I need to replace my serpentine belt, it with the power steering pump deleted. What size belt would I need? 2007 Mercury Milan

Well driving my car I hit a raccoon and it messed up my power steering pump. However a mechanic friend of mine told me I could still drive it without the power steering pump. I just need to know what size belt it would take.

My car has approximately 180,000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there – this may or may not be possible. Bypassing the power steering pump may route the serpentine belt in conflict with other rotating components on the engine. Using a "soft measuring tape" (like a tailor uses), measure the distance around all but the PS pump, following the same path the original serpentine belt follows, minus the PS pump. Do this with the belt tensioner in the "full tension" position. Take this measurement (in millimeters) to your auto parts store, and ask for a belt with this length, and the same number of grooves as the stock belt. This may require trying several belts (assuming no conflicts) to get one the length you require. Will likely be simpler, and not that much more expensive, to replace the PS pump. Good luck!

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A typical serpentine belt generally starts at around $15 and goes up to $80 at most. Add to that the labor costs that can range from $75 and $120. Altogether, you`re looking at around $90 to $200 (plus taxes and fees) to replace your serpentine belt.
The rule of thumb is to add 1½ to 2 inches to the inside circumference measurement. Our setup demanded a belt between 57½ and 58 inches in length.
Use a 17mm wrench to pull the tension back, then tighten the 13mm bolt which locks the slotted portion in the bracket. Remove the belt, this can be tricky if you are working with an inline drivetrain that is equipped with a mechanical fan.
4-Size Ratcheting Serpentine Belt Tool 14mm x 17mm x 19mm x 3/4″ Male Square.
Loosing the serpentine belt should not affect the engine timing.
The serpentine belt “snakes” around several components of the engine, transferring mechanical power to nearly every critical part. Under normal conditions, the belt needs to be replaced every 4 to 6 years.
Use a cloth measuring tape (not a steel one) and wrap it around the outside of the belt. You also use a thin string to take this measurement and place it on a steel tape to get the correct length. Next, for “A” Belts (1/2” width) subtract two-inches from the outside measurement to select the correct V-belt.
An easy way to determine belt size is to simply “add 2″ to your off-the-rack trouser size. For example, if you wear a 36” waist trouser, then a 38-belt size will be a safe bet. Most will find this simple formula works best for pants worn at a traditional height–close to the natural waistline.
Drive Belt, Serpentine Belt, and V-Belt are basically different names for the same thing. The Drive Belt / Serpentine Belt is a rubber belt mounted on the exterior of your car engine.
Belt Length Matters

A belt that is too short, for example, will cause too much tension and put higher than normal loads on the bearings inside the alternator, power steering pump and water pump. A belt that is too long (just an inch or less) may slip, make noise and wear prematurely.

It comes in four sizes (2L, 3L, 4L, and 5L).
Carefully centre the belt and pull down on the movable pulley until the belt is taut. Pull the belt as tight as possible for a good reading. On the scale underneath the moveable pulley, the outer lines on the blue plastic will indicate the length of the belt in millimetres and inches.
It`s a reinforced, ribbed rubber belt that delivers power to your alternator, air conditioning, power steering, cooling system, and other components in your vehicle. Usually, these belts don`t require maintenance, and will last up to 150,000 miles.
Under ideal circumstances, your car`s serpentine belt should last 60,000–100,000 miles. It`s important to replace this belt as part of your vehicle`s scheduled maintenance (even if it looks okay) to avoid it breaking while you`re on the road.
Components made from rubber tend to break down as they age, and serpentine belts are no exception. As time goes on and the miles roll on, you might notice your belt take on a shiny or “glazed” appearance. Cracks can also form along the belt`s surface and small chunks of rubber can even peel or chip off.
Yes, with a few tools. Use a long-handled socket wrench to loosen the tensioner. This will allow you to remove the old belt. Wind the new belt correctly through each of the parts that run on the serpentine belt.
The only pulleys you should be able to turn by hand when the serpentine belt is not in place are: the water pump, alternator, and power steering pump pulleys.
Yes, with a few tools. Use a long-handled socket wrench to loosen the tensioner. This will allow you to remove the old belt. Wind the new belt correctly through each of the parts that run on the serpentine belt.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

I need to replace my serpentine belt, it with the power steering pump deleted. What size belt would I need? 2007 Mercury Milan
ANSWER : Hi there – this may or may not be possible. Bypassing the power steering pump may route the serpentine belt in conflict with other rotating components on the engine. Using a "soft measuring tape" (like a tailor uses), measure the distance around all but the PS pump, following the same path the original serpentine belt follows, minus the PS pump. Do this with the belt tensioner in the "full tension" position. Take this measurement (in millimeters) to your auto parts store, and ask for a belt with this length, and the same number of grooves as the stock belt. This may require trying several belts (assuming no conflicts) to get one the length you require. Will likely be simpler, and not that much more expensive, to replace the PS pump. Good luck!

Hello, I have 2007 Toyota Prius 135000, I have had it since 67000, do I need to replace water pump? Serpentine belt? maintenance?
ANSWER : Hello. If your vehicle just needs the serpentine belt then that needs to be replaced. There is no reason to replace the water pump if it is not leaking or making noise. You could have it changed as maintenance, but there really is not reason to do so. As for the other items, with this many miles I would have the vehicle tuned up and also change any fluids that have not been changed. You should have these items replaced by a certified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, as they can come to you to [replace your belt and do the maintenance on the vehicle] https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/serpentine-drive-belt-replacement

Power steering pump on 2012 Acura TL needs to be replaced. Due to location a power bar also needs to be replaced. Cost over $3,000. Is this a good price?
ANSWER : Question sent to CS for a quote on replacing the power steering motor, programming, and replacing an electrical component attached to the motor. This is in comparison to a quote that was given for the parts and labor.

The power steering pump seal keeps breaking when pump is replaced.
ANSWER : There may be a restriction in the power steering high pressure line causing an excessively high amount of pressure in the line and the pump. If the belt tensioner for the power steering belt is a manual tensioner that can be adjusted, the tension may be too tight causing a high load on the bearings at the power steering pump drive shaft. You can try having the power steering system flushed to see if this will clear any blockages and be sure to use an OEM quality power steering pump as some aftermarket components are not manufactured as well as the originals. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out for a closer inspection of the vehicle in order to offer a more personal diagnosis if your power steering concerns.

Belts are cracked and need replacing, okay to leave off a/c belt?
ANSWER : Hello. If the belt driving the A/C compressor only drives the A/C compressor and nothing else, you can remove it with no consequences. The fan shroud is not optional equipment however as it has both a cooling system function and a safety function.

Depending on your climate, you might consider diagnosing the A/C system and repairing it. If you use a service such as YourMechanic, it will often be economical enough to do it, particularly if the fault is limited.

Even if the compressor shaft sealing is leaking (would be likely after 25 years), that is fixable in the field. Feel free to contact YourMechanic if you have additional needs relative to this or the replacement of your power steering, alternator, A/C belts.

Drive belt loose and power steering not working.
ANSWER : Hello, thank you for writing in. The vehicle’s drive belt is kept tight with an "auto-tensioner". This may be the pulley that has "popped" and released the tension. If that was the case, you would likely notice more issues than just the steering going out. The power steering pulley should still be inspected. If the vehicle runs, turn it on and watch the belt to see if anything is obviously wrong. Be careful, if the belt comes off or breaks it will fly off. The power steering pump pulley itself should not move. When the issue if found and corrected, make sure you replace the belt as well. Start by checking the auto-tensioner, and work your way to the power steering system.

had power steering pump replaced but power steering fluid is leaking
ANSWER : This suggests that you may have a leak somewhere else in your power steering system such as one of the hoses or the rack and pinion system. As you may know, the power steering system is a highly pressurized system that can have as much as 300+psi of pressure in the system at times, so it is not uncommon for these types of leaks to happen. If you’d like to get this fixed, I would recommend having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose the leak in your power steering system and make the the necessary repairs to fix it.

Power steering belt broke & need to replace it. How do I replace it?
ANSWER : Typically, you would loosen the mounting bolts for the power steering pump and adjust the angle of the pump until the belt is loose enough to remove. There may be one or more belts for other accessories in front of the power steering belt so those may need to be removed first. If any of the other belts are cracked or just old, this would be a great time to deal with those before they break. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look at the drive belts and offer a more personal diagnosis and repair estimate.