How to Route the Belt on a Ford Transit?
3 Answers
Route the belt from the crankshaft to the upper idler pulley. Proceed to the compressor, loop around three pulleys, then pass through the topmost crankshaft pulley. Route around the power steering pump, then the alternator, and finally around the tensioner to complete the installation.
I replaced the drive belt on my Ford Transit by myself a few days ago, and it was quite interesting. Open the hood, first loosen the tensioner—usually the part with the wrench symbol. The belt routing is crucial, as the Transit typically comes with 2.2L and 2.5L diesel engines, and the paths differ slightly. For my 2.2L, I started from the crankshaft, then went to the alternator, water pump, air conditioning compressor, and finally looped back to the tensioner. There’s a diagram label under the hood; if it’s hard to see, take a photo of the old belt’s routing with your phone. When installing the new belt, keep it under tension—don’t leave it too loose. It took me over an hour the first time, so take it slow and don’t rush. A simple wrench is all you need for tools. After the replacement, start the car and listen for smooth operation—it’s quite satisfying, saving money and ensuring safety. Just remember not to forget to tighten the tensioner.
Replacing the belt on a Ford Transit isn't difficult, but the routing must be precise. Generally, it follows the sequence of alternator, water pump, and air conditioning compressor. First, loosen the tensioner pulley bolt, remove the old belt, and confirm the routing by checking the wear marks on the old belt. Install the new belt in the correct position, starting from the crankshaft and passing through the other pulleys in order. The tensioner is self-adjusting, so just a light turn with a wrench is enough. Be careful not to skip any pulley, or the belt may slip. Designs may vary between different model years—my older 2015 model was simpler, while newer versions with air conditioning systems are more complex. After replacement, check the belt tension; pressing with one finger should leave about two centimeters of elastic gap. The whole job takes about 20 minutes, and regular maintenance can extend the belt's lifespan.
