Drive Belt: Service and Repair

NOTE: Correct accessory drive belt tension is required to ensure optimum performance of the belt driven engine accessories. There are different gauges for checking serpentine and V type belts. use belt tension gauge, number 7198, or an equivalent gauge, when checking belt tension. Place gauge in the middle of the section of belt being used to check tension. For correct gauge measurement, the gauge must no con
tact any component other than the drive belt. With the gauge fully seated on the belt, release the gauge handle as rapidly as possible to ensure a correct tension reading.

Fig. 2 Engine Without A/C:

Fig. 3 3.0L Engine With A/C:

CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory drive belt, the belt must be routed correctly. It is possible to route the belt incorrectly and rotate the water pump in the opposite direction causing the engine to overheat. Refer to Figs. 2 and 3 for the correct routing.

NOTE: Proper belt tension for a new serpentine accessory drive belt is 800-900 Nm (180-200lbs. ft.). For a used serpentine belt accessory drive belt, proper belt tension is 623-712 Nm (140-160lbs.ft.).

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery negative cable from battery.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist.
3. Remove splash shield below alternator.

Fig. 4 Alternator Pivot Bolt, Lock Bolt And Adjusting Bolt 3.0L Engine:

4. Loosen alternator pivot bolt Fig. 4.
5. Loosen locking bolt Fig. 4.
6. Loosen adjusting bolt Fig. 4 until the belt can be removed from the alternator pulley.
7. Lower the vehicle.

Fig. 5 Engine Damper Mounting Bracket 3.0L Engine:

8. Remove lock nuts securing engine damper mounting bracket to engine Fig. 5. Push the bracket towards the engine.
9. Remove the accessory drive belt.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory drive belt, the belt must be routed correctly. It is possible to route the belt incorrectly and rotate the water pump in the opposite direction causing the engine to overheat. Refer to the appropriate accessory drive belt schematic in this section for the correct routing.

Fig. 6 Idler Pulley Assembly 3.0L Engine:

1. If any of the idler pulleys were removed, they must be installed with the small spacer washer between the pulley and the engine Fig. 6. The inside bushing is installed between the pulley and locknut.
2. Install the accessory drive belt on the pulleys.
3. Install engine damper mounting bracket onto studs in engine front cover Fig. 5. Tighten locknuts to 40 Nm (30 ft.lbs.) torque.
4. Raise the vehicle.
5. Tighten the alternator pivot bolt to 50 Nm (37 ft.lbs.) torque Fig. 4.

Fig. 7 Checking Belt Tension 3.0L Engine:

6. The belt tension gauge must be installed in the middle of the span of belt that is used to check belt tension Fig. 7.
a On vehicles with air conditioning, install belt tension gauge 7198 in the middle of the drive belt and between the air conditioning compressor and the alternator.
b On vehicles without air conditioning, install belt tension gauge 7198 in the middle of the drive belt between the water pump and the alternator.
c Tighten adjusting bolt Fig. 4 until the correct belt tension is obtained.

NOTE: If a new belt Is Installed, It should be retensioned after 12070 km (7500 miles) of usage.

7. Tighten locking bolt Fig. 4 to 27 Nm (20 ft.lbs.) torque.
8. Tighten alternator pivot bolt Fig. 5 to 50 Nm (37 ft.lbs.) torque.
9. Install the splash shield.
10. Lower the vehicle.
11. Connect negative cable to battery.