How to Replace Serpentine Belt Tensioner 2003-08 Dodge Ram 1500
Created on: 2016-05-10
Watch this video to learn how to replace the serpentine belt tensioner on your 03-08 Dodge Ram 1500.
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step 1 :Removing the Tensioner
- Familiarize yourself with the route of the serpentine belt under the hood or on the radiator support
- Insert the 3/8 inch drive ratchet into the tensioner
- Turn the tensioner clockwise to loosen the belt
- Pull the belt off the alternator
- Release the tensioner
- Remove the 15mm bolt from the back of the tensioner
- Remove the tensioner from the accessory bracket
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step 2 :Installing the Tensioner
- Make sure the aluminum studs on the tensioner are intact
- Insert the tensioner into the tensioner bracket
- Reinstall the 15mm bolt
- Make sure the serpentine belt is routed properly
- Insert the 3/8 inch drive ratchet into the tensioner
- Turn the tensioner clockwise to loosen the belt
- Pull the belt over the alternator
- Release the tensioner
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Follow step #3 if your serpentine belt came off
step 3 :Reinstalling the Serpentine Belt
- Loop the belt around the crank shaft pulley
- Bring it around the water pump
- Bring it under the power steering pulley
- Bring it over the A/C Pulley
- Bring it under the upper idler pulley
- Bring it over the lower idler pulley
- Bring it around the belt tensioner
- Pull the tensioner clockwise with the 3/8 inch ratchet
- Pull the belt over the alternator
- Release the tensioner
Tools needed
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15mm Socket
Ratchet
3/8 Inch Drive Ratchet
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Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
In this video, we're going to show you how to replace this Serpentine belt tensioner. This is a 2008 Ram with the 5.7-liter Hemi V8. It's pretty much the same procedure for a 2003-2008, as well as some other Dodge and Chrysler models. You'll need a new tensioner from 1AAuto.com, a 3/8" drive ratchet, and a 15mm socket.
Here's your serpentine belt. Before removing, you want to make sure you have the diagram for it, usually located under the hood or on the radiator support of your vehicle.
Using drive from the 3/8" ratchet, you'll insert it into the slot on the tensioner, remove the tension from the belt, and take it off the pulley. Remove the 15mm bolt at the back of the tensioner. Remove your tensioner from the accessory bracket. Ensure that the aluminum studs are intact and not broken off in the accessory bracket before installing your new tensioner.
The original part from the vehicle, new part from 1A Auto, couple of the dimensions are a little bit different but it is going to install exactly the same, and if your old tensioner is worn out this new part from 1A Auto is going to fix your problem.
Align the aluminum studs on the inside edge of your tensioner to the holes in the tensioner bracket. Reinstall your 15mm bolt.
Refer to your diagram or drawing to ensure that your Serpentine belt is routed properly. Install your 3/8ths ratchet into your tensioner, release the bolt tension, and install the remainder of your belt over your alternator pole.
If your serpentine belt fell off during the repair, or if you decide to replace your serpentine belt at the same time, here's a quick run through of how to route the belt onto the pulleys properly.
To reinstall your serpentine belt, loop around your crank shaft pulley, bring the top side over the water pump pulley, under the power steering pump pulley, over the A/C compressor, under your upper idler pulley, to the other side, go over your lower idler pulley and around your tensioner.
Using your 3/8"? drive ratchet, remove the tension from the tensioner pulley and install the remainder of your belt over your alternator pulley.
Ensure that your belt is properly seated around the pulleys and installed in the correct path before starting your vehicle.
Thanks for tuning in. We hope this video helped you out. Next time you need parts for your car, please visit 1AAuto.com. Also check out our other helpful how-to and diagnosis videos.
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