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Serpentine Belt Tentioner on 99 XJ-8 V-8

Michael J.

Jedi Warrior
Offline
I need to change the serpentine belt due to a lot of cracks and missing grooves. I put a wrench on the 15mm bolt for the tentioner idler, but it would not swing enough to loosten the belt to the point that I could remove the belt.

Is there a secret?
 
Usually, and I cannot recall an XJ-8 (but Jesse will) in serpentines, one or two places the back (smooth) side of the belt runs on a smooth pulley. Pull the tensioner back, slide that one off first, it will give you enough to get the rest off.
If you don't have the diagram on the radiator support, draw the routing out first.
 
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