How to Replace Serpentine Belt Tensioner 03-08 Dodge Ram 1500

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 20 min · Dodge Ram

Replace the serpentine belt tensioner on a 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 1500.

Steps

1. Remove the old tensioner

   Familiarize yourself with the belt's routing, insert a 3/8-inch drive ratchet into the tensioner, turn it clockwise to loosen the belt, pull the belt off the alternator, release the tensioner, remove the tensioner's rear 15mm bolt, then remove it from the accessory bracket.

2. Install the new tensioner

   Confirm its aluminum studs are intact, insert it into the bracket, reinstall the 15mm bolt, confirm the belt is routed correctly, insert the 3/8-inch drive ratchet into the tensioner, turn it clockwise, pull the belt over the alternator, then release the tensioner.

3. Reinstall the serpentine belt

   Loop it around the crank pulley, the water pump, under the power steering pulley, over the A/C pulley, under the upper idler and over the lower idler, around the tensioner, pull the tensioner clockwise with the 3/8-inch ratchet, pull the belt over the alternator, then release it.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.