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4 Wheel Drive/SUVs/jeep belt replacement

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Expert: - 5/9/2004


Question
I have a 1996 Jeep Cherokee, with V-6 engine. I bought a new serpentine belt, but I cannot get it to go on. The belt is routed correctly, but I can't get it around all of the pulleys unless I first loosen the idler pulley. This pulley is supposed to me moved slightly to allow the belt to be routed around all of the pulleys. How do I loosen the idler pulley so that it can be moved?

Thanks!

Jim Adams

Answer
Jim

Some of the Jeeps have a spring loaded idler that can be pried up to replace the belt.  Others, such as mine, the idler is fixed, and the belt is replaced, and adjusted by bolts on the power steering pump, or alternator.  I would suggest that you purchase a repair manual (around $20) for your model Jeep.  These manuals give step by step instructions on most repairs, such as replacing, and adjusting the serpentine belt.  These manuals can come in handy for future trouble shooting.  They can be purchased at most auto parts stores.

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Carl Brandt

Expertise

Will discuss suspensions, lifts, lockers along with tire suggestions. Trail ratings and possible requirements needed for specific type of trails. Safety equipment and what you should carry with you. Certified off-road instructor. I am not a mechanic, and 4-Wheeling is a hobby, so if I can't answer a technical question it is due to my mechanical knowledge being related to vehicles that I have owned, or have worked on. I do not have manuals on all vehicles.

Experience

40 plus years of 4 wheeling in a variety of vehicles. At the present time, my major off-road rig is a 94 Jeep Wrangler with a spring over and a 1 1/2" suspension lift. This gives me a total lift of 7" or so. I have lockers front and rear. I have removed the track bars, and sway bar for maximum articulation. I am running a stock 2.5 ltr 4 cylinder with a Jacobs ignition along with a cold air high flow filter. It has 4.56:1 gears with a Dodge NV4500 transmission along with a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case. This gives me a final ratio of 105:1 in low gear/low range. Other vehicles I own, are a 96 Ford F-250 with a 6" lift, posi rear end, 36" Hummer tires, 5 speed with a fuel injected 460 ci engine, an 87 Samurai with an 8" lift, Ford 9" rear end with a spool, Chevy Dana 44 front end with an electric locker, 5.88 gears, 16% reduction in high range and a 6.5:1 low range with 35" Baja Claws, and a stock 2003 Grand Cherokee Overland. Trails I have run are the Rubicon (10 times), Dusey Ershim, Fordyce Creek trail, McGrew trail, several trails in Moab, Utah along with local monthly runs.

Organizations
Lost Coast 4x4's Cal 4-Wheel Corva UFWDA Blue Ribbon Coalition

Education/Credentials
Certified off-road instructor - Certificates in engineering/electronics

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