2020 Jeep Gladiator Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: 2265 mm (89.17 inches)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: MOPAR 68270540AB
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060892
  • Dayco 5060892
  • Continental Elite 4060892
• Auto-Tensioner PN: MOPAR 68261330AA
• Idler Pulley PN: MOPAR 68261333AA

Belt Routing (3.6L V6 Engine)

Before you begin, always take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt routing. This will be your roadmap for proper reinstallation.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator with the 3.6L V6 engine utilizes a single serpentine belt to drive all major accessories. Here's the text-based routing path:

1. Crankshaft Pulley: The belt starts at the lowest, largest pulley, which is the crankshaft pulley. This pulley drives all other accessories.
2. A/C Compressor: From the top of the crankshaft pulley, the belt goes upward to the A/C compressor pulley, which is typically located on the lower passenger side of the engine.
3. Idler Pulley (Upper): After exiting the A/C compressor, the belt routes over the top of the upper idler pulley, which helps guide the belt and maintain tension. This idler is usually positioned above and slightly to the front of the A/C compressor.
4. Alternator: From the upper idler pulley, the belt continues upward and across to the alternator pulley, which is usually located high on the driver's side of the engine.
5. Power Steering Pump: The belt then travels downward from the alternator to the power steering pump pulley, typically found below the alternator on the driver's side.
6. Water Pump: From the power steering pump, the belt will wrap around the water pump pulley, usually centrally located in the upper half of the engine.
7. Auto-Tensioner: Finally, the belt goes under the grooved auto-tensioner pulley. The tensioner applies constant pressure to the belt, keeping it taut. The tensioner is generally located near the water pump or just below it, often on the passenger side.
8. The belt then returns to the crankshaft pulley, completing the loop.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2020 Jeep Gladiator is a manageable DIY job for those with some mechanical experience. You'll need a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8-inch drive breaker bar to release the tension on the auto-tensioner.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Document Routing: As mentioned, photograph the existing belt's routing path.
3. Release Tension: Locate the auto-tensioner. Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square drive opening on the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner arm clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on the design) to release the belt tension.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (usually the smooth idler or a less critical accessory).
5. Inspect: Before installing the new belt, inspect all pulleys for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. Ensure the new belt is the correct length and rib count.
6. Install New Belt: Route the new belt around all pulleys except the idler or accessory you used to remove the old belt. Refer to the photo you took!
7. Tension and Seat: Use your tool to again release the tensioner, and carefully slide the new belt onto the final pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply pressure to the new belt.
8. Double Check: Verify that the belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves and that the routing matches your photograph.
9. Battery & Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine briefly to ensure the belt runs smoothly without squeaks or wobbles. Turn off and inspect again.

Replacement Interval

Jeep typically recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at every oil change or major service interval (e.g., every 20,000 to 30,000 miles). Replacement is usually recommended around 80,000 to 100,000 miles, or if signs of wear are observed. However, driving conditions and environmental factors can influence this. It's always best to replace it if you notice any cracking, fraying, glazing, or missing ribs, regardless of mileage.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

A failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to a breakdown, as it affects critical systems like the alternator, power steering, and air conditioning. Here are the common signs to watch for:

• Squealing or Chirping Noise: This is the most common symptom. A loud squealing noise, especially on cold starts, acceleration, or when turning the steering wheel, often indicates a worn, glazed, or misaligned belt, or a failing tensioner/pulley.
• Visible Cracks or Fraying: Inspect the belt visually. Any cracks, splits, fraying edges, or missing ribs mean it's time for replacement.
• Glazed or Shiny Belt: A belt that appears shiny or glazed on the ribbed side indicates it's losing its grip and slipping.
• Power Steering Loss: If the belt driving the power steering pump fails, you'll immediately notice the steering becoming very difficult.
• Battery Light On/Dim Headlights: A failing belt can prevent the alternator from charging the battery, leading to a battery warning light on your dash and potentially dimming headlights.
• Overheating Engine: If the belt drives the water pump and fails, your engine will quickly overheat.
• A/C Not Working: Loss of cold air from the A/C system can indicate a problem with the belt driving the compressor.
• Wobbling Pulley: A wobbling auto-tensioner or idler pulley suggests a worn bearing, which can lead to belt slippage or even belt shedding.
• Loose or Slap-Happy Belt: If the belt appears loose or vibrates excessively, the auto-tensioner might be failing and not maintaining proper tension.

Engine Option Variation

This article focuses on the 3.6L V6 engine, which is the most common engine in the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. While the routing principles are similar, specific part numbers and exact routing paths can differ for other engine options (such as the 3.0L EcoDiesel, if equipped). Always verify part numbers for your specific VIN.

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