AC belt replacement. Who's done it and how?

So I've been experiencing the dreaded belt squeal. I was certain it was the main accessory belt as the tensioner was showing signs of failure. I replaced it, the belt and all the associated pulleys. Yet unfortunately it's still there. Only one left is the ac belt and tensioner.

SO, anyone have or willing to post a good "how-to" guide on doing it? If not, does anyone at least know if the belt will fit over/around the cooling fan as the accessory belt does?

There is a line across the radiator shroud on each side about 5 or 6 inches down from the top. Cut the shroud along those lines and the top part of the shroud will come off. The belt can then bu changed out without a big hassle.

Dave

DaveBen said:

There is a line across the radiator shroud on each side about 5 or 6 inches down from the top. Cut the shroud along those lines and the top part of the shroud will come off. The belt can then bu changed out without a big hassle.

Dave

Click to expand...

???
The upper shroud is held down by four bolts. I've been able to get it off completely in about 10 minutes without cutting it previously. Are you saying I need to cut the lower shroud? Somehow that doesn't sound right.

Or, now that I'm further thinking about it, are you saying the rear part of the shroud that surrounds the fan ought to be cut?

If it is this, then it sounds like it is possible to work that belt around the fan regardless but it just takes a little longer. Am I wrong in this assumption?

I was referring to the upper shroud that is held in with four bolts. Sounds like that is done.

Dave

On my truck the upper part of the shroud goes back to the surround, I think. I will look when it gets light out and the rain stops.

Dave

Sounds good. Thank you.

Yes my upper shroud cut goes back to the fan surround.

Dave

So I got it done yesterday, and I did not see the "cut" you were talking about. I'm wondering why our surrounds are different.

What I ended up doing was remove the main accessory belt tensioner to get to the ac belt and tensioner. Using an ac delco tensioner tool, I removed the ac belt and removed the tensioner itself. To get the belt completely off the truck, I only had to remove one bolt on the lower shroud. It's a 13mm or 1/2 inch deep. Either one will work. When removing that bolt, it will not completely come off the shroud, and you do not want it to. You simply want to be able to allow the belt to pass behind it.

To get the ac belt back on, you absolutely need an adjustable tensioner tool. You need to leverage to get the tensioner open enough to get the belt on, and it requires a funny angle a ratchet and breaker bar will allow for.

It's possible to get both belts and tensioners swapped in less than two hours if you're muddling through it, and under an hour if you are seasoned at it.

Thanks WANTED.

Dave