2021 Jeep Cherokee: Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

Your 2021 Jeep Cherokee's serpentine belt, also known as a drive belt, is a single, continuous belt that powers multiple engine accessories, including the alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, and water pump. This guide provides the part numbers, routing, and replacement information you need to service it.

It's critical to identify which engine your Cherokee has, as the belt length, part numbers, and routing are different for each. The 2021 model was available with a 2.0L Turbo, a 2.4L 4-cylinder, or a 3.2L V6.

Quick Answer: Belt & Component Part Numbers

For 2.4L MultiAir Engine

• Serpentine Belt Length & Rib Count: 1885mm (74.2"), 6-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: 68293120AA
• Aftermarket Belt Cross-References: Gates K060742, Dayco 5060740, Continental 4060742
• Belt Tensioner Assembly Part Number: 68249873AA
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 04891795AB

For 3.2L V6 Engine

• Serpentine Belt Length & Rib Count: 2185mm (86.0"), 6-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: 5154622AA
• Aftermarket Belt Cross-References: Gates K060860, Dayco 5060860, Continental 4060860
• Belt Tensioner Assembly Part Number: 04893427AB
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 04862995AB (Upper); 4893425AA (Lower)

For 2.0L Turbo Engine

• Serpentine Belt Length & Rib Count: 1300mm (51.2"), 6-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: 68349272AA
• Aftermarket Belt Cross-References: Gates K060512, Dayco 5060513, Continental 4060512
• Belt Tensioner Assembly Part Number: 68349340AA
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 68349341AA

Belt Routing

Before you remove the old belt, always take a clear photograph of the belt routing to use as a reference. A simple mistake in routing can prevent accessories from working or cause the belt to be thrown off the pulleys.

2.4L Engine Belt Routing

The belt travels from the main crankshaft pulley up and around the A/C compressor pulley, down to the idler pulley, up and over the alternator pulley, down to the power steering pump, over to the water pump, and finally back down to the auto-tensioner pulley before returning to the crankshaft.

3.2L V6 Engine Belt Routing

Starting from the crankshaft pulley at the bottom, the belt wraps around the A/C compressor, goes up and around the upper idler pulley, down around the alternator pulley, across to the power steering pump, down to the lower idler pulley, around the water pump, and finally up to the tensioner pulley before returning to the crank.

2.0L Turbo Engine Belt Routing

From the crankshaft pulley, the belt moves to the A/C compressor, up to the alternator, down around the water pump (smooth side of the belt), across to the tensioner pulley, and back to the crankshaft.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt is a manageable task for a DIYer with the right tool. You will need a serpentine belt tool, which is a long, thin ratchet with various socket and crowfoot attachments. In many cases, a standard 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch drive breaker bar will also work.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Find the automatic belt tensioner. It has a pulley mounted on a spring-loaded arm.
3. Release Tension: Fit your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square hole (usually 3/8" or 1/2") on the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner to release the belt's tension. Do not fight the spring; determine which way it moves freely.
4. Remove the Old Belt: While holding the tensioner, slip the old belt off one of the smooth pulleys, like the water pump or an idler. Then, slowly release the tensioner and remove the belt completely.
5. Install the New Belt: Using your photo and the routing description, thread the new belt around all the pulleys, saving one easily accessible smooth pulley for last.
6. Apply Tension: Rotate the tensioner again, slip the belt over the final pulley, and double-check that the belt is correctly seated in the grooves of every ribbed pulley.
7. Final Check: Slowly release the tensioner and visually inspect the entire path of the belt one last time before starting the engine.

Replacement Interval

Jeep recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at various service intervals, but a general rule of thumb is to replace it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, this interval can be shorter in harsh climates. A visual inspection is the best way to determine if a belt needs replacement.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Listen and look for these common symptoms:

• Squealing or Chirping: This is the most common sign, often worse on cold starts or in wet weather. It indicates a loose, worn, or contaminated belt.
• Visible Wear: Look for cracks, fraying, glazing (shiny spots), or missing ribs on the belt.
• Tensioner Noise: A rattling or grinding noise coming from the tensioner area indicates its internal bearings are failing.
• Pulley Wobble: With the engine off, check the tensioner and idler pulleys for any looseness or wobble. They should spin smoothly with no side-to-side play.
• Accessory Problems: Dimming headlights (alternator), stiff steering (power steering), or engine overheating (water pump) can all be caused by a slipping or broken belt.

If you're not comfortable performing this service yourself, Repairius can help.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.