2017 Ram 2500 Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement, & Part Numbers

The serpentine belt on your 2017 Ram 2500 is a critical component, driving essential accessories like your alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor. Understanding its routing, replacement, and signs of wear can save you from being stranded.
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Quick Answer\

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• Engine Options: The 2017 Ram 2500 was available with several engine options: the 5.7L HEMI V8, 6.4L HEMI V8, and the 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel. Belt lengths and part numbers will vary significantly between these engines.\
• Always Verify: Due to engine variations and potential past repairs, always verify the correct belt length and part numbers for your specific vehicle before purchasing parts. Check your owner's manual or consult a parts supplier with your VIN.
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For 5.7L HEMI V8\

• Belt Length: Approximately 98.7 inches (2507 mm)\
• Rib Count: 6-rib\
• OEM Belt PN: 53010769AC\
• Aftermarket Cross-refs: Gates K060987, Dayco 5060987, Continental Elite 4060987\
• Auto-Tensioner PN: 53013697AC\
• Idler Pulley PN: 53013697AC (often comes with the tensioner assembly, verify if separate pulley available)
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For 6.4L HEMI V8\

• Belt Length: Approximately 104.5 inches (2654 mm)\
• Rib Count: 6-rib\
• OEM Belt PN: 68192661AA\
• Aftermarket Cross-refs: Gates K061048, Dayco 5061048, Continental Elite 4061048\
• Auto-Tensioner PN: 68192662AA\
• Idler Pulley PN: 68192662AA (often comes with the tensioner assembly, verify if separate pulley available)
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For 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel\

• Belt Length: Approximately 127.5 inches (3238 mm)\
• Rib Count: 8-rib (Verify as some applications might use 7-rib or 6-rib depending on options like dual alternators)\
• OEM Belt PN: 68067055AB (Check for specific configurations, e.g., dual alternator setups will differ)\
• Aftermarket Cross-refs: Gates K081275, Dayco 5081275, Continental Elite 4081275 (Again, verify rib count and length for your specific configuration)\
• Auto-Tensioner PN: 68019302AC (Verify based on single/dual alternator setup)\
• Idler Pulley PN: 68019302AC (Verify based on single/dual alternator setup)
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Belt Routing\

It is highly recommended to take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt routing from multiple angles before attempting to remove it. This will serve as your primary reference during installation. Due to the complexity of the routing and variations between engine types, a detailed visual reference is invaluable. Below is a general description of the common routing path for the 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines. The Cummins engine will have a different and potentially more complex routing due to additional accessories.

General Routing Path (5.7L/6.4L HEMI - order may vary slightly):
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1. Begin at the Crankshaft Pulley (bottom center of the engine), which drives the belt.\
2. From the crankshaft, the belt typically travels up to the A/C Compressor Pulley (usually on the lower passenger side of the engine).\
3. From the A/C compressor, it will then route upwards to an Idler Pulley (smooth, redirects the belt, often near the top or middle of the engine block).\
4. After the idler, the belt will stretch across to the Alternator Pulley (typically high on the driver's side or top-center).\
5. From the alternator, it makes its way to the Power Steering Pump Pulley (often located below the alternator or on the driver's side).\
6. Next, the belt often routes to the Water Pump Pulley (usually centrally located on the front of the engine, may have a fan clutch attached).\
7. Finally, the belt runs to the Automatic Belt Tensioner Pulley (this pulley is spring-loaded and applies tension to the belt, often located low on the passenger side or near the bottom-center). The belt will then loop back around to the crankshaft pulley, completing the path.
   
   Remember, this is a general guideline. Your specific engine configuration will dictate the exact path. Reference your photograph!
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How to Replace the Serpentine Belt\

Replacing a serpentine belt typically requires a serpentine belt tool or a long breaker bar/ratchet with the appropriate socket (often 1/2-inch or 3/8-inch square drive) that fits into the tensioner arm. Always ensure the engine is cool before starting.
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1. Locate the Automatic Belt Tensioner: Identify the pulley that is spring-loaded. It will have a square opening for a breaker bar or a hex bolt in the center for a socket.\
2. Relieve Tension: Using your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar, apply pressure to the tensioner in the direction indicated (usually clockwise or counter-clockwise, consult a repair manual if unsure, or observe the tensioner's movement). This will rotate the tensioner arm and loosen the belt.\
3. Remove the Old Belt: While holding tension off the belt, carefully slip the belt off one of the pulleys (e.g., the idler or A/C compressor). Once loose, you can remove the entire belt.\
4. Route the New Belt: Following your previously taken photographs and the routing description, carefully route the new belt around all pulleys except for the tensioner or one easily accessible pulley.\
5. Final Tensioning: Once the belt is mostly routed, again apply pressure to the tensioner with your tool. While tension is relieved, slip the belt over the last pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt seats correctly in all grooves of all pulleys.\
6. Double-Check: Visually inspect to make sure the belt is seated properly in all pulley grooves and that the tensioner has returned to its operating position. Start the engine briefly and listen for any abnormal noises or slippage.
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Replacement Interval\

Manufacturers typically recommend inspecting the serpentine belt every 30,000 to 60,000 miles and replacing it every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if signs of wear are evident. Severe operating conditions (extreme temperatures, dusty environments, frequent towing) may necessitate more frequent inspection and replacement. It's also a good practice to replace the belt tensioner and idler pulleys when replacing the belt, especially if they show signs of wear, as these are common failure points. \

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner\

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• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common signs. A loose or worn belt, or a failing tensioner/pulley bearing, can cause these noises, especially on cold starts or when turning the steering wheel.\
• Visible Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Inspect the belt's ribs for any cracking, splitting, or fraying. The back of the belt should also be free of glazing (a shiny, hard appearance) or cracking.\
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Charging: If the belt breaks, these accessories will stop working. You might notice a sudden loss of power steering assist, the A/C blowing warm air, or the battery warning light illuminating on your dashboard.\
• Vibrations or Wobbling Pulley: A failing tensioner or idler pulley might exhibit excessive vibration or wobble while the engine is running. \
• Misalignment: Check if the belt is tracking correctly on all pulleys. Misalignment can indicate a bent pulley, a failing bearing, or an incorrectly installed belt.\

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