How to Replace Serpentine Belt: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Watch this video to learn how to replace the serpentine belt on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Serpentine Belt on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Serpentine belt
• Serpentine belt tensioner pulley
• Serpentine belt idler pulley

Tightening Torques

• Serpentine belt tensioner holding bolt: 30 Ft-lbs
• Serpentine belt idler sprocket bolt: 18 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Ratchet
• 10mm socket
• Breaker bar
• 1/2″ Drive extension socket
• 16mm socket
• Torque wrench: 20 to 250 Ft-lbs or 100 to 600 Ft-lbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

• Turn off the engine and set the parking brake.
• Pull the hood release handle and open the hood.
• Disconnect the battery for safety reasons.

Step 2: Document Belt Path

• Before replacing the serpentine belt, take a picture or draw its path around the pulleys to guide you later.

Step 3: Loosen the Belt

• Use a breaker bar and a 1/2″ drive extension socket to loosen the belt by turning the serpentine belt tensioner counterclockwise.

Step 4: Remove the Serpentine Belt

• Remove the belt from the tensioner and then from the various pulleys.

Step 5: Replace Tensioner and Idler Pulleys

• Replace the tensioner pulley by unscrewing the bolt with a ratchet and a 16mm socket. Remove the tensioner.
• Use a ratchet, an extender, and a 13mm socket to unscrew the bolt holding the idler pulley on the water pump. Remove the idler pulley.

Step 6: Install New Tensioner and Idler Pulleys

• Put the new serpentine belt tensioner in place and hand-screw the bolt.
• Tighten the bolt with a ratchet until it makes contact, then finish tightening with a torque wrench.
• Repeat the process for the idler pulley.

Step 7: Install the New Serpentine Belt

• Take the new serpentine belt, ensuring the writing turns clockwise.
• Slide the belt around the pulleys, following the initial layout.

Step 8: Secure the Belt

• Turn the serpentine belt tensioner counterclockwise and secure the belt with both hands if needed.
• Release the tensioner to fully extend the belt.

Step 9: Final Checks

• Ensure the belt is properly positioned on all pulleys.
• Reconnect the battery.
• Check that all components are securely tightened.
• Close the hood.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2011 Ram 1500
• 2012 Ram 1500
• 2013 Ram 1500
• 2014 Ram 1500
• 2015 Ram 1500
• 2016 Ram 1500
• 2017 Ram 1500
• 2018 Ram 1500

Important Reminders

The serpentine belt moves the alternator which charges the battery. Yet, it also operates the power steering, the air conditioning compressor and sometimes the water pump.

For safety reasons, we advise you to disconnect the battery.

Before proceeding with the replacement of the serpentine belt, we recommend taking a picture or to draw the path of the belt around the different pulleys, in order to position it correctly later.

Before starting your car again, check that the belt is properly positioned in all the pulleys.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.