Please help. How do you install a serpentine belt?

ROBMPRICE

MEMBER
1998 JEEP CHEROKEE
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
199,000 MILES

Hello,

The diagram attached is the exact belt diagram. However, the problem is I cannot install the new belt. I have even removed all the bolts from the P/S unit in an attempt to slip on the belt around the PS pulley and the idle pulley but there is no way to do it. Before that, I've tried just loosing the tensioner bolt and some bolts but that was fruitless. Please help. Thanks.

Image (Click to make bigger)

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

You only need to loosen the adjusting and pivot bolts of the power steering pump to enable removal and installation. Check the diagrams below to see how.

Ensure the belt is of the correct size.

This guide can help

https://www.2carpros.com/diagrams/jeep/grand-cherokee/1998

Install the belt on all the locations and leave the power steering pump last. Ensure the belt is seated correctly over all the pulleys. New belts would be a tight fit so it is not easy to install it. Get the belt onto the power steering pulley as much as possible and hand crank the engine to allow the belt to slip into position. Adjust belt as necessary.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Image (Click to make bigger)