2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve replaced countless serpentine belts. If you are servicing a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, having the right part numbers, routing diagram, and replacement procedures is critical to getting your SUV back on the road.

Note: The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with a few engine options, most notably the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and the 2.0L turbocharged 4xe plug-in hybrid. The specifications and routing below focus specifically on the most common powerplant: the standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 without eTorque.

Quick Answer: 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L Specs

Here are the essential part numbers and specifications for the 3.6L V6 serpentine belt system:

• Rib Count: 6-rib
• Belt Length: Approximately 74.7 inches (1898 mm)
• OEM Belt Part Number: Mopar 68272499AB (or 68612502AA depending on exact build date/trim)
• Aftermarket Belt Cross-References: Gates K060747, Continental Elite 4060745, Dayco 5060745
• Auto-Tensioner Part Number: Mopar 5184617AD (Aftermarket: Gates 39120)
• Idler Pulley Part Number: Mopar 5184618AD (Aftermarket: Gates 36322)

Belt Routing

Since we cannot render an image of the engine bay, here is the text-based step-by-step description of the routing path for the 3.6L V6.

Pro Tip: Always photograph the existing belt before removal! Modern engine bays are tight, and having a reference photo on your phone can save you a massive headache if you forget the routing.

Start from the top and work your way down and around:

1. Alternator: The belt loops over the top of the alternator (top left).
2. Idler Pulley: From the alternator, the belt routes down and goes under the smooth idler pulley.
3. Power Steering Pump: It then travels over the top of the power steering pump pulley.
4. A/C Compressor: The belt goes straight down around the bottom of the A/C compressor.
5. Crankshaft Pulley: From the A/C compressor, it travels horizontally across the very bottom of the engine to wrap under the large crankshaft pulley.
6. Water Pump: Moving up from the crank, the back (smooth side) of the belt rides against the water pump pulley.
7. Auto-Tensioner: Finally, the ribbed side wraps around the auto-tensioner pulley before heading back up to the alternator, completing the loop.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the belt on the 3.6L Pentastar is a straightforward maintenance task that can be done in your driveway with basic hand tools.

Required Tools:

• Serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8" drive breaker bar / ratchet.
• Safety glasses and gloves.

Step-by-Step Replacement:

1. Locate the Tensioner: The automatic belt tensioner is located on the passenger side of the engine block, below the alternator. It has a square 3/8-inch drive slot cast directly into the tensioner arm.
2. Release the Tension: Insert your 3/8" breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square slot on the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner counter-clockwise (towards the driver's side) to relieve the tension on the belt.
3. Remove the Old Belt: While holding the tensioner open, slip the belt off the easiest accessible pulley (usually the alternator or smooth idler pulley). Slowly let the tensioner return to its resting position. Do not let it snap back.
4. Route the New Belt: Feed the new belt down the front of the engine, following the routing path described above. Wrap it around the bottom pulleys (crank and A/C) first, then over the power steering and water pump.
5. Apply Tension and Finish: Leave the loop for the idler or alternator for last. Rotate the tensioner again with your breaker bar, slip the belt over the final pulley, and slowly release the tensioner.
6. Verify Alignment: Check every single pulley to ensure the ribs of the belt are seated perfectly within the grooves. An off-center belt will shred within minutes of starting the engine.

Replacement Interval

For the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the manufacturer recommends inspecting the serpentine belt at 60,000 miles or 6 years. However, modern EPDM belts often don't show the traditional "cracking" of older neoprene belts. Typically, you should plan to replace the serpentine belt and the tensioner assembly together between 75,000 and 100,000 miles.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Don't wait for your belt to snap on the highway. Look out for these common warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping: A high-pitched squeal, especially on cold starts or when turning the steering wheel, indicates a slipping belt or a weak automatic tensioner.
• Visible Wear: Look for missing ribs, chunking, or a shiny, glazed appearance on the ribbed side of the belt.
• Tensioner Bounce: With the engine running, observe the auto-tensioner. If the arm is bouncing excessively, the internal spring has failed.
• Accessory Issues: If you experience sudden heavy steering (loss of power steering), battery warning lights, or an overheating engine, your belt may have slipped or broken.

If you don't feel comfortable tackling this repair yourself, don't worry. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.