Jeep: serpentine belt, belt tension gauge, negative battery cable

Question
How do i replace a 1999 Jeep cherokee sport serpentine belt?

Answer
Hi Mike,

Very simple.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable (always).
2. Just below the Power Steering pump pulley, there is an idler pulley -- loosen the bolt on top of the pulley (not all the way)
3. Loosen the adjusting bolt, which is up and to the left of the idler (about the 10:00 position) -- as it loosens, you'll see the idler move away, allowing the belt to slacken.
4. Remove the belt (make sure the belt routing is still visible on the sticker -- if not, remember to draw out the belt routing ahead of time).

**Examine all pulleys for dings, spin them for trueness, and inspect for any foreign material or fluids**

Install the new belt, and reverse the steps. The proper way is to use a belt tension gauge (adjust to 47Nm or 35ftlbs) -- but really, just make sure it's tight, but enough so you can move the belt up and down about an inch with moderate force. Hopefully, the original belt is properly tightened, so before you take it off, calibrate your hand :)

Good luck!