2016 Ram 2500 Serpentine Belt Guide

Quick Answer

• Vehicle Application: 2016 Ram 2500
• Engines: 5.7L V8, 6.4L V8, 6.7L Cummins L6 Diesel

For 5.7L & 6.4L HEMI V8 Engines

• Belt Length: 92.13 inches (2340mm)
• Rib Count: 6
• OEM Belt Part Number: 53032858AH
• Aftermarket Belt Cross-References: Gates K060920, Dayco 5060920, Continental 4060920
• Automatic Tensioner Part Number: 53032857AF
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 53032860AB

For 6.7L Cummins Diesel Engine

• Belt Length: 111.4 inches (2829mm)
• Rib Count: 8
• OEM Belt Part Number: 68038595AA
• Aftermarket Belt Cross-References: Gates K081107, Dayco 5081107, Continental 4081107
• Automatic Tensioner Part Number: 68027611AA
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 68027602AA

Belt Routing

Before you remove the old serpentine belt, always take a clear photograph of the belt's path for reference. This will save you significant time and frustration during reinstallation.

The serpentine belt winds its way around several engine accessories, driven by the main crankshaft pulley. The precise routing is critical for proper engine function. Below is a text-based description of the belt path for both engine types.

5.7L & 6.4L HEMI V8 Routing

The belt path for the V8 engines is as follows:

1. Starts at the Crankshaft pulley at the bottom center.
2. Wraps up and around the Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor pulley.
3. Goes down and under the smooth Idler Pulley.
4. Travels up to the Alternator pulley.
5. Comes across to the Power Steering Pump pulley.
6. Goes down to the Water Pump pulley.
7. Finally, routes around the Tensioner pulley, which provides the slack needed for removal and installation.

6.7L Cummins Diesel Routing

The routing for the Cummins engine follows a similar, logical path:

1. Begins at the Crankshaft pulley.
2. Wraps around the Air Conditioning (A/C) Compressor.
3. Travels under the smooth Idler Pulley.
4. Goes up and over the Alternator.
5. Crosses to the Power Steering Pump.
6. Routes around the Water Pump pulley.
7. Finishes its path on the Tensioner pulley.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt is a manageable task for a DIYer with the right tool. You will need a serpentine belt tool, which is a long, thin bar with various socket and crowfoot attachments. Alternatively, a long-handled 3/8" or 1/2" breaker bar often fits directly into the square hole on the belt tensioner.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely cool.
2. Take a Photo: Photograph the belt routing from a few angles.
3. Locate the Tensioner: The automatic belt tensioner is a spring-loaded pulley designed to keep the belt tight. It has a square hole (usually 3/8" or 1/2") or a hex feature for your tool.
4. Release Tension: Fit your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar onto the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner against its spring pressure. This will create slack in the belt.
5. Remove the Old Belt: While holding the tensioner, carefully slip the old belt off one of the smooth pulleys, like the idler or water pump pulley. Slowly release the tensioner back to its resting position and remove the belt completely.
6. Inspect Pulleys: With the belt off, spin each pulley by hand (except the crank, of course). They should spin smoothly and quietly. A noisy, wobbly, or seized pulley must be replaced.
7. Install the New Belt: Following your reference photo or the diagram above, route the new belt around all the pulleys, saving one of the most accessible, smooth pulleys for last (like the idler or water pump).
8. Final Step: Release the tensioner again with your tool and slip the belt over the final pulley. Double-check that the belt is correctly seated in the ribbed grooves of every pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, and it will automatically tighten the belt.
9. Final Inspection: Give the entire belt path one last visual check to ensure it's perfectly aligned. Start the engine and watch the belt for a minute to confirm it runs true.

Replacement Interval

For the 2016 Ram 2500, there isn't a strict mileage interval set by the manufacturer for belt replacement. Instead, it falls under regular inspection items during routine service. As a general rule of thumb, most technicians recommend replacing the serpentine belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if you notice signs of wear. The belt tensioner and idler pulley should be inspected at the same time and are often replaced proactively with the belt, as their bearing failure can cause the new belt to fail.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Your truck will give you several warning signs that the serpentine belt system needs attention. Ignoring them can lead to a breakdown, as the belt powers critical components.

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common symptom. The noise, especially noticeable on startup or when the A/C is on, can be caused by a worn, glazed belt or a failing tensioner/pulley bearing.
• Visible Wear on the Belt: Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, glazing (shiny surface), or missing chunks of the ribs. Any visible damage means the belt is due for immediate replacement.
• "Belt-Jump" or Misalignment: If the tensioner spring is weak, it may not hold the belt securely, causing it to jump a groove or come off entirely.
• Rumbling or Grinding from Pulleys: A failing bearing in the tensioner or idler pulley will often make a grinding or rumbling noise that changes with engine RPM.
• Accessory Malfunctions: Since the belt drives everything from the alternator to the power steering pump, a failing belt can cause dimming headlights, a "Check Battery" light, or difficulty steering.

By keeping an eye on the condition of your serpentine belt and its related components, you can ensure your 2016 Ram 2500 remains reliable for the long haul.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.