Hey guys,
A few days ago I threw both my accessory belts. Was fun.
I've looked at all the posts about similar issues on here and I haven't come across the same thing yet.
Went and bought both belts, jacked up the car and found that in order to put the power steering belt on, you have to loosen/remove the crank pulley, as there is a timing mark just above it that blocks any access to the inside track for the PS belt.
Any ideas that doesn't involve buying a "special tool" as the manual says?
Manual states you have to remove the crank pulley nut in order to replace the belt.
Hopefully someone can help me with this.

You state power steering belt but your procedure is sounding more like timing belt replacement?

Are you sure you are trying to access the accessory belts from the correct side?

There is an idler pulley in an almost impossible position nearer the Power Steering pump. Slack it off and slide the new belt on. Remember to tighten it up again when you have finished. Similarly, there is an idler pulley for the alternator belt. You have to loosen the pulley nut (centre of pulley) and then adjust the tensioning bolt. Then tighten the centre pulley nut to lock it off.

Definitely Power Steering belt.
The Crank Pulley holds 2 belts: inside belt (which is PS) and outside belt (AC and Alt). There's a timing mark on the block right above the pulley. Can't get PS belt on because it's in the way.
It's not the idler pulley I'm having trouble with. Tension is loose as buggery because I loosened the idler. Just having problems getting the PS belt onto the crank pulley.

Definitely Power Steering belt.
There's a timing mark on the block right above the pulley. Can't get PS belt on because it's in the way.
Just having problems getting the PS belt onto the crank pulley.

You are doing it wrong. Have a good look at pictures in the manual as to how the belts run.

As to: "I threw both my accessory belts", you would be the first.


(Not sure if trolling or simply putting the belts on wrong.)

As you can see, there's a timing mark right on top of the crank pulley. I know how the belts feed.
http://i44.tinypic.com/atoqpl.jpg

The PS belt doesn't go anywhere near that timing mark.

No offense intended, but get someone who knows what they are doing to put the belt on for you.

I've done this belt removal/replace a number of times, mark doesn't get in the way.

The mark is about 2mm from the edge of the outer pulley. The PS belt cannot possibly go over it because it would rub on the mark, and there is only 2mm (if that) between the pulley and the mark so the PS belt cannot fit onto the pulley.
I've changed both belts on my TE 3.0 and the mark was never this close to the pulley.

Just looked at my TJ.

The power steering belt is lifted up by the tensioner/adjuster pulley, and the timing mark sits nicely equally distant from the top and bottom run of the PS belt. Lots of airspace between them.

Either you have a belt that is too short, or you are trying to run the tensioner pulley on the bottom run of the belt.

Is it possible you're trying to run the belt under the idler pulley which is just visible? The diagram shows it going over the idler in which case it should clear the timing marks, particularly when the idler is tightened.

nope. Trying to run the belt the way it's supposed to run, and it sits snug on the mark when the idler is tightened...

Best guess is your belt's too short. My TJ's belts match MadMax's description (sorry for the rubbish pic), plenty of clearance (at least 1.5cm)

http://i43.tinypic.com/28kr4md.jpg

Ok, I can accept that. What size belt is the PS belt? I know it's a 4PK (unless I have that wrong)...

I bought a 4pk900 for the PS belt... Is that the wrong one?

That's the right belt

I think it might be 6PK1195 but I could be wrong (that could be the other belt). I have one somewhere, I'll check the codes tomorrow when I can see in the garage.

4PK900 is definitely too short. Either that or my engine has had it and is way out of alignment

Can you get a picture up of how you got the belt on.

6PVK1200, 4PVK0900 are the belts I put on.

all good guys... Going to have it towed to the wreckers... Sick of having to fix the piece of crap...
Time to buy a TJ methinks...

4PK900 is definitely too short. Either that or my engine has had it and is way out of alignment

or your pump has shifted because you took the wrong bolt out. lol