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Question: 1998 jeep wrangler sahara serpentine belt question?

(Posted by: theo2thief on 2009-12-16 15:22:57)

The Serpentine belt on my 1998 jeep wrangler snapped due to a seized ac pump. I was wondering if i can just get a non- ac belt for my jeep 4.0 liter and have it put on to bypass the ac since i cant afford to have ac work done. A mechanic told me it is impossible due to different engine configurations, but my diagram in the jeep shows a guideline for both ac and non- ac belts, so i think he is giving me the runaround, or he doesnt understand the question i was asking him. thanks for the help

Posted by: jj on 2009-12-18, 10:58:15

You can fit a non AC belt without any problems at all. The compressor won't be in the way and can be left where it is. Just follow the routing in your diagram and you will be fine.

Posted by: Rick on 2009-12-16, 15:30:21

It is possible but you would need to remove the a/ c compressor and you would possibly have to install an idler pulley where the a/ c compressor is. Compare the non a/ c diagram to the a/ c diagram and see if it shows a pulley where the a/ c compressor is. if not remove the compressor and buy a non a/ c belt.

Posted by: Jimbob on 2009-12-16, 15:43:36

Sure you can get a belt that will bypass the ac pump. If one for a 4.0 liter engine without air will work use that. It is possible that belt wont work because it may rub something that doesn't move. Look at the diagrams again and if everything is the same except the ac pump go for it. I am not familiar with this vehicle but sometimes when air is added other things change too like where the tensionor is mounted that may affect the belt.

Posted by: Jeepguy704XJ1996 on 2009-12-16, 16:09:21

Why don't you just remove the AC clutch relay in your electrical box under the hood, That way when you use the AC and the defroster the compressor wont be engaged anyway. There is no sense in doing all these goofy belt configurations. I don't even know why everyone is giving all these crackpot responses, been working with jeeps for a long time. This is a no brainer.