Ford Escort Forum : “serpentine belt installation”

There should be a sticker showing the belt routing diagram and location of the tensioner on either the fan shroud, radiator core support, or fender well area of the engine compartment.  If there is not, you will need to contact a mechanic or check out a Haynes manual for the type and location of tensioner used on this particular engine.

You must jack up the front passenger side of the car, remove the wheel, and the plastic shroud from inside the wheel well.  Then using a prybar and socket you can get to the tensioner from underneith. It's a huge Pain in the a$$.  It's best if you have someone to help you to pull the belt off as the other one releases the tensioner, and same for putting it back on.  It's a very tight fit between the pullies and the frame/fender

Agreed, it is a huge pain...  It's possible to roll is up on ramps and get it from below but it is easier to do on stands with the wheel off.

I'd recommend taking it to a JiffyLube if you can afford it.  Heartland automotive own most the franchise now and they have a flat fee for belts. Not worth it if your belt is easy to get to, but you screw them on labor on cars like this.

dumb question but how did you get the old one off.....

get a spanner or small socket  (13mm i think) on the nut of the tentioner and turn towards the back of the car