2016 Ford F-150 Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement

Quick Answer

For most 2016 Ford F-150 models, the serpentine belt specifications are as follows. Variations may exist depending on engine options and specific vehicle configurations. Always verify part numbers with a trusted supplier or your vehicle's VIN.

• Belt Length (estimated for 3.5L/5.0L/2.7L EcoBoost): Approximately 2215mm (87.2 inches) to 2260mm (89.0 inches) depending on engine.
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN (Typical, e.g., for 3.5L/5.0L): FL3Z-8620-B or similar (verify with VIN)
• Aftermarket Cross-references (Examples - verify for your engine):
  • Gates K060875 (for some 3.5L/5.0L applications)
  • Dayco 5060875 (for some 3.5L/5.0L applications)
  • Continental Elite 4060875 (for some 3.5L/5.0L applications)
• Auto-Tensioner PN (Typical, e.g., for 3.5L/5.0L): F85Z-6B209-AA or similar (verify with VIN)
• Idler Pulley PN (Typical, e.g., for 3.5L/5.0L): F6DZ-6C348-AA or similar (verify with VIN)

Belt Routing

Before you begin any belt removal, take several clear photos of the existing belt routing from various angles. This will be your most valuable reference for proper reinstallation.

The 2016 Ford F-150 (with common engine options like the 3.5L/5.0L V8 or 2.7L EcoBoost) typically features a relatively straightforward serpentine belt path. The exact path can vary slightly between different engine configurations, but the general order of components remains consistent.

Here's a generalized step-by-step description of the routing path:

1. Crankshaft Pulley: The belt originates and encircles the large crankshaft pulley at the bottom, which powers all other accessories.
2. A/C Compressor: From the crankshaft pulley, the belt typically routes upwards to engage the A/C compressor pulley, which is often located on the lower passenger side of the engine.
3. Idler Pulley(s): After the A/C compressor, the belt will usually route over or under one or more smooth idler pulleys. These pulleys guide the belt and maintain proper tension and alignment. Pay attention to whether the belt rides over or under these smooth pulleys.
4. Alternator: The belt then proceeds to the alternator pulley, usually positioned higher up on the engine, often on the driver's side.
5. Power Steering Pump (if applicable): If your F-150 has a hydraulic power steering pump (some models may have electric power steering), the belt will route around its pulley, typically located near the alternator or lower on the driver's side.
6. Water Pump: Next, the belt engages the water pump pulley, usually centrally located or on the lower portion of the engine block near the front.
7. Automatic Tensioner: Finally, the belt loops around the automatic tensioner pulley. This spring-loaded pulley applies constant tension to the belt, ensuring proper grip and preventing slippage.

Ensure that the ribbed side of the belt always contacts ribbed pulleys (crankshaft, alternator, A/C, power steering, water pump), and the smooth backside of the belt contacts smooth idler pulleys and often the automatic tensioner pulley.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves.
2. Document Routing: Review the photos you took earlier to confirm the correct routing.
3. Locate Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square opening (usually 3/8" or 1/2") or a hex head cast into its arm.
4. Relieve Tension: Insert a serpentine belt tool or a breaker bar with the correct square drive into the tensioner's opening. Rotate the tool to pivot the tensioner arm, thereby relieving tension on the belt. Note: You will be pushing or pulling the tensioner, depending on its orientation, to compress the spring.
5. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner open, slip the old belt off one of the easier-to-reach pulleys (like an idler or the alternator).
6. Inspect Pulleys: With the belt off, thoroughly inspect all pulleys (alternator, A/C, idlers, water pump, power steering) for signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. Spin each pulley by hand; they should spin smoothly with no wobble or grinding noises. Replace any worn idlers or the tensioner if they show signs of failure.
7. Route New Belt: Carefully route the new serpentine belt according to your documented photos and the above description. Leave one pulley (preferably an easy-to-reach one like the alternator or an idler) for last.
8. Final Tensioning: Once the belt is routed correctly around all pulleys except for the last one, use your serpentine belt tool/breaker bar to relieve tension on the tensioner again. Slip the belt onto the final pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply pressure to the new belt.
9. Double-Check: Visually inspect the entire belt path to ensure the belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves and that no part of the belt is pinched or misaligned.
10. Reconnect Battery & Test: Reconnect the battery terminal. Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises (squealing, chirping). Observe the belt for proper operation.

Replacement Interval

Ford generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at regular service intervals (e.g., every 15,000 to 30,000 miles) and replacing it as needed. Many technicians suggest a proactive replacement between 60,000 to 100,000 miles for most vehicles, or sooner if signs of wear are observed. The automatic belt tensioner and idler pulleys should also be inspected and are often replaced concurrently with the belt, especially if they show signs of wear or noise.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to loss of power steering, A/C, battery charging, and engine overheating. Be alert for these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom. It often indicates a loose, worn, or misaligned belt, or a failing pulley bearing (tensioner or idler).
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Visible cracking on the ribbed side of the belt, fraying edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance on the belt material are clear indicators that the belt needs replacement.
• Loss of Power Steering: If the power steering becomes difficult, especially at low speeds, the belt may be slipping or broken.
• Battery Light On / Dead Battery: A failing or broken belt will stop the alternator from charging the battery, leading to a battery warning light and eventually a dead battery.
• Overheating Engine: If the water pump is not being driven by the belt, the engine will overheat.
• A/C Not Working: The A/C compressor will not engage if the belt is broken or slipping excessively.
• Grinding or Growling Noises from Pulleys: These sounds often point to a failing bearing within an idler pulley or the automatic tensioner.
• Belt Wobble: If the belt visibly wobbles or jumps erratically while the engine is running, the tensioner may be weak or a pulley may be misaligned.

Engine Option Variation Note:

The 2016 Ford F-150 was available with several engine options, including the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost, 2.7L V6 EcoBoost, 3.5L V6 Ti-VCT, and 5.0L V8. While the general replacement procedure is similar, the exact belt length, part numbers for the belt, tensioner, and idlers WILL VARY SIGNIFICANTLY between these engines. Always confirm the correct part numbers using your specific vehicle's VIN to ensure compatibility.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.