2020 Ram 2500 Serpentine Belt Routing & Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Varies by engine – see below for specific engine options.
• Rib Count: 6-rib (most engines), 8-rib (some Cummins diesel configurations)
• OEM Belt P/N (6.4L Hemi): 68285876AB
• Aftermarket Cross-references (6.4L Hemi):
  • Gates: K060930
  • Dayco: 5060930
  • Continental Elite: 4060930
• OEM Belt P/N (6.7L Cummins Diesel - Standard Output): 68021074AD (main drive belt)
• Aftermarket Cross-references (6.7L Cummins Diesel - Standard Output):
  • Gates: K080976
  • Dayco: 5080975
  • Continental Elite: 4080975
• Auto-Tensioner P/N (6.4L Hemi): 68257019AA
• Auto-Tensioner P/N (6.7L Cummins Diesel - Standard Output): 68042761AA
• Idler Pulley P/N (6.4L Hemi): 53013893AD (upper), 53013893AD (lower - often the same or very similar)
• Idler Pulley P/N (6.7L Cummins Diesel - Standard Output): 68042760AA

(Note: Part numbers can vary based on specific vehicle configuration, trim level, and production date. Always verify with your VIN at a parts supplier.)

Belt Routing

The 2020 Ram 2500 offers two primary engine options: the 6.4L Hemi V8 gasoline engine and the 6.7L Cummins I6 turbo diesel engine. The serpentine belt routing differs significantly between these two engines.

Always take a clear, well-lit photograph of your existing serpentine belt routing before attempting removal. This will serve as an invaluable reference during installation.

6.4L Hemi V8 Serpentine Belt Routing

Starting from the Crankshaft Pulley (the lowest and largest pulley, directly driving the belt):

1. From the Crankshaft Pulley, the belt travels down under the A/C Compressor Pulley.
2. From the A/C Compressor, the belt then goes up and over the lower Idler Pulley.
3. From the lower Idler Pulley, it continues up and over the Alternator Pulley.
4. After the Alternator, the belt heads left and over the Power Steering Pump Pulley.
5. From the Power Steering Pump, it travels down and around the Water Pump Pulley (typically a smooth, non-ribbed pulley).
6. Finally, from the Water Pump, the belt engages the Automatic Belt Tensioner (also typically a smooth pulley). The tensioner then routes the belt back to the Crankshaft Pulley, completing the loop.

6.7L Cummins I6 Diesel Serpentine Belt Routing (Main Drive Belt)

(The 6.7L Cummins engine often has two belts: a main drive belt and a separate small belt for the A/C compressor. This description focuses on the main drive belt.)

Starting from the Crankshaft Pulley (the lowest and prominent ribbed pulley):

1. From the Crankshaft Pulley, the belt travels up and under the Automatic Belt Tensioner.
2. From the Tensioner, the belt goes up and over the Alternator Pulley.
3. From the Alternator, the belt continues left to the top Idler Pulley where it goes over.
4. After the top Idler Pulley, the belt heads down and under the Power Steering Pump Pulley.
5. From the Power Steering Pump, the belt goes down to the lower Idler Pulley and under it.
6. Finally, from the lower Idler Pulley, it routes back to the Crankshaft Pulley, completing the circuit.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2020 Ram 2500 requires some mechanical aptitude and the correct tools. The basic procedure involves relieving tension on the automatic belt tensioner.

Tools You'll Need:

• Serpentine Belt Tool Kit or a long 3/8-inch breaker bar (or ratchet with sufficient leverage) for the tensioner.
• New serpentine belt.

Steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool and the vehicle is off. For added safety, disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square hole (1/2-inch or 3/8-inch drive) designed for a breaker bar or serpentine belt tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert your breaker bar or serpentine belt tool into the square hole on the tensioner. Apply steady, counter-clockwise (or clockwise, depending on engine and tensioner design – refer to your service manual or observe which way the tensioner pivots to relieve tension) pressure to pivot the tensioner arm and relieve tension on the belt.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding tension off the belt, carefully slide the old belt off one of the easier pulleys (e.g., alternator or idler pulley).
5. Inspect Pulleys: With the old belt off, spin each pulley by hand. They should spin freely with no wobble, grinding noises, or excessive resistance. If any pulley feels rough or noisy, it should be replaced.
6. Route New Belt: Refer to the photograph you took earlier (or the routing diagrams above) and carefully route the new belt around all pulleys except for the final pulley that you removed the old belt from. Ensure the ribs on the belt align with the ribbed pulleys and the smooth back of the belt rides on any smooth idler pulleys or the tensioner.
7. Final Placement: Apply pressure to the tensioner again with your tool. While holding it, slip the new belt over the last pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, allowing it to apply proper tension to the new belt.
8. Double Check: Visually inspect the entire belt routing to ensure it's correctly seated on all pulleys and that the ribs are properly aligned.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal (if disconnected).
10. Test: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises (squealing, grinding). Observe the belt for proper operation.

Replacement Interval

For the 2020 Ram 2500, a general guideline for serpentine belt replacement is typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or 5-7 years, whichever comes first. However, it's crucial to inspect the belt regularly (every 15,000 miles or annually) for signs of wear and tear, especially during routine oil changes. Environmental factors, driving conditions, and engine load can affect belt lifespan.

If you observe any of the "Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner" listed below, consider replacement sooner.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt can lead to a complete breakdown, as it drives essential components like the alternator (charging system), power steering, water pump (cooling), and A/C compressor. An issue with the tensioner can cause premature belt wear or belt slippage.

Signs of a Failing Serpentine Belt:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: Especially noticeable on cold starts, acceleration, or when turning the steering wheel. This could indicate a worn belt, a misaligned pulley, or a failing tensioner.
• Visible Cracks or Fraying: Small cracks across the ribbed surface are normal with age, but deep cracks, missing chunks, or fraying along the edges are clear indicators of a belt that needs immediate replacement.
• Glazed or Shiny Belt Surface: A shiny, slick appearance on the belt's underside (ribbed side) suggests that the belt is hardened and losing its grip.
• Belt Slippage: Components like power steering feeling heavy or the battery light flickering on/off could indicate the belt is slipping and not properly driving the accessories.
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Overheating: If the belt breaks, all these systems will immediately cease to function. The battery light will also illuminate.

Signs of a Failing Automatic Belt Tensioner:

• Excessive Belt Vibration/Flapping: The tensioner's job is to keep the belt taut. If the belt is vibrating excessively, especially at idle, the tensioner might be weak.
• Grinding or Squeaking Noises from the Tensioner Pulley: Similar to other pulley issues, a noisy tensioner pulley bearing indicates failure.
• Hydraulic Leak (if applicable): Some tensioners use a hydraulic dampener. A leak around this component is a sign of failure.
• Tensioner Arm Not Centered: A healthy tensioner arm should typically sit within a specific operating range. If it