2015 Ram 2500: Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

""""" As an ASE-certified master technician, I know that a healthy serpentine belt is crucial for keeping your 2015 Ram 2500 running smoothly. This single belt powers multiple accessories, including the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, and A/C compressor. A worn or failing belt can leave you stranded.

This guide covers the part numbers, routing, and replacement procedures for all 2015 Ram 2500 engine options: the 5.7L HEMI V8, the 6.4L HEMI V8, and the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel.

Note: Part numbers can vary based on your truck's specific configuration (e.g., with or without A/C, alternator amperage). Always verify part numbers with your local dealer or parts supplier using your truck's VIN.

Quick Answer: Belt & Component Part Numbers

5.7L HEMI V8

• Serpentine Belt Length & Rib Count: 80.6 inches, 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: 53032857AF
• Aftermarket Belt Refs: Gates K060806, Dayco 5060805, Continental 4060805
• Automatic Tensioner Assembly: Mopar 53032859AF; Gates 38321; Dayco 89338
• Idler Pulley: Mopar 53032858AA; Gates 36294; Dayco 89053

6.4L HEMI V8

• Serpentine Belt Length & Rib Count: 88.2 inches, 6-rib
• OEM Belt PN: 68193226AA
• Aftermarket Belt Refs: Gates K060882, Dayco 5060880, Continental 4060882
• Automatic Tensioner Assembly: Mopar 53032859AF; Gates 38321; Dayco 89338 (shared with 5.7L)
• Idler Pulley: Mopar 53032858AA; Gates 36294; Dayco 89053 (shared with 5.7L)

6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel

• Serpentine Belt Length & Rib Count: 83.0 inches, 8-rib
• OEM Belt PN: 68039122AA
• Aftermarket Belt Refs: Gates K080830HD, Dayco 5080830, Continental 4080830
• Automatic Tensioner Assembly: Mopar 68027611AA; Gates 38517; Dayco 89481
• Idler Pulley (Smooth): Mopar 53034051AA; Gates 38041; Dayco 89146

Belt Routing

Before you remove the old belt, always take a clear photograph or draw a diagram of the belt's path. This will be your most trusted reference during installation. The routing can be confusing, and a photo will save you significant time.

Here is the text-based routing description for each engine. The path is described as if you are standing in front of the truck, looking at the engine.

5.7L & 6.4L HEMI Routing

The belt path for the V8 engines is similar. Starting from the main crankshaft pulley at the bottom:

1. Wrap the belt up and around the A/C Compressor pulley (passenger side).
2. Go down and under the Idler Pulley located below the A/C compressor.
3. Route up and over the Alternator pulley (top, passenger side).
4. Cross over to the driver's side, going under the Power Steering Pump pulley.
5. Wrap up and around the Water Pump pulley (center).
6. Finish the loop by going down and around the Tensioner pulley, which is the last pulley to wrap when installing.

6.7L Cummins Diesel Routing

The Cummins engine uses a wider 8-rib belt and has a different accessory layout.

1. Start at the Crankshaft Pulley (bottom center).
2. Route the belt upwards to the driver's side, wrapping around the Fan Hub pulley.
3. Continue up and over the Alternator pulley (top, driver's side).
4. Go down and under the Upper Idler Pulley (located between the alternator and A/C).
5. Route up and over the A/C Compressor pulley (top, passenger side).
6. Go straight down and around the Water Pump pulley.
7. Finish by routing the belt under the Tensioner pulley (bottom, passenger side).

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

To replace the belt, you must first release the tension. You will need a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8" drive breaker bar. locate the square 3/8" drive hole on the body of the automatic tensioner assembly.

1. Insert the breaker bar or tool into the square hole on the tensioner.
2. Rotate the tensioner to release the pressure on the belt. The direction of rotation depends on the engine, but you will feel the spring-loaded resistance give way. (For HEMI engines, you generally pull the bar toward the passenger side; for Cummins, you push toward the driver's side).
3. While holding the tensioner, slip the belt off one of the smooth pulleys, like the water pump or idler.
4. Slowly release the tensioner back to its resting position.
5. Remove the old belt entirely.
6. Route the new belt around all pulleys according to your photo or the diagram above, leaving a smooth pulley for last.
7. Release the tensioner again and carefully slide the new belt onto the final pulley. Double-check that the belt is centered in the grooves of every ribbed pulley before starting the engine.

Replacement Interval

There is no strict mileage interval from Ram for belt replacement; it is an "inspect and replace as needed" item. As a general rule, most technicians recommend replacing the serpentine belt every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. It's also wise to replace the tensioner and any idler pulleys at the same time, as their bearings wear out and can cause the new belt to fail prematurely.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Look and listen for these common symptoms:

• Squealing or chirping noises from the engine bay, especially on startup or when the A/C is on.
• Visible cracks, glazing, fraying, or missing ribs on the belt itself.
• A tensioner pulley that wobbles or makes grinding/rumbling noises.
• The tensioner arm "bouncing" or vibrating while the engine is running.
• Accessories not working correctly, such as dimming lights (alternator), stiff steering (power steering), or engine overheating (water pump).

If your belt breaks completely, your truck will lose power to all these systems and will not be drivable. Regular inspection is key to avoiding this scenario.

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