need help replacing fan belt

[txpkup]

99 silverado 5.3. my fan belt dissapearred. my truck runs like normal except it feels like the power steering is locked up, almost like its a fuel line problem. i checked to make sure pwr strng fl. was topped off. the battery light is also on when the engine's running. just wondering how difficult it is to replace a fan belt for someone who is mechanically inclined but doesnt know anything about fan belts. I appreciate comments from any one who's ever been there!

[Draenor]

Its not hard. Start by getting the belt on around fan. Snake it around the pulleys, according to the diagram on the fan shroud. I believe it's a 1/2 in drive hole in the belt tensioner. Get a 1/2 in drive socket wrench in it, pull down and place the belt around. Release and your done. Check to make sure the belt is completely placed on the pulleys. That should restore power to the power steering pump, and alternator, clearing the charge light.

 

Dont have a 1/2 drive wrench. Try using a large channel lock plier and grip the tensioner to turn it, this can bee difficult. Another is to wedge a pry bar.

[txpkup]

thanks a bunch. got it fixed and she runs great. for anyone who has a 5.3L: my top left circular thing actually came completely off, and I'm guessing that's what did in the actual belt (plenty of sharp shards of metal sticking about). I don't know if that top left one is a common occurance on these trucks (doubt it, after 186,000 miles) but that's my two cents. and now my service engine light is gone too!