Replacing the serpentine belt or the belt components can get a bit challenging on the Ram Truck. This video covers how to replace the belt and the belt tensioner on the Dodge Ram 2500 with a Cummins Diesel 6.7L. I was able to replace the belt and the tensioner without removing the air box, fan, or the fan shroud.
Today we are changing the dreaded belt on our Cumings. I'm going to do everything I can to get the camera and all the other places. I can't make any promises, but I will do my best.
Preparation and Space Management
The first step you're going to take is to remove your filter and your airbox all the way back to the turbo. That way you'll have more room cuz you're going to need all the room you can get. The only reason why I didn't show this step is because everyone seems to have a different setup these days.
Using a 13 mm ratchet take the nut loose it holds your fan trout on the bracket. Wedge a deep well socket between the bracket and the fan shroud. That'll help hold it back give you more room to get your arms and hands down in there. Repeat the same step on the bottom passenger side.
Belt Removal Process
Using a fan belt tool, slide it into the tensioner, push it to the driver's side, and then remove your belt. Now we can continue to remove the belt from around the rest of the pulley. And just so you know, trying to remove the belt from between the crankshaft and the fan pulley will definitely be a challenge.
Using your 13 mm, we'll now remove the tensioner. Now I'm going to try to work some more of this belt here out. Now lying underneath the truck, I'm going to try to push the belt out from between the crankshaft and the fan pulley. Back up top, we put the belt the rest of the way out.
Installing the New Belt
We'll start out by sliding our new belt down the passenger side. Lying underneath the truck, I'm going to start working it on the crank.
So what you got to do here, cuz I know y'all couldn't see, but that's the only place I can mount this camera. Uh, where are all my lights at? Okay, so you're going to have to slide your hand in there. You're going to push this belt between the crank and the fan pulley. Push—just push this way and then pull a little bit—Push Pull until you work that belt in between or it's the tightest fit you've ever seen in your life.
Routing the Belt Correctly
All right, we're going to slide our belt between the water pump, crank, and the fan pulley. From underneat, I'm going to go around the power steering pump and then push it right back up around the bottom of the crank.
As you keep tension on the belt, slide the tensioner in. Put the smooth side of the belt up against the pulley. Run the bolt down finger tight. Move the bottom of the belt around the AC compressor.
| Component | Action |
|---|---|
| Crankshaft | Wrap the belt around from below |
| Fan Pulley | Push the belt between the crank and the fan |
| Power Steering | Route underneath |
| AC Compressor | Finish routing here |
Using a torque wrench and a 13 mm, torque your tensioner down to 32 ft-lb. Next, place your belt around the water pump. Using your fan belt tool, place the belt around the alternator.
For those replacing the belt with OEM-grade quality, the Cummins 6.7 serpentine belt offers a direct fit solution with long-lasting durability and performance.
Reassembly and Final Checks
All right, put your air filter and box back in. Bolt your fan shred down and go for a test drive.