2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

Quick Answer

For the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the serpentine belt system can vary slightly based on the engine configuration. Please verify parts for your specific engine (3.6L V6 or 5.7L V8).

3.6L V6 Engine:

• Belt Length: Approximately 2325mm (91.5 inches)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Mopar 53013778AD
• Aftermarket Cross-Reference:
  • Gates K060915
  • Dayco 5060915
  • Continental Elite 4060915
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Mopar 53034262AD (Verify for your specific vehicle and trim)
• Idler Pulley PN: Mopar 53034249AB (Verify for your specific vehicle and trim)

5.7L V8 Engine:

• Belt Length: Approximately 2210mm (87 inches)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Mopar 04892404AB
• Aftermarket Cross-Reference:
  • Gates K060870
  • Dayco 5060870
  • Continental Elite 4060870
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Mopar 53013919AD (Verify for your specific vehicle and trim)
• Idler Pulley PN: Mopar 53013444AD (Verify for your specific vehicle and trim)

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, it's critical to take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt's routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

While specific routing can vary slightly between the 3.6L V6 and 5.7L V8 engines, the general path involves the crank pulley, A/C compressor, idler pulley, alternator, power steering pump, and water pump, all tensioned by the automatic tensioner. Here's a typical routing description (please refer to your photo for exact confirmation):

General (verify with your specific engine and photo):

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley (the largest pulley at the bottom, directly connected to the engine).
2. From the crankshaft pulley, the belt typically runs down to the A/C compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, the belt may route up to an idler pulley (a smooth, flat pulley that guides the belt).
4. After the idler, the belt will stretch up to the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, it will usually proceed to the power steering pump pulley (if equipped and hydraulically assisted, positioned typically higher up on one side of the engine).
6. The belt will then wrap around the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, the belt will go around the automatic tensioner pulley. The tensioner automatically applies the correct tension to the belt, ensuring proper operation of all accessories.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a common maintenance task that can be done with basic tools.

Tools You'll Need:

• Serpentine belt tool or a 3/8" drive breaker bar/ratchet (for the tensioner)
• New serpentine belt
• Possibly a diagram of the belt routing (though your photo should suffice)

Steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool and the vehicle is off. For added safety, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square opening for a 3/8" drive tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square opening of the tensioner. Apply steady pressure in the direction that loosens the belt (this will vary, but usually counter-clockwise). This will rotate the tensioner arm, releasing tension on the belt.
4. Remove the Old Belt: While holding tension off the belt, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (e.g., an idler or a smooth accessory pulley) and then fully remove it from all pulleys.
5. Inspect Pulleys: With the belt off, take this opportunity to spin each pulley (alternator, power steering, A/C, idlers, water pump). They should spin freely with no resistance, grinding, or excessive wobble. Replace any worn or noisy pulleys.
6. Install the New Belt: Following your photograph (or a diagram), route the new belt around all pulleys, leaving one pulley (e.g., an idler or smooth accessory pulley) off as the last point of installation.
7. Re-apply Tensioner Pressure: Again, use your tool to relieve tension on the tensioner pulley.
8. Final Belt Placement: Slip the new belt onto the last pulley. Double-check that all ribs on the belt are correctly seated in all the pulley grooves.
9. Release Tensioner: Slowly release the tensioner tool, allowing the tensioner to apply pressure to the new belt.
10. Verify Routing: Visually inspect all pulleys to ensure the belt is correctly routed and seated.
11. Start Engine (Briefly): Start the engine and let it run for a few seconds to ensure the belt tracks correctly. Listen for any unusual noises.
12. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal if you disconnected it.

Replacement Interval

Chrysler/Jeep generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at every oil change and replacing it if signs of wear are present. As a general guideline, most serpentine belts are designed to last between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, driving conditions, extreme temperatures, and other factors can influence its lifespan. It's always best to err on the side of caution and replace it proactively when signs of wear appear.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to serious issues, including loss of power steering, alternator failure (dead battery), overheating (water pump failure), or loss of A/C. Be vigilant for these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom, especially during cold starts or when turning the steering wheel. It indicates a slipping belt, which can be due to a worn belt, misaligned pulley, or a failing tensioner.
• Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing on the Belt: Visually inspect the belt. Deep cracks, missing chunks, frayed edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance on the ribs are all indicators that the belt is past its prime.
• Loss of Power Steering: If your power steering suddenly becomes very stiff, the serpentine belt may have broken or slipped off the power steering pump pulley.
• Battery Light On/Dead Battery: The alternator, which charges your battery, is driven by the serpentine belt. If the belt fails, the alternator stops working, leading to a dead battery.
• Overheating Engine: The water pump, responsible for circulating coolant, is also driven by the serpentine belt. A broken belt will lead to engine overheating.
• Visible Wobble in Pulleys or Tensioner: A failing tensioner might wobble or not apply consistent tension, leading to belt slip. Similarly, a wobbly idler or accessory pulley indicates a bearing issue that needs immediate attention.
• Loose or Slack Belt: If the belt appears unusually loose, the tensioner may be failing and unable to maintain proper tension.

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