A/C belt challenge

[Myron Nelson]

The “stretch” A/C belt isn't proving to be as easy to get on the compressor pulley as described in the (Coupe) plans. Anybody know of a trick or tool that works?
Thanks in advance.

[TrackDay17]

The “stretch” A/C belt isn't proving to be as easy to get on the compressor pulley as described in the (Coupe) plans. Anybody know of a trick or tool that works?
Thanks in advance.

Ok, I haven't done on on a Coyote which is what I'm assuming you are working on.
However I did have the distinct pleasure of changing a stretch power steering belt on a 2011 Ford Edge a few months ago.
Several videos on Youtube describing how to do it but basically you use part of an old rag and a couple of zip ties to hold the belt while you turn it, the rag keeps it from slipping and the ties keep it on.

One piece of advice I can say is make sure you have the right belt.
The belt I bought I couldn't get on no matter what and I then discovered lots of people had the same problem.
The belt that fit was the Gates belt from my local O'reilly's.

Good luck, stretch belts are a pain in the butt.

[Myron Nelson]

Thanks for the reply. Yes it is a Coyote and what complicates the matter is that the A/C belt is aft of the main belt

[TrackDay17]

On the Edge V6 its really close to the right frame rail and its behind the main belt.
I replaced both belts since the power steering belt broke first and took out the main belt.
I had to put the PS belt on first and then the accessory belt.

[edwardb]

I don't know any special tricks. I followed the directions using the tie wrap and spinning it on and it worked. Although with some effort and several tries. I've had it off and on a couple times since with the same result. Hang in there is all I can say. :p

[Myron Nelson]

Mission accomplished. For some reason my setup wouldn't work without removing the oil pan. The gap between the pulley and the flange was a m/m thinner than the belt itself. Maybe it's a gen4 thing or a MK5 thing or maybe it's a mirror, black cat, and ladder thing, it took most of the day but all of the belts are now installed.