2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly see modern SUVs like the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee in the shop for routine preventative maintenance. While the 2022 Grand Cherokee offers multiple powertrains (including the 5.7L V8 Hemi and the 2.0L turbo 4xe hybrid), the 3.6L Pentastar V6 remains the most common engine block under the hood.

Replacing the serpentine belt (also known as the drive belt) on your Grand Cherokee is a straightforward job that can save you a tow bill and an overheated engine. Below is the essential information you need to tackle this job with confidence.

Quick answer

Here are the vital specifications and part numbers for the standard 3.6L V6 engine. Note: If you have the 5.7L V8 or the 2.0L 4xe, lengths and part numbers will vary significantly.

• Belt length: 86.0 - 86.2 inches
• Rib count: 6-rib
• OEM belt PN: Mopar 5149021AB (or updated 68252273AA depending on exact trim)
• Aftermarket cross-refs: Gates K060860, Dayco 5060860, Continental Elite 4060860
• Auto-tensioner PN: Mopar 5184617AD (Aftermarket: Gates 39766)
• Idler pulley PN: Mopar 05186006AA (Aftermarket: Gates 36329)

Belt routing

Because engine bays can be incredibly cramped, I always recommend that you photograph the existing belt before removal. This gives you a personal, real-world reference for how the belt navigates the pulleys on your specific vehicle.

Since we cannot render an image here, follow this text-based step-by-step description of the routing path. Starting at the bottom of the engine and working clockwise:

1. Crankshaft Pulley (bottom center)
2. Route the belt around the outside of the A/C Compressor
3. Up to the smooth Idler Pulley (the back/smooth side of the belt rides on this)
4. Over to the Alternator
5. Down around the Power Steering (if applicable based on hydraulic vs. electric rack configuration)
6. Around the Water Pump
7. Finally, loop the belt over the Auto-Tensioner pulley before returning to the Crankshaft.

Make sure the ribbed side of the belt is seated firmly in the grooves of all ribbed pulleys, and the smooth side of the belt is flush against the smooth idler and tensioner pulleys.

How to replace the serpentine belt

You don't need a massive toolbox to change a serpentine belt on a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, but having the right leverage makes all the difference.

1. Locate the tensioner: Find the automatic belt tensioner on the front of the engine block.
2. Release the tension: Use a dedicated serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8" breaker bar inserted into the square drive hole on the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner counter-clockwise (or push downwards, depending on your angle) to release the tension on the belt.
3. Slip the belt off: While holding the tensioner open, slip the old belt off the easiest accessible pulley (usually the idler or alternator). Carefully release the tensioner arm back to its resting position.
4. Route the new belt: Thread the new belt following the routing path described above. Leave the same accessible pulley for last.
5. Install the new belt: Engage the tensioner again with your breaker bar, slip the belt over the final pulley, and slowly release the tensioner so it clamps down on the new belt.
6. Double-check: Inspect every pulley with a flashlight to ensure the belt ribs are perfectly aligned in the pulley grooves. A misaligned belt will shred immediately upon startup.

Replacement interval

For the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the recommended replacement interval for the serpentine belt is typically between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. However, age and environmental factors matter just as much as mileage. Rubber degrades over time, so if your vehicle is 5+ years old, you should be inspecting the belt at every oil change, regardless of the odometer reading.

Signs of a failing belt or tensioner

Don't wait for a snap and a dashboard lit up with warning lights. Look and listen for these early warning signs:

• Squealing or chirping noises: Especially on cold morning startups or when turning the steering wheel sharply.
• Visible wear: Look for fraying edges, missing chunks of ribs, or deep cracks across the ribbed side of the belt. Modern EPDM belts don't crack as much as older neoprene belts, but they do wear deep into the V-grooves.
• Tensioner bounce or rattle: If you look at the tensioner while the engine is idling and see it vibrating violently or hear a metallic rattling sound, the internal spring or bearing is failing.
• Accessory failure: A loose belt can cause intermittent power steering loss, an overheating engine (due to the water pump not spinning fast enough), or a battery warning light (alternator undercharging).

If you are experiencing any of these issues and prefer to have a professional handle it, find a trusted shop on Repairius.