Adjusting and Checking the Tension on Your Serpentine Belt

[oldbill]

How do the rest of you adjust and check the tension on your serpentine belt. I have a 2000 Cherokee and have tried using the NAPA guage, which is just like the gates guage, but I don't think I getting a good reading from it. There's not a good stretch of belt to use it on that I can get too. Don't want my belt too tight or too loose.
Thanks,
Bill

 

[Brent T]

I set mine, then start the Jeep and rev it up a few times. If it squeals, I tighten a little more and repeat until it goes away. Not the most scientific, but it's always worked for me.

 

[iwannadie]

I use the krikit II gauge or whatever it is and find the longest section. Forget the spec off hand for what it should be.

 

[Bent]

I use the krikit II gauge or whatever it is and find the longest section. Forget the spec off hand for what it should be.

This; the upper most section of belt from the PS pump left to the water pump(?). I tend to prefer setting to the lower end of the specified tension.

After letting the engine idle for 10 - 15 seconds I take a few measurements to be sure I am getting consistent results.

 

[Cottontail]

I set mine, then start the Jeep and rev it up a few times. If it squeals, I tighten a little more and repeat until it goes away. Not the most scientific, but it's always worked for me.

This.

Your 2000 should have a 15mm adjustment screw behind the power steering pump on the idler pulley bracket.

 

[iwannadie]

This; the upper most section of belt from the PS pump left to the water pump(?). I tend to prefer setting to the lower end of the specified tension.

After letting the engine idle for 10 - 15 seconds I take a few measurements to be sure I am getting consistent results.

I think I go with the section between the alt and ac compressor maybe.

 

[ParadiseXJ]

with a serpentine belt on most vehicles, they will need to be and feel tighter than V-belts. On the longest section you have (the way I do it) if you can easily turn the belt 90 degrees, it's not tight enough. A new belt will "feel" tighter than a used belt. A used belt is any belt after you have driven the thing for a day or two. If it's not screeching, and you think it's too tight, you can afford to loosen it a bit.