Buy Ford Fusion Serpentine Belts

The serpentine belt-sometimes called the drive belt, accessory belt, or fan belt-wraps around several pulleys on your Ford Fusion's engine and keeps critical parts like the alternator, water pump, power-steering pump, and A/C compressor working in sync. When this single, multi-ribbed belt slips or breaks, you can lose charging power, engine cooling, and steering assist all at once, which can quickly overheat or stall the car. (Ford Service Content, Mechanic Base)

A healthy belt grips the crankshaft pulley and turns every front-of-engine accessory in one continuous loop. That simple loop eliminates the need for multiple V-belts and reduces drag, improving fuel economy and lowering noise. (Gates, Mechanic Base)

Ford's 2.5-liter Fusion engines route the belt along the generator (alternator), A/C compressor, idler pulley, and tensioner; the factory diagram is printed on a sticker under the hood and shown in the owner-service literature. (Ford Service Content)

• High-pitched squeal or chirp on cold starts or sharp turns. (Family Handyman, Popular Mechanics)
• Visible glazing, fraying, or rib separation. (MediaRoom, Mechanic Base)
• Warning lights for battery, over-temperature, or steering assist. (Mechanic Base)
• Power-steering feels heavy or A/C stops blowing cold. (Mechanic Base)

Ford lists the Fusion's accessory drive belt for inspection at 100,000 miles and replacement at 150,000 miles under normal service. (Ford Service Content) Independent maintenance groups advise planning replacement sooner-about every 60,000-100,000 miles-if the car tows, idles long periods, or drives in extreme climates. (AAA, Reddit) Newer EPDM rubber belts usually last longer because they resist cracking and heat better than older neoprene types. (Gates, Gates)

1. Safety first: Disconnect the negative battery cable and let the engine cool.
2. Release tension: Use a serpentine-belt wrench on the tensioner arm, then slide the belt off the nearest pulley. (Popular Mechanics)
3. Route the new belt: Follow the under-hood diagram to loop the fresh belt over each pulley, ensuring all ribs seat squarely.
4. Spin & listen: Before restarting, spin idler and tensioner pulleys by hand; replace any that feel rough or noisy. (Mechanic Base, Bob Is The Oil Guy)
5. Start & inspect: Let the engine idle and watch the belt track. A steady, vibration-free path means the job is complete.

• Automatic tensioner: Keeps the belt tight; experts recommend swapping it whenever you fit a new belt because worn springs cause slippage. (, MediaRoom)
• Idler pulleys: Provide wrap angle and guide the belt; rough bearings create squeals. (Mechanic Base)
• Harmonic balancer: Houses the crank pulley; a failing rubber damper can misalign the belt. (Industrias Dolz)

A failed belt may trigger loss of power-steering assist, making the wheel hard to turn-especially risky for young or elderly drivers. (Mechanic Base) Always carry roadside assistance contact information and know how to identify burning-rubber smells that warn of imminent failure. (MediaRoom, Family Handyman)

Modern belts use EPDM rubber, which contains ozone-resistant polymers that extend life and cut landfill waste by staying serviceable longer. (Gates, Gates) Recycle old belts through community hazardous-waste or rubber-recycling programs to keep them out of landfills. (Be Car Care Aware)

Q: What size belt does my Fusion need?
A: Size varies by engine and options; check the sticker under the hood or consult the VIN-specific parts catalog to match rib count and length. (Ford Service Content)

Q: Can I drive with a squealing belt?
A: Short trips may be possible, but persistent noise means slipping; the belt could break and strand you, so replace it right away. (Mechanic Base)

Q: Is a serpentine belt the same as a timing belt?
A: No. The serpentine belt powers accessories outside the engine, while the timing belt or chain keeps internal engine parts in sync. (Mechanic Base)

Q: How do I test belt tension?
A: Press midway between pulleys; more than about ½-inch of deflection suggests a weak tensioner or stretched belt. (mn-ia.aaa.com)

Q: Will cold weather hurt the belt?
A: Extreme cold stiffens rubber, making start-up squeals more likely, but proper tension and clean pulleys minimize noise. (Mechanic Base)

Q: Why replace the tensioner too?
A: Its spring weakens at the same rate the belt wears; a fresh belt on a tired tensioner can still slip or squeal. (Bob Is The Oil Guy)

Q: What tools do I need?
A: A serpentine-belt wrench or a long 3⁄8-inch-drive ratchet usually fits the tensioner, plus a flashlight and gloves. (AAA)

Q: How long does replacement take?
A: On most Fusion models, an experienced DIYer can swap the belt in 20-30 minutes because it sits at the front of the engine. (Popular Mechanics)

Q: What happens if the belt breaks while driving?
A: You'll likely see the battery light, coolant temp may spike, steering turns heavy, and the engine can stall within minutes-pull over safely and call for help. (Mechanic Base, Mechanic Base)

Q: Does EPDM rubber crack like older belts?
A: EPDM rarely shows cracks; instead, it loses rib height, so mechanics use wear-gauges rather than visual crack counts. (Popular Mechanics, Gates)