How do you relieve the tension on the belt tensioner so the serpentine belt can be removed on a 1997 Wrangler with a 25L?

Answer 1

the Power Steering pump is on a pivot on the top bolt that mounts it to the bracket. First, loosen all of the bolts. There are 2 behind the pump that cleary run in a track. just loosen them until you can see a gap between the head and the mount.also loosen to top bolt on front that is over the pump. Models vary but i belive that is it. look for others. on the underside of the pump is the tensioner. iT is a long bolt that is stationary and a small pivot runs along it. there is a bolt on the pivot, loosen that too. then with a ratchet and an extention turn the long bolt counter clock wise. the pump should start moving slowly to the left. if it doesent and the bolt just moves out then give a light tap with a small hammer on the head. if nothing, check for all the bolt being loose enough. If it does move, then do it be hand not by air tool until it stops. the tension should be removed. to replace make sure you have the pulleys corectly wrapped. the ridge side should hit the ridged pulleys and vise versa. i start at the crank and then the alternator, water pump, ac, then power steering and then the idler. you may be missing a few pulleys but always finish on the idler. To tighten, turn the long bold clock wise BY HAND until the pulley plays 1/2 inch with 10 pounds of force. DO NOT overtighten. the pivot on the long bolt will split if overtightened but it is only 4 dollars at the dealership. Then tightent the bolt on the pivot then the back 2 and then the top. Recheck before starting.