Wednesday, November 24, 2010

How do I release the tensioner for the serpentine belt on a jeep?

2001 Jeep Wrangler with 4.0 liter engine. We have checked the New repair manual and it explains how to change the belt, but gives no info on releasing the tensioner. The tool that auto-zone says to use doesn't seem to have a way of connecting to do the trick....any ideas?How do I release the tensioner for the serpentine belt on a jeep?
4.0 liter probably doesnt have a belt tensioner. Most 4 liter dodge engines you have to loosen the idler pully and then the screw on top of the idler pully screws the idler down when you loosen it. I could be wrong but I know that most 4 liters i have done are this way no tensioner just an idler pully that slides down when you loosen it. If it does have a tensioner then you should be able to use a 1/4 in ratchet. Insert into the hole on the end of the tensioner and pull back. I wrote to someone before about how to change a belt on a jeep. This is what I said.





not that easy there is no tensioner on a 4.0 liter. First you need a 15mm socket. There is a idler pully on the drivers side of engine in front of teh power steering pump. Loosen the bolt in the center of the pully. Do not take all the way out just loosen a few turns. Then once you have the idler loose you need a 13mm socket and extension. Look down on the back side of the idler kind of on top. THere is a bolt that is about 4 inches long that goes down through the back of the pully. Loosen that bolt and the idler pully will slide down taking tensioin off the belt. Do this until you fel the belt is loose enough to remove. Once you have the belt off put new belt back on follow the diagram on the sticker under the hood. Follow the steps in reverse order to tighten. First tighten the bolt until the belt can be twisted about 1/4 to 1/2 side to side. once the belt is tight enough go ahead and tighten the nut on the idler pully and your done. Before you start it is helpfull to look at the bolt on the back and look where the threads are this helps you to get correct tension. also make sure you have the sticker for the diagram under the hood before you start. If you sont make sure you draw the belt or get one. It can be a pain to put back if you have no diagram. Well sorry so long but wanted to be specific. Good luck.How do I release the tensioner for the serpentine belt on a jeep?
Like an OREO cookie;



%26quot;Well to do it, you unscrew it!%26quot;



It is not an automatic (spring loaded) tensioner. There is a nut in the center of the idler pulley. Loosen that nut about 2 turns, then there is a lond bolt on the top side of the pulley bracket that you unscrew to allow the pulley to slide. Adjust the tension on the new belt by tightening this bolt, then tighten the center nut.