Aug 5, 2015, 09:40 PM
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5.7L Serpentine Belt
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1
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5.7L Serpentine Belt
Hello. I'm new here, and I apologize if this has been hashed and re-hashed, but I was unable to figure out how to use the search feature. 
In any case, I've got an '04 Ram with the 5.7L engine. The truck has just short of 52,000 miles on it, and the other morning when it was cold, cold, cold up here in MN, I noticed some squealing from under the hood. My only guess is that it's the belt going bad in the cold weather. I've also noticed, however, that it seems to take my alternator a few seconds to get to the point where it's charging normally (accoridng to the gauge on the dash). I'm not super mechanical. I understand things in theory, but putting them into practice is another thing! What can I look for to see if the belt is indeed in need of replacement, or do you guys think I could probably let it go for a while considering it's doing this under extreme weather circumstances and it hadn't been doing this before it got really cold? Thanks for any suggestions!
-Aaron
In any case, I've got an '04 Ram with the 5.7L engine. The truck has just short of 52,000 miles on it, and the other morning when it was cold, cold, cold up here in MN, I noticed some squealing from under the hood. My only guess is that it's the belt going bad in the cold weather. I've also noticed, however, that it seems to take my alternator a few seconds to get to the point where it's charging normally (accoridng to the gauge on the dash). I'm not super mechanical. I understand things in theory, but putting them into practice is another thing! What can I look for to see if the belt is indeed in need of replacement, or do you guys think I could probably let it go for a while considering it's doing this under extreme weather circumstances and it hadn't been doing this before it got really cold? Thanks for any suggestions!
-Aaron
Professional
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 128
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RE: 5.7L Serpentine Belt
CHECK BELT, RIBBED SIDE FOR CRACKING. LOOK AT SMOOTHE SIDE OF BELT, IF VERY SHINY, YOUR TENSION PULLEY MAY BE FREEZING UP ON YOU CAUSING THE BELT TO DRAG. OR ALTERNATOR PULLEY MAY BE FREEZING UP AS WELL.
Champion
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,703
Likes: 2
From: Bremen, GA.
RE: 5.7L Serpentine Belt
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts, small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the belt from rib to rib are considered normal. These are not a reason to replace the belt. However, cracks running along a rib (not across) are not[/b] normal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must be replaced . Also replace the belt if it has excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Noises generated by the accessory drive belt are most noticeable at idle. Before replacing a belt to resolve a noise condition, inspect all of the accessory drive pulleys for alignment, glazing, or excessive end play.
1 - NORMAL CRACKS BELT OK
2 - NOT NORMAL CRACKS REPLACE BELT
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts, small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the belt from rib to rib are considered normal. These are not a reason to replace the belt. However, cracks running along a rib (not across) are not[/b] normal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must be replaced . Also replace the belt if it has excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Noises generated by the accessory drive belt are most noticeable at idle. Before replacing a belt to resolve a noise condition, inspect all of the accessory drive pulleys for alignment, glazing, or excessive end play.
1 - NORMAL CRACKS BELT OK
2 - NOT NORMAL CRACKS REPLACE BELT
Professional
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 168
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From:
RE: 5.7L Serpentine Belt
Just another 2 cents, if its only in morning on first start up it could just be the nights mist moisture wearing off when you first start it up, you said its really cold.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.