How to Replace the Serpentine Belt in a Dodge Ram

The main drive belt or serpentine belt is important on any vehicle, but some have more than one belt to drive components from the crankshaft. The Dodge Ram and similar truck models have one true serpentine belt, a multi-ribbed belt that fits into grooves on various pulleys, that Dodge suggests inspecting for wear every 15,000 miles or 12 months.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Because the electric fan can start even without the vehicle running, some mechanics suggest disconnecting the battery terminal while working in the serpentine belt area.

2

Locate the serpentine belt tensioner pulley. The belt tensioner pulley will have a bolt on its side. On some Dodge Ram models, the tensioner is directly below the air conditioner compressor pulley; look for it above the crankshaft pulley.

3

Rotate the tensioner pulley by turning the bolt, either with a wrench for some models or a breaker bar or ratchet for other models.

4

Slip off the belt and let the tensioner return to its position.

5

Use a belt routing diagram to fit the new belt over the pulleys, making sure the ribs are lined up with the grooves for each pulley. Dodge generally includes a belt routing diagram on the upper radiator panel or a similar spot under the hood.

6

Rotate the tensioner again to allow the new belt to slip onto all pulleys. Check to make sure it is seated right on all pulleys with the ribs in the grooves.

7

Re-connect the battery terminal.

8

Run the engine and observe the belt for proper functioning.