2014 Ram 3500 Serpentine Belt Routing & Replacement Guide

Quick Answer

For your 2014 Ram 3500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, here are the essential parts:

• Belt Length: 2883 mm (approx. 113.5 inches)
• Rib Count: 8-rib
• OEM Belt PN: Mopar 68027584AA
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates K081135
  • Dayco 5081135
  • Continental Elite 4081135
• Auto-Tensioner PN: Mopar 68003117AA (Gates 38411, Dayco 89255)
• Idler Pulley PN: Mopar 53013401AA (Gates 36173, Dayco 89006)

Note: This information is for the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. The Hemi gasoline engine uses a different belt and routing. Always verify part numbers with your VIN for absolute accuracy.

Belt Routing

Before you remove anything, always take a clear photograph of your existing belt routing! This will be your most valuable reference during reinstallation. The serpentine belt on your 2014 Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins powers several critical accessories. Here's a common routing path:

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley (the largest pulley at the bottom, driving the belt).
2. From the crankshaft, the belt typically goes down and to the left to wrap around the A/C compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, the belt travels up to an idler pulley (a flat, non-grooved pulley).
4. After the idler, it winds down and to the right to engage the alternator pulley.
5. From the alternator, it moves across to the left to wrap around the power steering pump pulley.
6. The belt then continues down to the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, the belt routes beneath the automatic tensioner pulley. The tensioner applies spring pressure to keep the belt taut, usually found towards the passenger side of the engine bay.

Remember, subtle variations can exist. Your pre-removal photo is crucial!

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your Ram 3500 is a manageable DIY job with the right tools:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starting.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square drive hole (usually 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch) or a hex bolt head in its center.
3. Release Tension: Insert a serpentine belt tool or a long breaker bar (with the correct size socket for a hex head, or just the square drive for the drive hole) into the tensioner. Rotate the tool clockwise (or counter-clockwise, depending on the tensioner design – observe which way releases tension) to relieve pressure on the belt. This will allow you to slip the belt off one of the pulleys.
4. Remove Old Belt: Once tension is released, carefully slip the old belt off all the pulleys. Pay attention to its path for future reference.
5. Inspect Pulleys: While the belt is off, manually spin each pulley (alternator, power steering, water pump, idlers). Listen for grinding or squeaking noises, and feel for any looseness or excessive play. This is a good time to replace any failing idler pulleys or the tensioner if they show signs of wear.
6. Route New Belt: Refer to your photograph and the routing description. Carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley for last, or one of the easier pulleys to slip it over.
7. Apply Tension: With the new belt mostly in place, use your serpentine belt tool/breaker bar to rotate the tensioner again, creating slack. While holding the tensioner in place, slip the belt fully onto the final pulley.
8. Verify Routing: Slowly release the tensioner and double-check that the belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves and that no part of the belt is off-track.
9. Reconnect Battery & Test: Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and let it run for a moment, observing the new belt to ensure it tracks smoothly without any wobbles or unusual noises. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a few times to ensure the power steering operates correctly.

Replacement Interval

Serpentine belts are wear items. While there isn't a universally "fixed" interval like oil changes, it's generally recommended to inspect your belt annually or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Most manufacturers suggest replacement between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or if any signs of wear are observed. If you frequently tow heavy loads or operate in extreme conditions, you might consider replacing it closer to the lower end of that range.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Ignoring a failing serpentine belt or tensioner can lead to a breakdown, as it can disable your power steering, alternator, A/C, and water pump. Be alert for these symptoms:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the most common sign. A loose or worn belt will often squeal, especially on cold starts, during hard acceleration, or when accessories like the A/C are engaged. It might also indicate a misaligned or failing pulley.
• Visible Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Inspect the top and bottom of the belt. Cracks running across the ribs (not just superficial top surface cracks), fraying edges, missing chunks, or a smooth, shiny (glazed) appearance on the ribbed side are all indicators it's time for a new belt.
• Loss of Power Steering: If the belt driving the power steering pump is slipping or broken, you'll notice significantly increased effort to turn the steering wheel.
• Battery Warning Light / Dead Battery: A failing belt can prevent the alternator from charging the battery, leading to a battery warning light on your dashboard or a dead battery.
• Overheating Engine: If the belt driving the water pump fails, your engine will quickly overheat.
• Accessory Malfunction: Any accessory driven by the serpentine belt (A/C, power steering) may stop working or perform poorly.
• Belt Wobbling or Jumping Off Pulleys: This often points to a worn tensioner or a misaligned pulley.
• Tensioner Not Moving or "Bouncing" Excessively: A healthy auto-tensioner should maintain consistent tension. If it appears stuck, doesn't move with the engine running, or bounces excessively, its internal spring or damper may be failing.

Don't wait for a complete failure. Address these signs promptly to prevent more significant issues.

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