Belt
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Bristol, VA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
It's easy. There is a tensioner, but you tighten the belt yourself.
Loosen the big bolt on the pulley in the bottom right of this picture. Once it's broken free you can loosen the bolt above it. That will move the tensioner down enough until you can get the belt off. Put the new belt on and tighten that top bolt until the belt is tight, then tighten the pulley bolt and your done.
Loosen the big bolt on the pulley in the bottom right of this picture. Once it's broken free you can loosen the bolt above it. That will move the tensioner down enough until you can get the belt off. Put the new belt on and tighten that top bolt until the belt is tight, then tighten the pulley bolt and your done.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, WA.
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
The correct way to loosen and tighten your serpantine belt is to loosen up the power steering pump bolts, turn the adjustment bolt until your belt is tight, then tighten your power steering bolts back up.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Bristol, VA
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Not to argue with you, just constructive conversation, but what is the benefit of the extra work of loosening the power steering pump mounting bolts? Simpley loosening the adjustment bolt till the belt comes off is the easiest and most efficient way to change the belt.
Old Skewl CF like a Sir
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,355
Likes: 3
From: Fort Myers, FL
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L High Output OBDII
Take the time and do things right.
CF Veteran
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 47,923
Likes: 38
From: Broward County Fl.
Year: 1989 xj sport 2dr
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 12 hole bosch Injectors
this is how its done on renix models
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 4
From: Flint/Asheville
Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
It's easy. There is a tensioner, but you tighten the belt yourself.
Loosen the big bolt on the pulley in the bottom right of this picture. Once it's broken free you can loosen the bolt above it. That will move the tensioner down enough until you can get the belt off. Put the new belt on and tighten that top bolt until the belt is tight, then tighten the pulley bolt and your done.
Loosen the big bolt on the pulley in the bottom right of this picture. Once it's broken free you can loosen the bolt above it. That will move the tensioner down enough until you can get the belt off. Put the new belt on and tighten that top bolt until the belt is tight, then tighten the pulley bolt and your done.
This is done on mid-96 and older XJ's and is a PITA
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Carver, Ma.
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Its done the way 97VA says. Loosen the pulley bolt and adjust tension bolt, Now when you put it back tighten the tension till you cant move the power steering pulley by hand. Then slowly loosen the tension till you can turn the power steering pulley by hand but with a little force this will be the correct tension and eliminate squeal. Then tighten the pulley.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Carver, Ma.
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
You do not loosen power steering bolts! The tensioner is below the pump and you need to loosen the pulley on that then adjust tension bolt the tighten pulley bolt!
Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 245
Likes: 1
From: Virginia
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
sometimes, but belts do stretch. so you might be loosening the tensioner a little more to slip the new one on.
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