Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993-1998: How to Replace Serpentine Belt

The serpentine belt uses the engine rotation to turn the power steering, alternator, and air conditioning. The belt is made of rubber and deteriorates after several years of use. Noises such as squeaking, lack of steering, and air conditioning performance are possible signs of a worn serpentine belt.

By Weston Chadwick - September 22, 2015
Contributors: Power Addicts, 1A AUTO, yz250ftony

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee ZJ (1993-1998)

The serpentine belt can be found in the front of the engine and behind the fan shroud. It snakes its way around the accessory pulleys to simultaneously power them. Tension is maintained on the 4.0 liter engines belt by the power steering pump. The pump mounts to a bracket that has machined slides, allowing it to move. Serpentine belts are susceptible to dirt and moisture. Both will cause accelerated wear. It's important that all of your engine's splash shields and covers are installed to prolong belt life.

The 5.2 liter engine makes serpentine belt replacement simpler. This engine uses a more commonly found automatic belt tensioner. A simple pull of the tensioner is all that's needed to remove the belt.

Materials Needed

Socket set (10mm-17mm)
15mm wrench
3/8" ratchet
Gloves
Safety glasses
Serpentine belt

The procedures differ for the 4.0 liter V6 and the 5.2 liter V8. The procedure for the 4.0 liter will be covered first.

4.0 V6

Step 1 – Remove the serpentine belt

There are five power steering pump bolts that must be loosened to remove tension from the serpentine belt. There are three on the front side of the pump and one on the backside. The fifth bolt is used to adjust tension on the belt. Turning it counterclockwise will remove tension, while turning it clockwise will create it.

Figure 1. Loosen the two upper power steering pump bolts.
Figure 2. Loosen the third bolt on the backside of the pump.
Figure 3. Loosen the fourth bolt on the bottom of the pump.
Figure 4. Loosen the tensioner bolt.

Step 2 – Install the new belt

Begin routing the new belt around the pulleys. Leave a pulley with no grooves (the back of the belt will be against this pulley) last for easy installation. Once the belt is fully routed, tighten the tensioner bolt on the power steering. There should be no more than a 1/2" of slack.

Figure 5. The 4.0 liter serpentine belt route diagram.

5.2 V8

Step 1 – Remove the battery

Remove the positive and negative battery terminals. There may also be a battery tie down kit installed. Remove the nut on top of the battery holding the tie down brackets together. The brackets can now be separated.

Figure 6. Location of the battery (green square).

Step 2 – Remove the belt

This engine uses an automatic spring loaded belt tensioner. Removal of the belt is done by using a 15mm wrench or socket to rotate the tensioner nut clockwise. Hold the tensioner in the clockwise position while slipping the belt off one of the pulleys.

Step 3 – Install the new belt

Use the diagram below to route the belt through the pulleys. Leave a smooth faced pulley (no grooves) for last, as these are easier to slide the belt on. Use your 15mm wrench or socket to turn the tensioner clockwise once again and release it when the belt is aligned correctly. Re-install your battery to complete the installation.

Figure 8. The 5.2 engines' serpentine belt route.