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

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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

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:

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:

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