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Jeep Wrangler TJ 1998-1999 repair manual download

- Safety first
- Park on level ground, set parking brake, chock rear wheels, engine OFF and cool, keys out of ignition.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect from dirt, sharp edges and slipping tools.
- If you will be under the vehicle or removing splash shields, use a rated jack and jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
- Keep hands and tools away from pulleys when you run the engine for final check.

- Tools — what each is, why it's needed, and how to use it
- Socket set (metric and SAE, 3/8" and 1/2" drive): used to remove fasteners and operate belt tensioner if it has a square drive or hex head. How to use: select correct socket, attach to ratchet or extension, turn clockwise to tighten and counterclockwise to loosen. Typical sizes to have: 10mm–19mm and 3/8"–3/4" sockets.
- Ratchet (3/8" and/or 1/2"): provides quick turning for bolts and for some tensioners. How to use: attach socket, set direction switch, apply steady force.
- Breaker bar (long handled bar): gives extra leverage to release a stuck tensioner or loosen tight bolts. How to use: attach the correct socket and apply slow, steady force; do not use sudden jerks.
- Serpentine belt tool or long 3/8" drive extension with universal joint (preferred): slim profile and long handle make it easier to reach and rotate the tensioner in tight engine bays. How to use: fit to tensioner square, push or pull to relieve tension and hold while you remove/install the belt.
- Combination wrenches (box/open end): for tight spaces where a socket won’t fit. How to use: place correct size on bolt head, pull or push to loosen/tighten.
- Torque wrench: required if you remove any pulleys or the tensioner and need to torque bolts to spec. How to use: set the required torque and apply steady force until the wrench clicks.
- Flat-head screwdriver or small pry bar: to help route the belt onto a pulley or to remove plastic clips/splash shields. How to use: use gently to avoid damaging pulleys or belt.
- Pliers (needle-nose and regular): for hose clamps or clips that might be in the way. How to use: grip and compress/release clip as needed.
- Jack and jack stands (if access under vehicle required): to raise the vehicle safely. How to use: lift at manufacturer jacking point, place stands, lower onto stands; never work on a vehicle supported by only a jack.
- Wheel chocks and gloves: chocks prevent rolling; gloves protect hands.
- Flashlight or work light: needed to see belt routing and pulley details.

- Extra/specialty tools and why they may be required
- Dedicated serpentine belt tool (long bar with low-profile head): needed if the tensioner square or hex is recessed and a standard ratchet won't reach. Saves effort and reduces risk of slipping.
- Replacement tensioner or idler pulley (if worn): requires sockets and a torque wrench to remove and install; replacing these ensures proper belt tension and alignment.
- Pulley keeper or holding tool (rare): keeps tensioner from moving while torquing fasteners when replacing tensioner.

- Parts you may need and why
- New serpentine belt (required): old belts wear, crack, glaze, or lose ribs and will slip or break. Get the correct belt for your TJ year and engine (2.5L I4 or 4.0L I6 are common). Provide VIN or engine size at parts store or use OEM/aftermarket part lookup. Recommended brands: Gates, Dayco, Bando.
- Tensioner assembly (possible): replace if tensioner is noisy, the pulley wobbles, or tensioner doesn’t hold tension. Symptoms: squeal on acceleration, belt slip, visible pulley play.
- Idler pulley(s) (possible): replace if bearings are noisy or pulleys are glazed/worn. Symptoms: rumbling noise, belt misalignment, visible wear.
- Accessory hardware (bolts, clips, splash shield fasteners): small fasteners can be damaged when removing shields; have replacements or a fastener kit available.

- How to inspect parts before replacement
- Check belt condition: look for cracks in ribs, fraying edges, glazing (shiny smooth ribs), missing ribs, or hard/crumbly rubber — replace if any present.
- Check pulleys by spinning by hand (engine off): they should spin freely and quietly with no wobble. Side-to-side movement indicates bearing wear.
- Check tensioner: push the pulley arm; it should move smoothly and snap back, not be loose or stuck.
- If any component fails inspection, replace that component at the same time as the belt to avoid repeating labor.

- Step-by-step replacement procedure (basic, assume automatic tensioner)
- Confirm exact belt routing: find routing diagram on underside of hood or in service manual; if not available, sketch routing before removal or take a clear photo.
- Access and clear workspace: remove any plastic engine covers or splash shields that block access to the belt path using sockets or screwdrivers; keep hardware organized.
- Relieve belt tension: position the serpentine belt tool, long ratchet or breaker bar on the tensioner square or hex; rotate the tensioner in the direction specified by the diagram (usually clockwise on Jeep TJs) to release tension, hold it there.
- Remove belt: while holding the tensioner, slip the belt off one accessible pulley (usually the easiest) and slowly release the tensioner back. Remove belt from rest of pulleys and take it out.
- Inspect pulleys/tensioner again now that belt is removed: check for play/noise and decide on replacement if needed.
- Fit new belt: route the new belt according to diagram, leaving one easily accessible pulley for the final step (often the alternator or idler). Make sure belt sits properly in rib grooves and not riding on edge of any pulley.
- Apply tension: rotate the tensioner again the same way, slip the belt onto the final pulley, then carefully release the tensioner so it applies tension to the new belt.
- Double-check alignment: ensure the belt is seated fully in all pulley grooves and that ribs line up. Look along the belt line for any misalignment.
- Reinstall removed parts: put back splash shields, covers and fasteners; torque any removed bolts to spec if required.
- Start engine and observe: with everything clear of tools and hands, start engine and watch belt run for a minute; listen for squeal, observe alignment and tension. If noisy or misaligned, stop engine and recheck.
- Final torque check: if you replaced tensioner or pulleys, torque bolts to factory specs with a torque wrench.

- Common model-specific notes for Jeep Wrangler TJ (97–06)
- Two common engines: 2.5L I4 and 4.0L I6 — belt length and routing differ; always verify the routing diagram and belt part for your engine.
- The tensioner often has a square drive access or a hex head; if you can’t reach with a normal ratchet, use a serpentine belt tool or a long extension with universal joint.

- Quick troubleshooting tips
- If the new belt squeals immediately: confirm belt is routed correctly, fully seated, and not backwards (ribbed side must contact ribs). Check tensioner and idler pulleys for seized bearing.
- If the belt comes off after a short drive: check pulley alignment and replace worn pulleys/tensioner.
- If access is very tight: removing the passenger-side wheel and inner splash shield can give more room; use jack and stand, and chock wheels.

- Time estimate and difficulty
- Time: 30–90 minutes for a first-timer depending on engine and access.
- Difficulty: Low–moderate for someone with basic tools and patience. Use specialty belt tool if reach is tight — it makes the job much easier and safer.

- Final safety reminder
- Keep tools and hands clear of moving parts during test run. If replacing pulleys or tensioner, follow torque specs from a repair manual. If uncertain at any point, stop and consult a factory service manual or a professional mechanic.
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