Ford Mustang (1999-2004) Service Manual: Inspection and Verification

1. Verify customer concern by running the engine.

2. Inspect the drive belt for chunking, fraying and wear.

3. Check the drive belt for correct routing.

Drive Belt Cracking/Chunking/Wear

V Ribbed Serpentine Drive Belt With Cracks Across Ribs

V Ribbed Serpentine Drive Belt With Cracks Across Ribs

The accessory drive:

  • has a single serpentine drive belt.
  • has an automatic drive belt tensioner.
  • does not require adjustment.

V Ribbed Belt With Chunks of Rib Missing

V Ribbed Belt With Chunks of Rib Missing

Symptom Chart

Condition Possible Sources Action
  • Drive belt noise, chirping, flutter
  • Defective/worn drive belt.
  • Misaligned pulley.
  • Pulley runout.
  • Damaged accessories.
  • Fluid contamination of drive belt.
  • Damaged or worn drive belt tensioner
  • GO to Component Tests, Drive Belt, Noise/Flutter.
  • GO to Component Tests, Belt Tensioner, Automatic.
  • Premature drive belt wear
  • Defective drive belt.
  • Misaligned pulley.
  • Pulley runout.
  • Damaged accessories.
  • Incorrectly installed drive belt.
  • GO to Component Tests, Drive Belt Noise/Flutter and Drive Belt Misalignment diagnosis.
    Component Tests
    Drive Belt Noise/Flutter Drive belt chirp occurs due to pulley misalignment or excessive pulley runout. It can be the result of a damaged pulley or an incorrectly aligned pulley. To correct, determi ...

    Other materials:

    Component Tests
    Steering Linkage 1. NOTE: Excessive vertical motion of the studs relative to the sockets may indicate excessive wear. With the parking brake applied, perform the following: Have an assistant rotate the steering wheel back and forth 360 degrees and watch ...

    Knock
    Knock, which can occur on all driving phases, has several causes including damaged teeth or gearset. In most cases, one of the following conditions will occur: 1. A gear tooth damaged on the drive side is a common cause of the knock. This can usually be cor ...

    Using the boot
    Installing the Boot WARNING: Always secure the retaining clips and boot straps on the vehicle or the boot may come loose while driving. Note: Be sure the boot is secure on the vehicle before driving. Improper installation can result in loss or damage of the b ...