Guntar13

This may or may not be the thread to end all threads about jeep serpentine belt tension! Okay to start the belt tension is 180-200 ft lbs torque, or you can use a ruler and guess. I got the Krikit 2 tension gauge from amazon for I think 14$ or something like that and it's perfect! Easy to use a pretty spot on for what it is. The part number is 91132, made by gates. Attached is a crappy video I made on how to use it. Enjoy!


BTW: I am in no way affiliated with any companies mentioned!

djb383

Good video. Where's your fan shroud?

Guntar13

Laying on the floor with the fan! Took them off to replace the belt.

MtnHermit

Educate the ignorant. My Tundra has a spring loaded belt tensioner, does not the XJ employ this same simple technology?

PocketsEmpty

Not spring loaded, but a long skinny bolt that pulls the idler up against the belt. If you loosen the center pulley nut, it makes it easy to adjust the tension with the top bolt.

Guntar13

Your dead on it! Tensioners with the spring loaded mechanism generally have marks showing the tension or if the tensioner is wearing out. Actually this is a simpler tech.! Not the most favored though, personally I like the spring loaded ones a lot more.

EvstaG

You took your shroud/fan off to replace the belt? Why?

Guntar13

I took the fan out too; don't question my methods! Haha! J/k. I like the room it gives me to work when they are gone. Plus four little bolts and your done. Plus for educational purposes it was easier to see the gauge work on the belt.

Guntar13

Thought I might post an easy link to the gauge…


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000CR...sr=8-1&pi=SL75

Just one place to get them, I'm sure maybe they can be found cheaper.

PocketsEmpty

I have done the belt with and without the shroud..Definitely makes it easier without but I find it to be an extra pain removing it. Going forward I will just leave it on and use a ruler or a stick to help push the belt on around the alternator. :-)

Guntar13

Everyone has their methods of madness!

muddeprived

Question about this bolt. I know I tighten the idler pulley bolt once the belt is on and tight but do I tighten the long skinny bolt or leave it be?

Jeepin'_Aint_EZ

97+ : The Clamping force is from the pulley bolt (#4) in the diagram. Once this bolt is tight, do not touch the skinny bolt.

96 and below: There is a horizontal bolt (Bolt "C" in diagram) on the adjusting block that the long skinny bolt (Bolt "D") runs through which moves the tensioner up/down. The long skinny bolt is ONLY to move the pulley to adjust for belt tension. The horizontal bolt is what clamps it in place. Once you tighten that bolt, DO NOT touch the skinny bolt. You will only damage the threads.