hey i just recently got into an accident in my jeep Cherokee country and I am trying to get the Serpentine belt loose so i may access the fan so i may replace it. This is my first time working on the jeep under the hood. Can someone tell me how to do this. Pictures would really help because I am an amateur. The chilton's book that I am reading isnt really descriptive enough for me. The pictures it uses are kinda lame and the bolts that i have found to loosen are not loosening the belt at all. or maybe I am doing it wrong. Any help would be appreciated! thanks!

 

I am not sure about on the 97, but on my 2000 you have to loosen an adjuster bolt that is connected to the power steering bracket. I think its a tensioner pulley that adjusts the belt. There is the bolt in the center of the pulley that needs to be loosened a bit then the adjust bolt moves the pulley back/forth.

Here is a picture of the pulley(right one) and adjuster bolt(rusted bolt sticking up some), the pump was removed but doesnt have to be to remove belt.

 

This is just one of the many links out there however, i couldn't find the one i was looking for!

None the less it's an okay link and a good place to start?

http://go.jeep-xj.info/HowtoService.htm


BTW- Most find the Goodyear Gatorback to be the best replacement belt!

 

If it's like our '98, you loosen the bolt in the center of the idler pulley (yellow circle), then turn the 15mm bolt (red circle) counterclockwise to loosen the belt. To tighten the belt, turn the 15mm bolt (red circle) clockwise until belt is snug, then tighten the bolt in the middle of the idler pulley (yellow circle).

 

I took a picture once I finished installing the serpentine belt on my 1998 xj. this thread really helped the Chilton had me scratching my head (still a noob). Thanks guys!
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