Replacing Stretch Belts Used to be Hard
I remember the first time I ever replaced a stretch style power steering belt on an older Ford Taurus. I remember a couple things about that job very vividly- they are bloody knuckles, swearing, more bloody knuckles, swearing and then a zip tie.
Before tools like the Lisle 59370 stretch belt remove and replace tool were popular, the easiest way to change a stretch belt was to zip tie the belt to one of the pulleys and work it on until the belt slipped over pulley and the zip tie broke.
In this post I’m going to introduce you to a different way to put stretch belts on that involves a pretty simple to use tool. The Lisle 59370.
Lisle is Notorious for Time-Saving Specialty Tools
If you don’t believe me that Lisle is notorious for time-saving specialty tools, just ask the last guy that changed spark plugs in a 5.4 liter Ford Triton engine. Odds are he or she used a tool designed and made famous by Lisle for removing the two-piece spark plugs Ford made oh-so infamous in the early 2000’s.
The tool that we’re talking about today is for removing and replacing special stretch belts like the ones found on many engine accessories from Ford, Mazda, Toyota and Subaru.
Starting in 2007, Ford started to use stretch belts on the 3.5 liter engine for its power steering pump and shortly after Subaru and Toyota began using these little life-sucking belts. If you are an independent technician or especially a Ford/Mazda tech, there’s almost no chance you have not changed a stretch belt at one time or another.
Start Using the Lisle 59370 to Remove or Replace Stretch Belts
Above you will see a picture of the stretch belt removal tool made by Lisle in all of its so-simple but effective beauty. It’s so easy to use the Lisle 59370 that it’s etched right in the tool telling you which way to remove and which way to replace.
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How to Use the Lisle 59370 to Change a Stretch Belt
Heres the simple procedure to use with the Lisle 59370 to replace a stretch belt on Ford and other engines.
Removal
1). Insert the tool behind the stretch belt.
2). Crank the engine by hand with a large ratchet and socket causing the pulleys to turn.
3). Watch as the stretch belt begins to slide around the tool and eventually off the pulley.
Installation of stretch belt
1). Place stretch belt around the crank pulley.
2). Get the belt started around the other accessory being powered by it.
3). Put the Lisle 59370 under the belt as the image shows.
4). Spin the engine clock-wise to install the stretch belt.
5). Remove the Lisle 59370 and be DONE with it!
Removal and Installation of Stretch Belts is That Easy
If you are reading this post and you have ever changed a stretch belt the old-fashion way, there’s zero chance you didn’t smile at some point. It has never been this simple to remove and replace a stretch belt on a car engine before the Lisle 59370.
I’m sure you are curious how much the Lisle 59370 costs and what the warranty is like and I’m going to tell you but in all reality- who cares? If a tool saves you the amount of time that this one does replacing those evil stretch belts it could cost $100 and I would still buy five of them.
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What’s the Price?
Fortunately for you, the Lisle 59370 does not cost anywhere near $100 and you won’t have to buy five of them. The stretch belt removal tool can be bought on Amazon for less than $20 and backed by a limited lifetime warranty. See below.
Reviews and Ratings for Lisle 59370
As you can imagine the reviews on something as handy as the Lisle stretch belt remover/installation tool are great. The 59370 is literally the definition of a good tool. It’s simply designed, simple to use and it costs less than a 30-pack of beer. Here’s what some of the user-reviews on Amazon say just for safe measure.
This tool is must have for front wheel drive vehicle that’s hard to reach space.- Terry Williams (Verified Buyer)
Another review:
Item works PERFECT, must purchase if you work in any shop now a days.- Phil Adams (Verified Buyer)
As you can see from the ratings above, both of which are five stars out of five- the Lisle 59370 is a must-have tool in an auto repair shop. It’s one of those tools that could potentially save you hours on some jobs.
Lisle 59370 Warranty and Process
As I just said, the Lisle 59370 comes backed by a warranty against defect and if you’re able to break the tool changing a stretch belt you can replace it for free using the company’s contact and support page on its website.
The process to warranty the stretch belt removal/installation tool is similar to other hand tool manufacturers where you submit a picture along with a description of how you broke the tool or what defect it came with.
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A More Universal Stretch Belt Removal/Install Tool
If a simple tool like this one from Lisle is not enough for you or there are more universal applications you may need it for- check out the tool below.
The above tool costs a bit more (around $50) and isn’t made by Lisle but it could be an interesting way to change stretch belts on almost any engine.
Conclusion- Lisle’s Stretch Belt Tool Speaks for Itself
Honestly I had a hard time even writing enough in this post to be worth it for you guys, but there’s no way I wasn’t going to introduce the Lisle stretch belt removal and installation to you.
After the many busted knuckles I’ve given myself over the years changing stretch belts, I was ecstatic to see this tool the first time I used it. If you haven’t used it, I recommend it. In case you didn’t notice.
Author- John Green
If you purchase through my website, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All posts are well researched and meant to find you better tools at a cheaper price.
