OEM 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Belt Tensioner

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Belt Tensioner Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Install and Remove a Belt Tensioner on 4.7L and 4.0L Engines on 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

  A: When installing a 4.7L engine, be sure that the tang of the tensioner is immediately behind the indexing stop (should be 24 mm or 0.94 inches apart) before fitting a new belt that has only been used for 15 minutes or less. Three lines can be seen on the tensioner arm of 4.0L engines; when fitting a new belt, the double lines should be just near the single mark on the base and the belt should be replaced if the single mark is at the start point on the base. If the wheel turns too fast or poorly, check to see if the belt is too long or wide, the bearings on the A/C compressor, power steering pump, water pump, idler pulley or generator are worn, the pulleys are loose, the accessories are misaligned or the belt does not follow the correct route. If you notice that the tensioner's indexing arrow is near the minimum travel indicator, it's time to replace your used belt. Before taking the tensioner out, loosen the accessory drive belt and then remove its assembly from the bracket, ensuring you don't disassemble it because of the strong spring tension, as the assembly is only serviced with the pulley on the 4.7L one. Then, take out the pulley bolt and the pulley from the 4.7L tensioner only. For the installation, connect the pulley and bolt to the tensioner and tighten the bolt to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.) if your engine is a 4.7L. Place the tensioner assembly onto the mounting bracket, make sure the dowels line up with the 4.0 engine and screw in the bolts by hand. After lining them up, tighten the bolts to 28 Nm (250 in. lbs.). For the 4.7L engines, match the indexing slot at the back of the tensioner with the front bolt head, put on the mounting bolt and tighten it to 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) to avoid breaking the coil case. Next, fit the drive belt and be sure to check the belt's index positions.