How to Adjust a Jeep Belt Tensioner

Adjusting the belt tensioner can be done yourself.

Adjusting the serpentine belt on your Jeep is a quick process. The serpentine belt is located the front of the engine. The belt loops around all the accessories on the engine. Serpentine belts eventually elongate over time. A loose belt will make a screeching noise at start-up. A belt that is too loose will eventually fail and leave you stranded. You can fix this problem by adjusting the tensioner on the belt mechanism.

Things You'll Need

• Ratchet
• Socket set
• Pry bar

Instructions

1. Park the vehicle and open the hood by releasing the lever inside the vehicle.

2. Locate the serpentine belt on the front of the engine. The tensioner is located on the alternator.

3. Loosen the nuts on the tensioner with a ratchet and socket but do not remove.

4. Place a pry bar between the alternator and the alternator mounting bracket and push the alternator towards the ground. This will tighten the belt. Hold the pry bar in a steady position.

5. Tighten the nuts on the tensioner using a ratchet and socket.

References

• 4x4Explor: Serpentine Belt Replacement