Is there any site I can find a video on replacing the serpentine belt from start to finish on my '97 xk ?

Thanks !

 

Probably not but armed with this diagram you shouldn't have any trouble:



1. put a spanner (see 1) on the centre of the belt tensioner idler pulley
2. viewed from the front, turn it to the left against spring tension
3. whilst maintaining tension, remove the drivebelt from the generator pulley (see 2)
4. release the tension slowly and remove the spanner
5. lift the serpentine belt off the other pulleys and remove

To fit the replacement, reverse the sequence. Ensure the belt ribs are squarely fitted on each pulley.

You can probably tell from this why no one can hold a video camera at the same time.

Graham

 

When you get a minute, please follow this link New Member Area - Intro a MUST - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum to the New Member Area - Intro a MUST section and post a short introduction about yourself and your Jaguar for all members to see.

In return you'll get a proper welcome and some useful advice on posting to the forum.

Graham

 

Thanks so much, this really helps and I will do that asap. Thanks !

 

Hello
I recently had the serpentine belt on my 1997 XK8 replaced. After the new belt was installed, I now experience a chirp after first starting the engine when cold. Any thoughts on the source of the chirp. It only started post new belt install.

I in conversation, I was told that it could be that the belt is over tightened.

Thoughts or advice

Thanks a bunch
Ed

 

Hello Ed, More likely that the wrong belt was installed. Tension is "automatic" by means of spring-loaded tensioner. Patrick

 

The tensioner assembly is known for failure .......

Graham

 

Thanks for these posts - especially the diagram! My local Jag dealer quoted $250 for the job. An aftermarket shop quoted the same. I thought, it really seems relatively simple, and with the help of my lovely wife taking the pressure off the tensioner with the tool I borrowed from Autozone ($30 deposit, fully refunded when I returned it) the job was done in about 15 minutes. $35 for the best belt Autozone stocked. There was another tip in this forum on disconnecting the bonnet struts so that access is easier - search that out before you begin the job. Good luck!

 

Just made a video to replace Serpentine from start to finish.

 

250 bucks to change JUST the belt?

 

Yes, including parts. Crazy, isn't it?!

 

250 for the BELT and the labor and that is it? if so that is HWY ROBBERY and then some. I know a dealer cost a lot but that is crazy.

 

Thanks for this thread! Mine threw her belt after a 4 hour drive this weekend. Got the belt today and immediately on attempting to route it I found that the tensioner pulley is... mostly GONE, looks like just bearings on the assembly. I'm awaiting the tensioner assembly and idler pulley (makes sense to replace both at the same time) to wake my kitty cat back up! Certainly hoping that she didn't get too hot in the half mile it took to get off the road!

 

Be advised it can be a bit of an effort to get the new belt over the pulleys while applying pressure on your "NEW" tensioner pulley with your other hand. Also, as mentioned by GGG, double and triple check with a flashlight that the new belt is fully centered in the grooved pulleys or you might be buying another belt. Take TH's advice and replace the idler pulley also, mine had a slightly loose bearing. Is your existing belt wornout? Transverse cracks across the ribs are normal. Replace the belt if the cracks are parallel to the ribs. I think I've only replaced two serpentine belts in my entire life.

 

I ordered both the pulley and the assembly. This belt isn't worn out, but it is split, the long way.. I wondered, when I fished it out of the car what could cause that, but given the heat wasn't able to immediately get into the bay to find it. Once I saw the condition of the tensioner, I knew exactly what caused the split! There was essentially no actual pulley there, only the bearings which appear to have seized up. I'm expecting the new parts this week. I anticipate a bit of yoga to get to the pulleys to replace!

 

And just in case you want to see what a catastrophic bearing failure looks like on the tensioner pulley.....

 

If you look in the OEM interchange link you will find my post of a Gates belt that is a perfect match for replacement. Easy to do, get a 15mm socket and a long breaker bar, pull back as per diagram above, remove belt and replace. Takes like 10 min.

 

Ha, thanks, I've already got the tension pulley and the idler pulley off for replacement. Should have the parts here shortly. I found this thread simply looking for the belt routing, since I was too lazy to try to scroll through the manual PDF. Once the pulley assemblies are here, I expect 10-15 minutes of work, and back on the road. I don't THINK she got too hot, but I guess we'll know within a few minutes of that belt being back in place.

 

I just was sent a quote on a 98 k8. To replace water pump, thermostat and housing, water tube and bypass hose, and belt for $800+. This sounded ridiculous to me, I can get all the parts for under $200. Looks like a simple job for a handy guy. Am I wrong?

 

Anyone with average mechanical skills can do the work. With the hoses out of the way the belt is much easier to do and you have to remove the belt to get to the pump. It is a good days work but doable.