2020 Ram 1500 Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

Quick answer

For your 2020 Ram 1500 with the 3.6L V6 engine (eTorque or non-eTorque):

• Belt Length: 2100 mm (82.7 inches)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Mopar 68261833AD
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K060827 (or K060827RPM for heavy duty)
  • Dayco 5060827
  • Continental Elite 4060827
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Mopar 68261895AB (or Gates 39433, Dayco 89433)
• Idler Pulley PN: Mopar 68060197AA (or Gates 36209, Dayco 89133)

Note: If your Ram 1500 has the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, the belt length and part numbers will be different. Always verify parts for your specific engine configuration.

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, always take a clear photo of your existing belt routing! This will be your best guide for reinstallation. The 2020 Ram 1500 with the 3.6L V6 engine typically features a routing that drives several accessories. Here's a step-by-step text description of the path:

1. Begin at the Crankshaft Pulley, located at the bottom center of the engine. The belt will wrap around this pulley fully.
2. From the top of the Crankshaft Pulley, the belt travels upwards and to the right, wrapping around the A/C Compressor Pulley (if equipped), which is usually located on the lower passenger side of the engine.
3. After exiting the A/C Compressor Pulley, the belt continues upwards to the Idler Pulley. This is a smooth pulley that helps guide the belt and is usually located above and slightly forward of the A/C compressor.
4. From the Idler Pulley, the belt then heads upwards and slightly to the left, engaging the Alternator Pulley, typically found on the upper passenger side of the engine compartment.
5. Leaving the top of the Alternator Pulley, the belt makes its way across the engine to the Power Steering Pump Pulley, situated on the upper driver's side.
6. From the Power Steering Pump Pulley, the belt drops down to the Water Pump Pulley, usually located below and slightly to the passenger side of the power steering pump.
7. Finally, the belt travels from the Water Pump Pulley to the Automatic Belt Tensioner, positioned below the alternator, often with a square recess for a serpentine belt tool or breaker bar. The tensioner applies constant pressure to keep the belt taut, and from here, the belt returns to the Crankshaft Pulley, completing the loop.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2020 Ram 1500 (3.6L V6) is a moderate DIY task. You will need a serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch drive breaker bar to release the tensioner.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Find the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square hole for your tool.
3. Release Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square hole on the tensioner. Apply clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on the tensioner design – check your service manual) pressure to rotate the tensioner arm and relieve tension on the belt.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner open, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (e.g., the idler or alternator).
5. Inspect Pulleys: With the old belt off, spin each pulley by hand. They should spin freely and quietly, without wobble. Check for any signs of wear on the pulleys.
6. Route New Belt: Refer to your earlier photograph or the routing description above. Begin by routing the new belt around all the smooth pulleys and then the ribbed pulleys, leaving one pulley (often the last one before the tensioner or the idler) for last, where you can easily slip the belt on.
7. Apply Tension: Apply pressure to the tensioner tool again, and slip the new belt completely onto the final pulley.
8. Verify Routing: Slowly release the tensioner. Double-check that the belt is properly seated in all the grooves of every ribbed pulley and correctly positioned on all smooth pulleys.
9. Reconnect Battery & Test: Reconnect the battery. Start the engine and let it run for a minute or two, observing the belt to ensure it tracks correctly without any wobbles or unusual noises. Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock a few times to ensure the power steering pump is working correctly.

Replacement Interval

It's generally recommended to inspect your serpentine belt every 30,000 miles or annually for any signs of wear. While a serpentine belt can last 60,000 to 100,000 miles, factors like extreme temperatures, fluid leaks, and heavy use can shorten its lifespan. It's good practice to consider replacing the serpentine belt and related components (tensioner and idler pulleys) at around 75,000 to 100,000 miles as preventative maintenance, especially if you plan on long road trips.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Paying attention to the health of your serpentine belt and tensioner can prevent a breakdown.

Signs of a failing belt:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom, especially on cold starts or when turning the steering wheel. It indicates a slipping belt, often due to wear, incorrect tension, or contamination.
• Cracks or Fraying: Visible cracks, especially across the ribs, or material fraying on the edges of the belt are clear indicators it needs replacement.
• Glazed or Shiny Ribs: The ribbed side of the belt should be dull. If it appears shiny or glazed, it might be slipping.
• Loss of Accessory Function: Since the belt drives multiple accessories, a broken or severely slipping belt will lead to a loss of power steering, A/C, and eventually, a dead battery as the alternator stops charging.

Signs of a failing tensioner:

• Belt Slippage/Squealing: A weak tensioner can't keep proper tension on the belt, leading to slippage and noise.
• Belt Wobble/Vibration: If the tensioner arm is failing, you might see excessive wobble or vibration in the belt path, particularly on the long, unsupported sections.
• Unusual Noises from Tensioner: Grinding, squeaking, or rattling noises coming directly from the tensioner pulley can indicate worn bearings or a failing spring mechanism.
• Misalignment: A failing tensioner can sometimes lead to belt misalignment, causing uneven wear on the belt or pulleys.

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to a broken belt, leaving you stranded and potentially causing damage to other engine components if the belt shreds and wraps around pulleys.

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