2010 jeep patriot 2.4 belt routing

First off, I am a Noob, and not that well versed in working on cars. I change oil, plugs, brake pads, and bulbs, but that’s about it. I have 120K miles on my car, and want to change the serpentine belt. It looks ok, and does not make any noises, but it must be time. The maintenance schedule also calls for it. I asked the dealer and they want $90 for install plus the price of belt, so around $135 total. I can purchase the belt for $30, but when I took a look under the hood, it was not quite as simple as others I have changed in past. I found the procedure about using wrench on specific wheel (#8) to loosen the tension. My question is, what exactly do I have to do to make room to get access to the rest of the wheels (all of them below #8 and #7). I am assuming I take out the three fluid containers.

Ohh..and how hard is it really for someone with my limited history. Is this somethig I should just pay for? I prefer to save the $100, but will pay if I am going to spend 3 hours because I am useless under the hood.

My thoughts...

I am useful under the hood, certainly not an expert though.

Based on my circumstances I would pay the $100 I would just get someone to do it. I have never attempted it or even looked at how tight it is in there but that would be my first thought.

Thank you for some feedback.

It is pretty tight and I am not a tiny person so I do not have spaghetti arms. It looks like removing the coolant/ windshield wiper fluid containers would be simple, but that only opens up half way down. If you don’t take those off, I can even get my hand to number 8 to put a wrench on it.

Usually done from under the car in a lot of situations (on rack or lift). I should do mine, but won't until the weather is better.

Jack the car up, take the wheel off, and remove the wheel well liner, That's how I've done it on other cars, I assume its the same on this as well.

To make it easy turn steering wheel all the way to the right, loosen tension on the belt, remove belt from power steering pump, remove wheel well cover from in front of the belt and remove belt from remaining pulleys..... Would be so much easier with a hoist, but as a mechanic myself belt is totally doable at home

Is it a good idea to replace the tensioner while doing the belt change as a preventive maintenance?

Is it a good idea to replace the tensioner while doing the belt change as a preventive maintenance?

If it's high mileage, then yes change the tensioner too.

Above is just great advice, very useful by myself when taking on an easy mechanic repair. Not being much of a mechanic this forums advice has been most helpful. YouTube has been really helpful too, most of the time several viewings are needed. First Cherokee wheel bearing was a bit uneasy, second wheel bearing was easy. Sorta surprising how that goes.

another has said this but take the pass side front tire off, or turn wheels all the way tot he right so you can access the splash shield. Remove the shield rivets and you should be able to get to it all day.

i had another car that was the same way and that's how i did that one. from the passenger side behind the tire....it was quite easy. the jeep? i won't know till i do it in a few 10's of thousands of miles...