2018 Jeep Cherokee 3.2V6 Serpentine Belt - Done the right way!

Product reviewed

A serpentine belt replacement “fix” using an alternate replacement belt approach for a 2018 Jeep Cherokee with the 3.2L V6 (VVT), transverse-mount, all-wheel drive—specifically addressing a belt service scenario that would otherwise be difficult and may require draining coolant.

Main features / what’s being demonstrated

The video demonstrates that on this 3.2L V6 application, the serpentine belt can be replaced without:

• Cutting the belt
• Emptying/draining the radiator
• Disconnecting hoses or removing water pump hoses

Instead, the approach relies on:

• A rerouting method
• An alternate belt length/part number

Key details mentioned:

• Uses belt code K060775
• Described as equivalent to a 77.5-inch belt, rather than an 81-inch belt
• The 81-inch belt is stated to be the one that “eventually wear out and break and/or need to be replaced.”
• The belt is described as wrapping around hoses, which can force the more involved standard service (including coolant draining). This fix avoids that.

Pros (as mentioned)

• Avoids major coolant/water system work (no draining/emptying required).
• No need to cut the belt to install/remove.
• Easier replacement for this engine/belt layout.
• Includes a rerouting schematic, intended to make the method more repeatable.

Cons / limitations (implied)

• You must track the belt part number/length equivalency (e.g., K060775 / 77.5-inch equivalent).
• The discussion notes that if a belt were to split while driving, you’d still be dealing with an emergency situation—this is mainly about making service/installation easier, not preventing roadside failures.

User experience / practicality

• The speaker frames the method as a “fix for anybody” who otherwise would have to drain coolant or follow a more involved process based on diagrams.
• The method is positioned as very easy compared with the standard expectation for this setup.

Comparisons made

• No direct competitor-brand comparisons.
• The “comparison” is between:
  • The original/longer 81-inch belt, associated with the more problematic service scenario
  • The alternate shorter belt (K060775 / 77.5-inch) combined with rerouting to prevent draining coolant

Unique points mentioned

1. Serpentine belt replacement should not require cutting.
2. Replacement should not require draining the radiator or removing hoses/water pump components.
3. On the 3.2L VVT transverse-mount AWD Jeep Cherokee engines, the belt is wrapped around hoses, making the standard approach messy.
4. The suggested belt reroute allows installation without changing/draining coolant.
5. Specific belt reference: K060775, described as 77.5 inches equivalent.
6. Contrast with an 81-inch belt, said to wear out/break and require harder service.
7. A drawn rerouting schematic is provided (step guidance).
8. Claimed outcome: saves time and “a whole lot of headache.”

Speakers / perspectives

• Eric Pearson (primary speaker): Experienced mechanic (~37 years), introduces the belt problem and presents the fix; a mechanical engineer background is also mentioned.
• “Shane” (referenced): Mentioned as someone involved in the context, with no distinct technical viewpoint beyond being addressed.

Overall verdict / recommendation

If you’re servicing a 2018 Jeep Cherokee 3.2L V6 (VVT) AWD serpentine belt and you’ve been told you must drain coolant or cut the belt, the video recommends using a K060775 (77.5-inch equivalent) belt and installing it using a rerouting method so the replacement can be done without draining the radiator.