🔧 Serpentine Belt - Replacement

The serpentine belt on your Ram drives key accessories like the alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor. Replacing it when it’s cracked, glazed, or noisy helps prevent charging and cooling problems.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work with the engine fully off and cool.
• Keep hands, hair, and clothing clear of the belt path.
• Do not start the engine with the belt partially installed.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
• Use a flashlight to trace the belt path.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 15mm socket
• Breaker bar
• Flashlight
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Make sure the engine is off and cool.
• Open the hood and locate the belt routing diagram under the hood if present.
• Take a photo of the belt routing before removal.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the belt and tensioner

• Open the hood and find the serpentine belt on the front of the engine.
• Find the automatic belt tensioner. It has a spring-loaded arm and a square drive or hex fitting for a tool.
• Use a flashlight if the belt path is hard to see.

Step 2: Release belt tension

• Place a 15mm socket and breaker bar on the tensioner.
• Rotate the tensioner in the direction that unloads the belt tension.
• Move slowly to avoid slipping.
• Hold the tensioner in the released position while you remove the belt from one pulley.

Step 3: Remove the old belt

• Slide the belt off the nearest easy-to-reach pulley first.
• Then slowly release the tensioner.
• Remove the belt from the rest of the pulleys and take it out of the engine bay.

Step 4: Compare the new belt

• Lay the new belt next to the old one and compare length and rib count.
• Make sure the replacement matches exactly.
• Do not install a belt that looks shorter or longer.

Step 5: Route the new belt

• Route the new belt around all pulleys except one easy-access pulley.
• Keep the ribbed side of the belt seated in every grooved pulley.
• Make sure the belt is centered on each pulley before tightening anything.

Step 6: Install the belt over the last pulley

• Use the 15mm socket and breaker bar to rotate the tensioner again.
• Slip the belt onto the last pulley while the tensioner is held back.
• Slowly release the tensioner and check that the belt sits fully in every groove.

Step 7: Inspect the routing

• Check every pulley to make sure the belt is aligned correctly.
• Look for twists, off-center ribs, or a belt riding on the edge of a pulley.
• No torque spec applies because no fasteners were removed.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and watch the belt for 30-60 seconds.
• Listen for squealing, chirping, or rubbing noises.
• Shut the engine off and recheck belt seating if anything looks off.
• Check again after a short test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $140-$260 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$80 (parts only)

You Save: $105-$180 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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