Serpentine Belt Life Expectancy

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1 MEAN66

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I think mileage is more important than time, but if you are wondering "IF" you should then I would! What is the advantage of waiting? As the only time you "NEED" a new belt is when it is on the ground behind the vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Terry58

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2014 Ram 1500, 144978, original belt, have been checking periodically.
 

crash68

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CanuckRam1313

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I replace my serp belt, idler and tensioner pulleys at every major service (90Km's or so).
To me this is cheap insurance, and for the amount I drive I can't ever afford to be in a pickle because my belt lets go and/or a pulley takes a dump.
As others of said, too, I keep my old belt in the truck as a spare, just in case ;)
 

pacofortacos

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Interesting, I've yet to snap a breaker bar even using a cheater bar on them, bent the handle on one. You've probably gotten lucky not shearing the ratchet pawl out yet.

Gates does some serious dyno testing on their drive belts and systems, I've been to their R&D facility.
I exploded a head once, the ratchet handle was bowing, I think I had a 4' pipe on it that time.
The older Craftsman fine tooth round head ratchets are bullet proof, I've seen many Snap On, etc. fail though with the pawl. The normal Craftsman aren't one I push either, it's only the old round heads.

Maybe I had cheaper breaker bars, I would just shear the pin end off of the few I tried?? All 1/2" though.
 

pacofortacos

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I have never gotten into the changing idlers and tensioners, the OEM have always lasted forever for me - aftermarket usually can't say that.
 

Jeepwalker

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I have never gotten into the changing idlers and tensioners, the OEM have always lasted forever for me - aftermarket usually can't say that.

....and if the idler pulley bearings start to sound dry, then you can pop off the bearing dust seals (in most cases) with a pick and re-pack with grease. Done it many times on vehicles. Or do it as preventative maintenance on a 150k truck. It'll most likely last the life of the vehicle. The reason to do this is aftermarket bearings just don't seem to last nearly as long as the original bearings, from my experience. Even some of the OEM replacement's don't last as long.

If the bearing feels rough, obviously replace it.
 

GTyankee

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I found a basic Maintenance for a RAM

Not just at 20,000 miles but every 20,000 miles, be sure to hit all of these items on the checklist:

Inspect CV Joints
Inspect front suspension
, boot seals, tie rod ends
Inspect brake linings and parking brake
Inspect AC and replace filter
Inspect engine air filter, replace if necessary

At 100,000 miles, you should remember to perform all of the 20,000-mile maintenance items as well as the following:

Replace spark plugs
Inspect and replace any power electronics
Inspect and replace PCV valve

Some vehicles might not hit 150,000 miles, but Ram trucks and vans have been built to be some of the most dependable on the market. It’s why we have some of the most loyal drivers. When your odometer hits 150,000 miles, give these areas an extra look:

Inspect front accessory drive belt, replace if necessary
Inspect tensioner, replace if necessary
Inspect idler pulley, replace if necessary

................................................................................

When you still have a valid Warranty in place, either Mopar Factory Warranty or Mopar Extended Warranty
The maintenance miles can change, such as the Serpentine Belt, could change to 100,000 miles
 

Redfisher1974

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My 2017 3.6 outdoorsman had idler pulley go at 60k. Bearing dry and had play. Replaced with a gates.
Side note, super easy on v6, enough room to stand in front of motor in engine bay if need be!
 

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Tumbleweed

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I'm retired now, but used to drive tractor trailer for Daimler-Chrysler, Chrysler Transport, FCA,Stellantis. We once had Mack tractors & had a bunch of idler pulleys go bad. Mack sent us a pallet of replacements under warranty. Our mechanics changed them all out.
 

Hemi832

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Mine was still original at almost 200,000 miles. Only replaced it because the idler pulley took a dump. Still have it in the truck as a spare .
 

Heels82

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I have a 2016 5.7 and around 102,000 miles now but already changed out the belt because it had been 6 years and I travel with my daughter during cold and hot months 5 hours one way, so better be safe and have it done earlier than be stranded on the road in the nasty elements with absolutely zero help! A new spare is always with me though!
 

MoparBrent

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2016 1500 Sport, had around 90,000km/56,000miles when I noticed a hole through the original belt and a few torn ribs. Still not sure exactly what caused the hole. Luckily caught it the day before I moved and was towing a trailer.
 

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