How to Replace the Exhaust Manifold in a Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, or JGC, helped usher in the midsized SUV rage that began in the early 1990s. The model was a bigger, better version of the smaller Cherokee with loads of room for the family, yet stylish enough for an evening on the town. The JGC produced between 2001 and 2004 offered a powerful 4.7L V8. Here are the steps to replace the exhaust manifold on that engine.

Instructions

Remove the Exhaust Manifold

1

Drain the coolant from the cooling system. Disconnect the negative battery cable and the power distribution center.

2

Remove the battery tray, the windshield washer fluid reservoir, the air clean assembly, the accessory drive belt and the compressor and accumulator bracket for the air conditioner. Disconnect the heater hoses.

3

Take out the manifold heat shields, the exhaust Y-pipe and the starter motor. Treat the exhaust manifolds fasteners with penetrating oil and let it sit for several minutes.

4

Loosen bolts to the exhaust manifold and remove them. Lift out the exhaust manifolds. Remove the gasket and discard it.

5

Clean the mating surfaces to remove any gasket material, dirt and carbon deposits. Wipe the surfaces with solvent. Examine the surfaces for damage.

Install the Exhaust Manifold

6

Position the new gaskets over the cylinder head and then place the exhaust manifolds on them. Start at the center and work out to the ends to tighten the bolts. Torque them to 18 foot pounds.

7

Replace the starter motor, the exhaust Y-pipe and the exhaust manifolds heat shields. Reconnect the heater hoses.

8

Install the air conditioner accumulator bracket and the air conditioner compressor. Connect the accessory drive belt and the air cleaner assembler.

9

Put the windshield washer reservoir and the battery tray back in position. Install the power distribution center. Reconnect the battery cable.

10

Fill and bleed the cooling system. Start the engine and allow it to run for several minutes. Check for exhaust leaks.