Changing the Big Serp Belt

[hammersley]

Ok 0k OK - shoot my stupid butt - I have put it off long enough. I need to change the big belt - but still haven't ordered the manual. Dumb - Dumb - I know. I can't seem to find where to order it - can someone tell me the address, and the Price. While I get it ordered - what are the steps to changing the belt? Also are there any tricks etc.



Thanks



By the way - the last TDR did a great photo shot on changing front pads - have they done that on the belt?

 

[Alan Reagan]

Just look in the back of your owners manual and the phone number and address is listed to order the shop manual. No tricks on the belt. Just follow the routing diagram under the hood.

 

[Joe G.]

The tool you need is a 3/8" breaker bar to put in the square hole on the idler pulley bracket. A helper is handy since it's easier with three hands.

 

[JJW_ND]

Tell me your changing the belt so you have a spare with you as theys belts last a very long time. I just replaced mine for the second time at 197K. I now have one extra spare that I don't need because I have never used the first.



jjw

ND

 

[work2muchplay2little]

hammersly, got mine here (http://www.techauthority.daimlerchrysler.com/), no hassles. The belt change isn't bad just look at the routing of the old one a couple of minutes, take it off from the top down and put the other one on from the bottom up.

 

[migraineman]

While you're at it, replace it with a Goodyear Gatorback belt to prevent it from chirping when you shut down.

 

[hammersley]

Thanks a lot for the info. Tried to order the manual from the Chrysler Site and they have no listing for the Ram yet (2001). I'm changing as a preventive measure.

 

[Josparkz]

The Belt Tool

I bought me one of those serpentine belt tools. It is a screwdriver type handle with a piece of 1/4" rod about 20" long installed in it. At the other end there are 2 pieces about 3/4" , parallel to each other, spaced about 3/4" apart, at right angles to the long rod. It is real handy to reach down with that and work that belt around.

Best $8. I ever spent

 

[RJOL]

2001 Manuals

Your talking to the wrong person, if they told you the 2001 manuals weren't out yet... I bought mine last December... Cost is aroung $100... .

 

[Prostock]

Why would you need to change the belt on a 2001?

 

[KatDiesel]

Originally posted by Prostock

Why would you need to change the belt on a 2001?

Could have alot of milage? Could be wanting to get rid of the shutdown chirp? Could just be a wore out belt?



There are lots of reasons... ... ... ... .....



Theres a 2001 on here (HotShot) that has 165k miles on his truck.

 

[JohnMcIntyre]

Boony box?

Originally posted by JJW_ND

Tell me you're changing the belt so you have a spare with you as these belts last a very long time. I just replaced mine for the second time at 197K. I now have one extra spare that I don't need because I have never used the first.

Just wondering if anyone knows what the shelf life for one of these (spare) belts would be? In my part of the world, getting hold of a spare belt quickly would involve either FedEx or UPS, so shelf life is an important consideration if it's going in the Boony Box.

 

[Prostock]

There are lots of reasons... ... ... ... .....

I was just curious. I guess I'm not used to people putting that many miles on a vehicle in a year.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I'm at 40K on my 01 and will probably change it during my cold weather maintenance days (you know, when there's nothing else to do).

 

[ralphr]

gatorback #

While reading this post it occurred to me that I should replace mine, (see signiture), anyone got a # or a link to goodyear so I can order the correct replacement, (should be same belt for all 24V 1998 1/2 up only difference with air or not?????).

 

[Cooker]

Gatorback Belt

http://www.carparts.com/parts/searc...ink=0-0-0-0-0&searchstring1=4080810&x=12&y=11





I just ordered mine yesterday. Use discount code "JEDN3354" to save yourself 10%. I think it was $31 and change including delivery.



-Ryan

 

[sonorakitch]

The NAPA Gates belt is also pretty good, and I don't hear that annoying chirp-at-shutdown noise. I paid around $38. 00. Any NAPA store ought to carry them.



~Chris

 

[SlyBones]

I recently installed the Dayco model I got from Geno's. Dont know what the gatorback ones look like, but this one was definately more aggressive looking than the factory one I took off, and not a single chirp since.

 

[KatDiesel]

I picked up two Goodyear Gatorback belts yesterday. I called all over town and couldn't find anyone that stocked them. I called an AutoZone store and they said they could order it, had it the next day by 10am. Price was $22 and some change each.



Now to go change it.

 

[Scott Rosendahl]

Get the Gatorback!

Originally posted by sonorakitch

The NAPA Gates belt is also pretty good, and I don't hear that annoying chirp-at-shutdown noise. I paid around $38. 00. Any NAPA store ought to carry them.

I was originally looking to buy the Gatorback and was recommended by a parts store to buy the Gates because "they had better customer feedback with Gates over the Gatorback" and "they didn't carry the Gatorback anymore, but could order it". So I went with her suggestion and bought the Gates (which she told me I could return if not satisfied).

Well, the chirp was not as bad, but it was still there with the Gates. After about 3500 miles use of the Gates in two months, I decided to go back to the same parts store and have them order the Gatorback. After I was notified that it was available for me to pick up, I went and swapped the belts in the parking lot. The Gatorback has been on for about 1500 miles in last 20 days and has NOT chirped at all.



BTW, I paid $28. 10 w/tax for the Gates. Ended up swapping the Gates for the Gatorback over the counter without any additional money.