Jeep KJ Liberty -Gates Tensioner and Belt !

[ltd02]

Well my old factory Mopar one looked exactly like the AO version in the previous post. BUT, there is no lettering after the number though. I really looked hard since it may have been hand engraved and the tensioner was a bit pitted. Odd?

I spun the pulleys as I was checking it out and good thing I changed it. The grooved one is definitely not long for this world.

 

[LibertyTC]

It could be that if it was off the 2002, that it was never superseded or updated= no engraving then.
In my case with a hard spin, the idler can't even make 3 revolutions on the ole Mopar smooth 76mm pulley.
Since it was clearly marked Dayco, my confidence level of their bearings are now reaching an all time low in their performance department ! ! !
The name went on before the quality goes in !
I look forward in discovering soon what bearing they are using, by removing the pulleys.
I think you can see where I am headed next..Can I use the GM parts? ha ha..??
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I would really like to know if in pulley anyone use the Timkin bearing in their assembly as well.
Is there any steel pulley specialists out there... please speak up!

 

[ltd02]

It could be that if it was off the 2002, that it was never superseded or updated= no engraving then.

No this one came off the 05. My 02 had the original on it when I gave up on it. That would be a different tensioner anyway since the 02 had the 76/90/

 

[LibertyTC]

Got the Bolts off the tensioners today. Gates bolts were way, way, over tightened.
Even the air impact did not like em LOL..
hmmm..one is definitely better than the other..The AO Mopar has NTN bearing markings=good
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What's up here?
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The idler Steel GM pulley 76 mm also shares the NTN markings and at aprox 80 to 90Kmiles, I could still re-use it for another 60 k+ miles!
Will order a new GM 76mm to install into the New Mopar AG tensioner, once I can find the 90mm steel.
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For the ribbed I doubt an 82mm is available in steel from GM.
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[TomB985]

Any idea how long the old part was on there? The bolts may have seized in there, rather than been over tightened.

Just wanted to say I love this thread, for some reason geeking out over belts and tensioners is kinda fascinating to me. I hope you document all your maintenance this well and post the photos.

 

[profdlp]

I still can't get my old tensioner off. I've had a new one sitting in a box for a couple years now....

 

[ltd02]

I still can't get my old tensioner off. I've had a new one sitting in a box for a couple years now....

No way! I remember your bolt dilemma from back then. I just assumed you figured it out. One of these days you'll have to just go for it or take it to a perfessionle... :gr_grin:

 

[tommudd]

All of my old ones piled up around here look exactly like the Mopars, which I assumed they would
Threw them back in the box to take up space

 

[LibertyTC]

It is a bit of a long story, My own cross referencing, dealer calls and GM hopefully coming up with the real GM bearing part# that I want....
I supposedly have now found the GM part for a flanged, 6 groove, steel pulley and it may be an 87mm, which is great news.
Delivery time from GM to get the grooved 87mm = 10+ days, 3 days for the idler 76mm, which is still an original part#, & never superseded= excellent.
Would like not to remove the new Mopar tensioner, just swap in the new steel pulleys, on jeep.
To accomplish this, I will need to borrow a 90 degree short air impact tool ! :help:

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I still can't get my old tensioner off. I've had a new one sitting in a box for a couple years now....

Did you try it with the engine warmed up? I replaced mine last year, 169k miles and 13 years old, came out without a hitch. Barely took a heave on the breaker bar.

 

[profdlp]

Yep. Everything from cold to hot. Last time I had it off I was replacing the thermostat when it was 8F out. I do know I torqued it to spec back then.

Now the daggone bolt is somewhat rounded off. (Not that the bolt head was all that deep to begin with...) I should just take it to a shop, I guess.

 

[LibertyTC]

Finally the pulleys arrived at GM dealer. Real Steel quality & paint work.
Delco specs state 87 mm, but adding the outer flange actually measures to 94mm.
No big deal, where inside the belt lays flat is aprox 87mm.
Link to Delco Specs: https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1311523&jsn=3
This pic show the size difference well.
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Nice deep grooves on this steel pulley, wont have to worry about belt jumping off LOL !
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The larger ole rusted washer from the old AO Mopar tensioner is now painted black. Luckily it is the exact size required to cover the bearing properly.
I think the plan is to remove the new AG tensioner, get the plastic pulleys off, and use one of the new small washers for the steel 76 mm idler, and also paint it black to match.
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In the future, I see steel pulleys getting mounted to the new AG Mopar tensioner assembly!
:happy107:

 

[LibertyTC]

During trial fitment of the Mopar AG tensioner with steel pulleys, the Mopar flange washer get bent/ damaged at 36 ft lbs.
So, the addition of a stainless washer for the correct bolt size was added.
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I got creative in the paint department as well !
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I hope for a smooth installation, with an installed pic tomorrow to follow! :gr_grin:

 

[LibertyTC]

Jeep dealer is going to be advised about how their steel bolt and aluminum threads on the ribbed pulley is weak & needs to be strengthened- "updated" more like now... heli-coiled !
There are no instructions about the range in motion or pushing it too far to get belt on !
So ya I'm now on my second new AG tensioner, as the 15mm bolt stripped interior threads during installation.
To avoid stripping, a longer belt for this job will be required.
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In my second tensioner attempt today using the standard belt, I was successful, however, another person had to assist in stretching the belt on, as to not push things too far.
It should also be noted that for ease of installation, as the bolt hole is somewhat covered by the larger pulley, It is easier to just remove the ribbed pulley, and then install the tensioner center bolt while the pulley is off.
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Back up & running now with the steel pulleys finally.
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[LibertyTC]

I was uncertain if jeep would warranty out the stripped Ag tensioner.
I pointed out that ribbed pulley side was a seriously tensioned item & that strength was critical, and there literally were some "short" comings.
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The good news is that I will get another new tensioner under warranty.
I will swap over the steel pulleys into the next better built one.
I am going to make it stronger, by using a longer bolt & hope to install a nut on the end as well to increase strength &, red-locktite in the end as well.
A decision will be made on a longer Gates belt working on from 1/4 to half inch longer specs.

 

[LibertyTC]

Basically the Mopar standard bolt is too short & does not fit completely thru housing.
The 10.9 commercial grade does just fit thru and is very hard to find with flanged washer.
Even at the best specialty fastner shops here, I cant seem to find the longer 20.17 with a flange!
So stainless at the moment is all I can do with the washer, if I want to add a nut on the back.
Going to keep searching for one though.
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The added strength of the nut should give perfect torquing performance without ever stripping.
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Using a thread locker will also give it more torque.
Do I use Locktite red or really giver the gusto and use 263? Hmmm...

 

[LibertyTC]

So we are back at it again, the Jeep started complaining as the belt was too tight, tensioner maxed out, even with a 3/8 inch longer belt, when AC engaged for sure.
With the new warrantied Mopar tesioner, the longer bolt was installed, with permanent thread locker, and cured for 24 hours on low (335 watts an hour ha ha)
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Now once again it is on to find a longer belt. This time I am going for 1 inch longer belt and see if that gets over the pulley without tensioner/belt being too tight.
I made a Mark on ternsioner to gauge where it sits and hope to find a happy middle ground with the next larger belt.
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As the Pioneer of this process, I will note what belt I settle on.
In reality it would have been better to just use 2x 76mm steel pulleys but the ribbed 94 mm GM quality steel pulley will still be best longterm.

 

[LibertyTC]

Considering it was a holiday today, I got lucky with a parts store that had the longer belt by 1 additional inch in stock.
It fit easily onto the pulley finally, and installed similar to when I had the 76mm & 82mm plastic stuff.
Did not have to push tensioner too far, just fits like it should.
The belt I got was a PK060875 Continental -Contitech- Aug 2017 made in UK, straight ribbed!
I know I am good to go now!
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This belt works particularly well with the 94 mm & 76mm steel pulleys that are now installed.
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