it onto the alternator pulley, it has the least amount of lip to obstruct the belt.
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Sep 18, 2026 at 12:53 PM
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