2023 Jeep Gladiator Serpentine Belt Guide

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: 101.5 inches (2578 mm)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: Mopar 68339322AB
• Aftermarket Cross-References:
  • Gates K061015
  • Dayco 5061015
  • Continental 4061015
• Auto-Tensioner Part Number: Mopar 68291549AB
• Idler Pulley Part Number: Mopar 53013346AB

Belt Routing

Before you remove the old serpentine belt, it is critical to understand the correct routing for the new one. A cell phone photo of the current belt path is an invaluable reference to ensure the new belt is installed correctly. An incorrectly routed belt will not drive the accessories properly and can be thrown from the pulleys, potentially causing damage.

For the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine found in the 2023 Jeep Gladiator, the belt follows this path:

1. Starts at the main crankshaft pulley at the bottom of the engine.
2. Wraps up and around the A/C compressor pulley.
3. Goes under the smooth idler pulley.
4. Travels up and over the alternator pulley.
5. Comes down to the power steering pump pulley.
6. Goes around the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, wraps around the auto-tensioner pulley, which maintains the belt's tension.

Always double-check this routing before starting the engine.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your Gladiator is a straightforward task that can be accomplished with basic tools. You will need a serpentine belt tool, which often comes with various low-profile sockets and extensions, or a standard 3/8" drive breaker bar.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool to the touch before beginning work.
2. Locate the Tensioner: The automatic belt tensioner is spring-loaded and has a 3/8" square hole in its body.
3. Release Tension: Insert the 3/8" square drive of your breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the hole on the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner arm to release the tension on the belt. This does not require a large amount of force.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the released position, carefully slip the old belt off one of the smooth, accessible pulleys like the idler pulley.
5. Inspect Pulleys: Before installing the new belt, spin each pulley by hand (with the old belt completely removed). They should spin freely and quietly. A noisy, wobbly, or seized pulley indicates a bad bearing, and the component (tensioner, idler, or accessory) should be replaced.
6. Install New Belt: Following the routing diagram you photographed earlier, carefully thread the new belt around all the pulleys, saving a smooth, easy-to-access pulley like the idler for last.
7. Apply Tension: Once the belt is correctly routed on all the grooved pulleys, release the tension on the tensioner arm again and slide the belt over the final smooth pulley.
8. Final Check: Visually inspect the belt one last time to ensure it is centered on all pulleys and follows the correct path. Check that all ribs of the belt are sitting properly within the pulley grooves.

Replacement Interval

While modern serpentine belts are durable, they are not lifetime components. A visual inspection should be part of your regular maintenance routine. As a general guideline, consider replacing the serpentine belt every 60,000 to 90,000 miles, or as recommended in your owner's manual. However, harsh operating conditions (extreme heat, dust, off-roading) can shorten this interval.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Your Gladiator will often provide warning signs that the serpentine belt or its tensioner requires attention. Ignoring these signs can lead to a breakdown and potentially more severe engine damage if the water pump or alternator stops working.

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common sign of a worn, stretched, or contaminated belt.
• Visible Wear: Look for cracks, fraying, glazing (shiny appearance), or missing ribs on the belt.
• "Bouncing" Tensioner Arm: A tensioner arm that visibly jitters or bounces while the engine is running is a sign that the internal spring is failing.
• Accessory Issues: Dimming headlights, a dead battery (failing alternator), or difficulty steering (failing power steering) can all point to a slipping or broken belt.
• Engine Overheating: If the belt that drives the water pump fails, the engine can quickly overheat, leading to catastrophic damage.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's time to inspect and likely replace your serpentine belt and/or tensioner.

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