How do I replace the Serpintine Belt on my '99 Dodge Ram Van 1500 with a V-6? I tried from underneath and reached up with a ratchet and put socket on the idler pulley nut (located on the far left looking from the front of the engine) and all it does is loosen or tighten the nut.

There is a long oblong square shoulder on the pulley bracket...is there some type of special wrench used to tip it in to release pressure to get the belt off of pulleys?

I've changed them on GM's and Ford's and never had a problem.

All input appreciated~~~~~~~~~Ron

 

I have found it easiest to use a breaker bar instead of a ratchet. Better tool would be the long handle serpentine belt tool that most auto parts stores will loan. You do have to push down towards the ground to release the tension.

I did find on my van two years ago that the tensioner spring had frozen and made if very difficult to loosen the belt and once it did move that it stayed in the new position instead of springing back.

I would recommend buy a new tensioner unit (if it won't spring back, or just the tensioner pulley if it springs back smoothly) as well and replace the idler pulley between the alternator and ac compressor. I have found it more beneficial to replace all three components now then one at a time during the next few months.

 

Get a good socket with a short extension and a break bar socket at least 1ft or longer. Also have on hand a very long flat screw driver or 1x2 stick (broom stick) to wedge the socket breaker bar while you remove and then install a new belt. This has worked every time.

 

As stated earlier....when I put the 1/2" Drive ratchet and socket on the nut at the end of the pulley....all it does is loosen the nut when you pull down. If you are underneath...do you pull down or push up? Am I looking at the right pulley and putting the ratchet in the right place? Standing at the front of the engine....it would be the smaller pulley on the left. Thanks~~~~~~Ron

 

That's the correct pulley, but you're turning it the wrong way. Turn it to the right, clockwise, like you're trying to tighten the bolt.

 

Got "r" done!!! Pretty straight forward. Used a 3/8" drive ratchet with correct socket and pipe extension. Decided to replace the Pulley with spring and idler pulley. It's easier if you take the coil off (2-screws) next to the pulley with the spring. Got the most expensive Napa belt....don't want to have to mess with again for a long time. Thanks for all suggestions....