This probably goes for the 2.8 as well so;

Last week a screeching sound came from the front of the engine. Checked it out, serpentine belt tensioner bearing shot. No problem, I thought, since the little wheel/bearing combo is fitted to the tensioner arm with a bolt and can therefore be easily replaced.

Called my parts supplier ( I only use original MOPAR parts ): they don't sell the wheel as a spare. I needed to buy the whole thing.

The price? US $ 552.63 + tax!!!!

So I had a closer look at it yesterday and the wheel on the tensioner is the exact same one ( bearings have same serial numbers ) as the idler wheels situated above the cooling fan and under the alternator.

I've changed those at 80k/km and they've cost me US$ 175 each!!

So now I'll order one of those and fit that to the tensioner. They come complete with a new left hand thread bolt and a bushing, don't worry: they can be taken out with no problem.

Just made a save of US $ 377 Hope this is helpfull.

_________________
Cherokee 2,5 CRD: sold - Wrangler TJ 2.5: gone - Touareg V10 TDI: new toy

Solo Liberty en Español: Jeepliberty.es

Did you fit the idler wheel to the tensioner? I'm in the same boat now, with the whining sound and US$ 600 for the tensioner!

_________________
Liberty - Cherokee CRD 2004 Silver
Garmin GPS - IPOD
Warn M8000 INSTALLED
Daystar Lift
Rancho 9000X
ARB Rear Locker & OBA
Thule Aero
Santiago-Chile

FYI, there are alternatives. Firstly some people are 'servicing' these pulleys and they can continue to be used. There are also some aftermarket alternatives (basically Toyota and Daewoo pulleys that are identical and can be used - price is $41 Australian).

Suggest a read of this post on AusJeep:

http://www.ausjeepoffroad.com/forum/sho ... hp?t=83097

which explores aftermaket parts for the KJ (mainly CRDs).

Not suggesting you buys parts from Australia but if there is a local source of these parts it might worth exporing.