Serpentine belt won't tighten - I know it should be simple!
03-22-2019, 09:28 AM
#1
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Serpentine belt won't tighten - I know it should be simple!
Alright guys, I apologize for the very simple thing and I must be missing something obvious My old belt shredded. While it was off, I replaced the A/C clutch bearing as it was squeaking when the A/C was engaged. I got a new belt, put it on and adjusted it all the way out. It is still loose! I don't know what is going. 99% sure that it is all routed correctly. I double & triple checked the belt was the right one. Any thoughts on something obvious I may be missing?
Here is a link to a video that I took of the belt
Thanks for the help!
John
Here is a link to a video that I took of the belt
Thanks for the help!
John
03-22-2019, 12:08 PM
#2
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Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
It is possible the belt was mispackaged. What is the part #? The last couple numbers are typically the belt length. IIRC, the belt for my 97 is a Continental Contitech 6K2415, which is 95.0in. Adjusted no problem. It is routed the same as yours.
Last edited by fb97xj1; 03-22-2019 at 12:13 PM.
03-22-2019, 12:14 PM
#3
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
This is actually the 2nd belt I have tried. I had a duralast belt first and it did the same thing so I thought it must be wrong. I took back and got the continental 4060950 (6PK2415). It did the same thing.
03-22-2019, 04:15 PM
#4
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L L6 PowerTech (stock)
What year is the vehicle?
Have you owned it always? Could I have a different engine in it? My 1988 and 1992 have different lengths for belts.
It doesn't sound like you can measure your old belt to get a rough length.
Does your Cherokee have an automatic tensioner or do you tension with the tension screw in the power steering pump bracket while the four holding bolts are loose? I couldn't load the video readily.
Have you owned it always? Could I have a different engine in it? My 1988 and 1992 have different lengths for belts.
It doesn't sound like you can measure your old belt to get a rough length.
Does your Cherokee have an automatic tensioner or do you tension with the tension screw in the power steering pump bracket while the four holding bolts are loose? I couldn't load the video readily.
03-22-2019, 04:21 PM
#5
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
It is a 1996. I have not always owned it so I guess it could have a different year's engine but eveything else seems to line up for a 95 engine. My old belt was shredded so not able to measure the length.
It does not have an auto tensioner. It has the tension pulley that you loosen and then tighten using the bolt that moves the pulley in or out.
It does not have an auto tensioner. It has the tension pulley that you loosen and then tighten using the bolt that moves the pulley in or out.
03-22-2019, 04:32 PM
#6
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L
Could it just be a bad tensioner and pulley? I dont think so but just grasping at straws as to what it could be.
03-22-2019, 06:14 PM
#7
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Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
It is a 1996. I have not always owned it so I guess it could have a different year's engine but eveything else seems to line up for a 95 engine. My old belt was shredded so not able to measure the length.
It does not have an auto tensioner. It has the tension pulley that you loosen and then tighten using the bolt that moves the pulley in or out.
It does not have an auto tensioner. It has the tension pulley that you loosen and then tighten using the bolt that moves the pulley in or out.
the correct length for (some) other years does what yours is doing...all the way out is just not tight enough
Last edited by awg; 03-22-2019 at 06:17 PM.
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03-23-2019, 07:36 AM
#9
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Year: 1995 RHD
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0l
Definitely just grab a shorter belt or a few then take back the wrong ones. My belt had no numbers on so I just bought a small variety of them that were a similar size to my original.
03-23-2019, 11:46 AM
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Year: 1989
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: 4.0
Grab a piece of string or the wife's sewing tape measure and see what length you need.
03-23-2019, 04:45 PM
#11
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
The last time I had a problem with belt sizes I had the routing wrong. It shouldn't even be close to the limits - especially when brand new.
All 4.0 XJ'S in the U.S. should be manual tensioner at the PS pump - no auto tensioners.
The routing diagram in this thread is not correct for the 95/96... it's close, the idler should be on the top and the belt goes under it with no idler on the far right/driver's side of the engine.
All 4.0 XJ'S in the U.S. should be manual tensioner at the PS pump - no auto tensioners.
The routing diagram in this thread is not correct for the 95/96... it's close, the idler should be on the top and the belt goes under it with no idler on the far right/driver's side of the engine.
03-23-2019, 04:57 PM
#13
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: I6 4.0L
Given that there are 2 listings for the 96 belt, I have to think you have to get the 89.5" belt as someone mentioned. 5.5" is world's different when it comes to belt length.
03-23-2019, 05:03 PM
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Year: 96
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
On all my '96, their is a fixed idler pulley that can be removed,
the alternator is the adjustment tensioner..it is on the upper RH side
A/C pulley is lower left
That is for a RHD configuration
POs had fitted the longer belt to 2 of them, which squeeled on full adjustment
maybe you had the wrong one on yours, which is why it broke...belt part nums are meaningless for a '96..just get the right size
also check your harmonic balancer...if it does nor run perfectly true, replace it
the alternator is the adjustment tensioner..it is on the upper RH side
A/C pulley is lower left
That is for a RHD configuration
POs had fitted the longer belt to 2 of them, which squeeled on full adjustment
maybe you had the wrong one on yours, which is why it broke...belt part nums are meaningless for a '96..just get the right size
also check your harmonic balancer...if it does nor run perfectly true, replace it
03-23-2019, 05:24 PM
#15
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Year: 90,84
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0,2.5
Yet anther post from Flintstone starting with "it seems you are in good hands here". 96 is a "bastard" or "transition" year. There is no Factory Service Manual for 96. (I'm pretty sure). Betting you have the earlier tentioned with the power steering pump, (no spring anywhere). Then to top it off, unless you've been there, a bolt hiding on the back can be an issue....(gave me some stress anyway). 91, (or 87) to 95 are one thing, then 97 on, are another. Removing the airbox and the E-fan is a good place to start.