Replace Stretchy Auxiliary Belts for Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec

Replace Stretchy Auxiliary Belts for Ford Focus 1.6 Zetec

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Tools and Materials Needed
3. Removing the Wheel and Wheel Arch Liner
4. Removing the Old Belts
5. Measuring and Installing the New Belt
6. Reattaching the Power Steering Reservoir and Coolant Bottle
7. Reinstalling the Wheel Arch Liner and Wheel
8. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will discuss how to replace the auxiliary belts on a Ford Focus 1.6 with a 16 valve zetec engine. The auxiliary belts, also known as stretch belts, are an important component of the engine that drive various accessories such as the power steering pump and air conditioning compressor. We will guide you step by step on how to replace these belts, using our preferred method that does not require any special tools. So, let's get started!

Tools and Materials Needed

Before we begin, let's gather the tools and materials needed to replace the auxiliary belts:

• Socket set with various socket sizes
• Torx 30 screwdriver
• Knife
• Screwdriver
• Lever bar or similar lever tool
• New auxiliary belts

Make sure you have all these items handy before you start the process.

Removing the Wheel and Wheel Arch Liner

To access the auxiliary belts, you will need to remove the wheel and the wheel arch liner. Follow these steps:

1. Loosen the wheel nuts using a socket set.
2. Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
3. Remove the wheel nuts completely and take off the wheel.
4. Locate the Torx 30 screws holding the wheel arch liner in place underneath the front wing.
5. Use the Torx 30 screwdriver to remove these screws.
6. There will also be a few screws at the bottom of the wing and underneath the front bumper. Remove them as well.
7. Once all the screws are removed, gently pull out the wheel arch liner.

Removing the Old Belts

Now that we have access to the auxiliary belts, we can proceed to remove the old belts. Follow these steps:

1. Removing the Power Steering Belt:

1. Locate the power steering pump and reservoir. It is attached to a bracket with an 8mm bolt on the top side.
2. Use a socket set to remove this bolt and lift the reservoir out of the bracket.
3. Move the reservoir to the side.
4. Pull the coolant bottle out of its clips and slide it to one side.
5. Disconnect the hose at the bottom of the coolant bottle from the plastic clip.
6. Locate the alternator and find the 15mm bolt at the bottom.
7. Use a socket set to loosen this bolt by half a turn.
8. There are two 15mm nuts and another 15mm bolt on the alternator. Remove them all.
9. At the end of the stud, there is a small e-bit. Use the appropriate size e-bit socket to remove the stud completely.
10. Once the stud is removed, pull the alternator down to release tension on the belt.
11. Slide the old power steering belt off the pulleys.

2. Removing the Air Conditioning Belt:

1. Put the new belt around the air conditioning pump pulley.
2. Place it on the bottom half of the crankshaft.
3. Use your thumb to hold the belt in place.
4. Turn the crankshaft clockwise using a socket or spanner, while simultaneously pushing the belt with your thumb.
5. If the belt goes one ridge too far towards you on the aircon pump, continue spinning the engine over and push the top of the belt back between the two pulleys, toward the engine.

Note: The old belts can be cut off with a knife if desired, but it is recommended to remove them in one piece for reference.

Measuring and Installing the New Belt

Before installing the new belt, it is crucial to measure it and ensure it matches the old belt in length. Here's how you do it:

1. Stretch both the old and new belts out to their full lengths.
2. Compare the lengths to ensure they are roughly the same.
3. If they are the same length, proceed to install the new belt. If not, obtain the correct belt before continuing.

Now, let's install the new belt following these steps:

1. Feed the new belt down to the crankshaft pulley.
2. Wrap it around the power steering pump pulley.
3. Pass it over the top of the alternator pulley.
4. Position it halfway across the water pump pulley.

At this point, you may find it challenging to push the belt onto the water pump pulley due to its tight fit. Don't worry; we've got a solution:

1. Place a lever bar or similar lever tool against the alternator.
2. Pull the alternator down to create more slack in the belt.
3. While holding the lever tool, slide the belt underneath the water pump pulley.

Make sure the belt is properly aligned on all the pulleys and centred on the water pump pulley. This ensures smooth operation and reduces the risk of the belt coming off.

Reattaching the Power Steering Reservoir and Coolant Bottle

Now that the new belt is in place, let's reattach the power steering reservoir and coolant bottle:

1. Position the power steering reservoir back onto the bracket.
2. Use a socket set to tighten the 8mm bolt securing the reservoir.
3. Slide the coolant bottle back into its clips.
4. Reinsert the hose at the bottom of the coolant bottle into the plastic clip.

Reinstalling the Wheel Arch Liner and Wheel

Before we conclude the process, let's reinstall the wheel arch liner and wheel:

1. Align the wheel arch liner with the appropriate holes in the bodywork.
2. Gently push the liner back in, making sure it is properly seated.
3. Locate the Torx 30 screws and use the screwdriver to secure them in place.
4. Attach the wheel back onto the wheel hub.
5. Put the wheel nuts on and tighten them using a socket set.
6. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
7. Finally, use a torque wrench to properly tighten the wheel nuts according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully replaced the auxiliary belts on your Ford Focus 1.6. By following our step-by-step guide and using our preferred method, you were able to complete the job efficiently and effectively without the need for any special tools. Remember to measure the new belt against the old one to ensure a proper fit. Always double-check the positioning of the belts on the pulleys before finishing up. With this knowledge, you can confidently maintain and repair your vehicle's auxiliary belts in the future.

Highlights

• Learn how to replace the auxiliary belts on a Ford Focus 1.6 with a 16 valve zetec engine.
• Perform the replacement without the need for special tools.
• Gather the necessary tools and materials before starting the process.
• Remove the wheel and wheel arch liner to access the auxiliary belts.
• Remove the old belts and measure the new belt before installation.
• Properly install the new belt, ensuring it is aligned on all the pulleys.
• Reattach the power steering reservoir and coolant bottle.
• Reinstall the wheel arch liner and wheel.
• Complete the replacement efficiently and effectively, maintaining the functionality of the auxiliary belts.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use a special tool to replace the auxiliary belts? A: While there are special tools available for this task, we recommend using our preferred method, which does not require any special tools.

Q: How do I measure the new belt before installation? A: Stretch both the old and new belts to their full lengths and compare them. They should be roughly the same length for a proper fit.

Q: What is the purpose of the lever tool during installation? A: The lever tool helps create more slack in the belt, making it easier to slide it underneath the water pump pulley.

Q: Can I cut off the old belts? A: Yes, you can use a knife to cut off the old belts if desired. However, it is recommended to remove them in one piece for reference.

Q: Are there any precautions to take during the installation process? A: Make sure the belt is properly aligned on all the pulleys and centred on the water pump pulley to ensure smooth operation.

Q: Do I need to tighten the power steering reservoir and coolant bottle securely? A: Yes, use a socket set to tighten the bolts that secure the power steering reservoir and properly reinsert the coolant bottle into its clips.