What tools do you need to change a serpentine belt?

Tools/Supplies Needed:

1. ratchet and socket set.
2. torque wrench.
3. new replacement belt.
4. new tensioner.
5. new pulley.
6. wrench set.
7. jack and axle stands or ramps.

What is a tensioner pulley?

A drive belt tensioner is a pulley mounted on a spring mechanism or adjustable pivot point that is used to keep tension on the engine belts. Both are used to keep tension on the engine serpentine belts so that they can drive the various engine accessories.

What is the idler pulley?

The idler pulley is a common part that’s found on the majority of the vehicles on the road. Its primary function is to provide tension and guide the engine drive belt. The pulley spins against the belt wearing down both parts. This wear reduces tension which can lead to belt slippage.

How long does it take to change a serpentine belt?

For an experienced person, it will only take about 20-minutes, as the only concern will be to understand out how to loosen the tensioner bolt, and if the belt is the right one.

Can you drive with a bad tensioner pulley?

Driving with a bad belt tensioner is unsafe since the tensioner is meant to guarantee ample tension that powers accessories. Wear on the belt tensioner will eventually cause the belt to slip, generate loud noise, and also create an unsafe level of heat along the accessory pulleys.

What are the symptoms of a bad tensioner pulley?

Grinding or squeaking noise from the belts or tensioner If the tensioner is loose the belts may squeak or squeal, especially when the engine is first started. It is also possible for the tensioner pulley or bearing to wear out, in which case the vehicle will produce a grinding noise from the pulley.

How do you replace serpentine belt on Dodge Ram?

Turn the tensioner clockwise as if tightening the bolt to release tension on the belt. While holding the tensioner away from the belt with one hand, slide the loosened belt off of the tensioner pulley.

What’s the best way to replace a serpentine belt?

Auto tensioners have either a hole that will fit a half inch drive ratchet, or a bolt you can use a socket to apply pressure to. Insert the wrench or place the socket over the bolt on the tensioner and twist it away from the belt to relieve the tension on it.

How is the tension set on a serpentine belt?

Depending on the application, your serpentine belt will either have tension placed on it using a movable bracket or an auto tensioner pulley. This pulley uses an internal spring to apply consistent pressure to the belt at all times. If your vehicle does not have a tensioner pulley, the alternator bracket is likely how tension is set on the belt.

How do you remove a drive belt from a car?

Attach the breaker bar and socket to the end of the tensioner and turn it clockwise. Then remove the belt from the idler pulley first (which is the smooth pulley at the top of the engine) and then pull it off completely from the engine. Draw a diagram of the drive belt route if the old belt is still present.

How do you replace the belt on an engine?

Loop the replacement belt on the engine following the path laid out on the routing diagram. Run it around every pulley except the idler pulley, making sure the belt doesn’t twist or kink along the way. Pull up the tensioner again with the breaker bar, then pull the belt over the idler pulley.

How to remove serpentine belt 09-19 Ram 1500?

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What kind of engine does a Dodge Dakota have?

The 4.7l V-8 Dodge engine is popular in the Dodge Dakota, mainly because of its high horsepower numbers in a low weight chassis. Like many modern V-8 engines, several critical engine parts and accessories are driven by a single belt, known as a serpentine belt.

What happens when the serpentine belt on a V-8 breaks?

Like many modern V-8 engines, several critical engine parts and accessories are driven by a single belt, known as a serpentine belt. When this breaks or wears out, the belts will squeal and eventually break, leaving you on the side of the road with a dead engine.