johnarrow

how tight is too tight on serpentine belt what is proper adjustment

Ralph77

I want to say for an XJ a used belt is 140 to 160. New belt is 180 to 200. Buy a Krikit II. On my '96 I used to own the "yeah that looks about right" method was fine. My '00 is picky about that. When I invested in the Krikit II I used the "yeah that looks about right" method. Then I checked it with the Krikit II. I was at 100 lbs. 1/2" play up and down, being able to just barely turn the belt 90 degrees, etc like people will tell you was really far off.

johnarrow

Thank you so about 1/2 inch deflection then got ot thank you

Ralph77

I am trying to tell you that my experience has been that does not work. To get by for a bit sure. But long term no. Do yourself a favor and invest in the gauge.

johnarrow

Sorry misunderstood ill look into the gauge thingy when i have the resources. Thank you again

downs

The gauge is 14 dollars and worth having in he took box along with other tools like a tread depth gauge, vacuum gauge ect.

canuholdon2019

I have a 1996 jeep cherokee 4.0 6 cy, and i am having problems with the serpentine belt coming off...this is the second one this month..the first one i bought autozone shredded and the second one napa just came off ...what could it be wrong? thank you

johnarrow

Thank you

PatHenry

If it's coming off that's a major issue.

First off, check your harmonic balancer (the big pulley on the engine crankshaft - the rubber tends to separate and cause the belt to become mis-aligned (and often shred)). While you're at it, make sure there are no burrs or anything on any of the pulleys causing the belt to be eaten away.

Make sure that the belt is routed correctly. There is a diagram on an under-hood sticker, but if your sticker is gone or not visible, you can find plenty of references online.

Check each pulley by hand, make sure they are moving smoothly and without noise. A worn bearing is very very common on the idler pulley, but any of the others may also be worn. Replace any worn item.

Finally, make sure the belt is tight. It is spec'd to be a heck of a lot tighter than you'd guess it would be (and much tighter than other vehicles). Buy a gauge as recommended. On my 95 the "twist no more than 90 degrees" works well.

I like the Continental Elite belts (formerly Goodyear Gatorback) - they're awesome belts, quiet and durable. I won't ever put a standard serpentine belt on a vehicle if I can get a "Gatorback" style belt for it.

downs

I know from experience when I didn't double check my routing that improper routing will make the belt rub one of the brackets and eat it up lol.