I have an '05 Cummins that now has 93,000 miles on the original serpentine belt. When do I need to change this? What brand is recommended? Should I replace the idler/tensioner at the same time? Any tips or recommendations would be appreciated!! Thanks.

 

I believe it is 5 years or 100k miles, along with the coolant service.
You could probably save a few bucks by buying some other brand, but if you didn't have issues with the OEM, go online and buy an OEM from someone that won't charge you taxes and sell cheaper than your local dealership.
I didn't. I had 100k on the first belt and 87k on the replacement and the tensioner is still good.
Toss the old belt under the back seat as a spare.

 

Go with the Gatorback brand name and it won't "chirp" when you shut the truck off.

 

I like the chirp!

 

I used a Gates

 

i'm pretty sure i used gates as well. it came in my boonie kit from geno's. good call on keeping the old one as a spare. you know know when you may need it in a pinch.

 

I like the CHIRP, let's you know its a CTD

 

I like the chirp also, be sure to toss the old belt under the back seat as a spare, as advised.

 

Thanks for the replies!! What tools do I need to do this and are there anythings I need to watch out for??
Thanks again!!

 

Love the chirp, if I don't hear it I think something is amiss.

 

i know when i did it, it took 2 people. one on the ground holding the belt in place and the other on the bumper routing the belt. i think all that is needed tool wise is a ratchet...i wanna say it was 1/2" drive.

 

Use 2 people if you can. I did mine by myself and just about lost my mind!!!!!!!

 

You will need a 1/2" drive ratchet, I have a gear wrench serpentine belt tool kit and it makes life a lot easier. Like others have said it takes two people, but I have also done a few by myself......talk about making new four letter words! lol!
Do double check you have the belt on correctly, boss didn't one time and tore up a brand new belt. As for you tensioner you can slide the belt behind the pulley without loosening it. Also check all you pulleys while the belt's off and listen for any signs of bearings headed south. Hope this helps

 

Here is a pic to help with installation.

 

It was a great idea until mine blew to shreds and I didnt have a 1/2 inch rachet or breaker bar with


My self tensioner self destructed about 93K miles! ! ! ! If you have the plastic/cheap tensioner wheel I woul sugest upgrading to the new style steel wheel!!