Archived Tensioner removal required to change belt

[navyjoe]

In a previous thread I got assistance with my smoking AC compressor. I bought a belt for them to replace while the compressor was off. Well it turns out I was sold the wrong belt (apparently having an exhaust break changes the belt size, my guess, because the belt Iwas sold was 2 inches too small) and they said they had to remove the belt tensioner to replace it. Is that correct? To further complicate things, no diagram under the hood or in the owners manual. I actually felt sorry for them. It took 3 guys several hours to do it. I am sure they will hit me up for labor, and I would not blame them, but wanted to get some opinions on this. I,be been sitting here for several hours waiting and waiting, and waiting.

 

[AllianceDiesel]

Yes you have to loosen the tensioner so the belt can slip past the pulley and any competent person can look at the pulleys and figure out which way it would go on each pulley. Also a decent shop will have alldata or even an internet search will show a diagram

 

[mwilson]

In a previous thread I got assistance with my smoking AC compressor. I bought a belt for them to replace while the compressor was off. Well it turns out I was sold the wrong belt (apparently having an exhaust break changes the belt size, my guess, because the belt Iwas sold was 2 inches too small) and they said they had to remove the belt tensioner to replace it. Is that correct? To further complicate things, no diagram under the hood or in the owners manual. I actually felt sorry for them. It took 3 guys several hours to do it. I am sure they will hit me up for labor, and I would not blame them, but wanted to get some opinions on this. I,be been sitting here for several hours waiting and waiting, and waiting.

Sorry, you didn't mention exhaust brake when I gave you the non A/C belt part number.

The only place to find that part number is from Cummins /Jake Brake and maybe Mopar.

See the last page of this attachment, first line item is belt for Jake Brake A/C equipped 2003-2006 Ram trucks, last item is belt for Jake Brake non A/C equipped 2003-2006 Ram trucks.

It says V-Belt but they are really serpentine belts.

http://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/support/docs-pdfs/32416 Rev E.pdf

Mike.

 

[mwilson]

Page 12 shows belt routing diagram....

http://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/support/docs-pdfs/32414 E2_Screen.pdf

 

[Shadrach]

I have done it without loosening the tensioner ( and on the side of the road -several times ) but it is easier. I always carry a spare belt with me, especially since a non A/C truck with a Jake is not common. Not may non A/C trucks around in general, even up here. David

 

[navyjoe]

They did have a look up method, but as it turns out I had my I pad and beet them to it. The machanic doing the work did not feel there was enough clearance so he removed the tensioner. The bottom line, most mechanics just arent familiar with our trucks. Hence we have this website and our magazine. Also this is a truism, a good mechanic is hard to find. In this country most mechanics are just some good guys with a mechanical aptitude trying me make a living like the rest of us. Our educational system has only focused on college prep for years. Technical skills were not on the agenda in our past system, so we have quite a hole to fill.

 

[navyjoe]

Thanks Mike. I'll be honest none of the parts shops ever mentioned a third option of a belt for exhaust brake so I was not aware of it either. I just bought the belt put it in the truck just to be safe. Fortunately the Mopar belt part number could still be read so Advance just sent their guy out with a different belt and swapped it.

By the way, thanks MUCH for that pdf. I'm definitely saving that

Sorry, you didn't mention exhaust brake when I gave you the non A/C belt part number.

The only place to find that part number is from Cummins /Jake Brake and maybe Mopar.

See the last page of this attachment, first line item is belt for Jake Brake A/C equipped 2003-2006 Ram trucks, last item is belt for Jake Brake non A/C equipped 2003-2006 Ram trucks.

It says V-Belt but they are really serpentine belts.

http://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/support/docs-pdfs/32416 Rev E.pdf

Mike.

 

[navyjoe]

Fantastic. that does on my skydrive for sure for future ref. thanks

Page 12 shows belt routing diagram....

http://www.jacobsvehiclesystems.com/files/support/docs-pdfs/32414 E2_Screen.pdf

 

[navyjoe]

I have done it without loosening the tensioner ( and on the side of the road -several times ) but it is easier. I always carry a spare belt with me, especially since a non A/C truck with a Jake is not common. Not may non A/C trucks around in general, even up here. David

Thanks david.

I'm just curious. Have I lived a charmed life? I've never had do do anything on the road other than changing a flat tire, and even that was on my trailer. However I only have 75000 miles on my truck (still on the original batteries even). So far I have the belt that was taken off. It look great, it just seemed like a good idea while the AC was being replaced. Also what tool do you carry for the job. I have a basic toolkit in the truck with a 1/2 inch drive and some SAE wrenches. Up to now I've never given a belt change much thought.

 

[Shadrach]

All I use is a 1/2" ratchet. I have the DSS on my truck and it prevents me from using a longer bar. David