Belt Tensioner

[RetNavy03]

The belt tensioner has gone out on my 2001 Dodge Ram 2500.  I was wondering what it takes to DIY and replace it.  Any help would be great.

Thanks

Dave

[Cumminalong]

Welcome to DOF!

 

Give us a bit more info on the truck.

Is it a gas or diesel. I'll move this to the appropriate area once we know that so you get a better response.

Either way, it should be nothing more than using a 1/2" drive breaker bar to release the belt, remove the belt and then take of the tensioner and install the new one.

Shouldn't be a big deal.

[RetNavy03]

Trucks a diesel and I can slip the belt off without loosening anything.

Dave

[jakebrake]

just a matter of slipping the belt off the tensioner and unbolting it. I believe the bolt holding it on is a 13mm or a 15mm head. I would put a little locktite on the thread when you put the new tensioner on.

[Cumminalong]

Moving this up to the Cummins section.

[Parts/Service]

A 3/8 inch square hole is provided in the automatic belt tensioner . Attach a 3/8 inch drive-long handle ratchet to this hole.
Rotate ratchet and tensioner assembly counterclockwise (as viewed from front) until tension has been relieved from belt.
Remove belt from water pump pulley first.
Remove belt from vehicle.

[RetNavy03]

Once I replace the belt tensioner, how much tension should be on the belt?

I am gathering that the 3/8 hole is where I do the tensioning.

Is this usual for these to go out?

Thanks

Dave

[Little Foot]

The serpentine belts are spring loaded. there is no adjustments required.

[jakebrake]

Probably should replace that belt while your at it. The tensioner should keep the belt tight enough. Its easier to loop the belt around the tension then install the tensioner. Its a bit of a tight squeeze to get the belt between the tensioner and the front cover.

[RetNavy03]

I got the tensioner and there seems to be a problem.

I was not able to relieve the tension on the new tensioner.  I tried to turn it counter clockwise but it will not move at all.  Should the tensioner be all the way loose when you start to replace it?

Maybe I am putting it back on wrong.  Any help would be nice.

Thanks

[mayfair]

Ya got me Navy. Hopefully maybe Jake will know.

[jakebrake]

It should be clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine) to release tension on the belt.

[RetNavy03]

Turning the tensioner clockwise only tightens the belt.  I'm all the way clockwise before I put it on the truck, I need to loosen it so that I can get it into the slot with the belt on before I tighten.

Any ideas?

[lilfroger]

What length belt did you get?  Do you have a/c or not?

[Kilch123]

Dave

Take a look at the other Dave's (Parts/Service ) diagram that he posted.

Are you replacing Item 7 in that picture, or something else?  If number 7, is the lineup pin on the back of it properly engaged in the hole in it's mounting?

Make sure your belt is following the path in the picture

Also, as lilfroger asked, not having A/C changes the length of belt and routing on some engines