Dear fellow polluters,

I have a stock 2005 2500 that I would like to change the serpentine belt on. I've changed these belts on cars before but can't get enough access to the front of the engine to even see the pulleys well. Is there a way to remove the fan shroud so I can see to work?

If I'm taking the wrong approach, would somebody that has done this please either describe the step by step process, or better yet, post pictures?

I've got the belt threading diagram but cannot find a comprehensive description of how to do this simple task! Also, how long should this job take?

 

Here are the steps for a 2004.

REMOVAL
CAUTION: Do not attempt to check belt tension with
a belt tension gauge on vehicles equipped with an
automatic belt tensioner. Refer to Automatic Belt
Tensioner in this group.
NOTE: The belt routing schematics are published
from the latest information available at the time of
publication. If anything differs between these schematics
and the Belt Routing Label, use the schematics
on Belt Routing Label.This label is located in
the engine compartment.
Drive belts on diesel engines are equipped with a
spring loaded automatic belt tensioner.
This belt tensioner will be used on all belt configurations,
such as with or without air conditioning.
For more information, (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY
DRIVE/BELT TENSIONERS - DESCRIPTION).
(1) A 1/2 inch square hole is provided in the automatic
belt tensioner. Attach a 1/2 inch drive-long
handle ratchet to this hole.
(2) Rotate ratchet and tensioner assembly clockwise
(as viewed from front) until tension has been
relieved from belt.
(3) Remove belt from water pump pulley first.
(4) Remove belt from vehicle.



INSTALLATION
CAUTION: When installing the accessory drive belt,
the belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may
overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong
direction. Refer to (Fig. 10) or (Fig. 11)for correct
engine belt routing. The correct belt with correct
length must be used.
(1) Position drive belt over all pulleys except
water pump pulley.
(2) Attach a 1/2 inch ratchet to tensioner.
(3) Rotate ratchet and belt tensioner clockwise.
Place belt over water pump pulley. Let tensioner
rotate back into place. Remove ratchet. Be sure belt
is properly seated on all pulleys.

 

I did mine a couple of weeks ago.. I will say it's not an easy task.. Had 1 person on top of the truck & I was under the truck.. I used my long handle torque wrench to pull down on the tensioner. I had to turn the belt on it's edge to remove & re install it around the tensioner. It wasn't a 10 min. job like it was on my ram 95 1500. I did remove the top radirator hose

 

Be sure to check the idler and tensioner pulley bearing. Heck, might as well replace the idler puller bearing while you got the chance. Also, chase the radiator with some degreaser and water while you got the room. And yes, it helps a bunch with the fan removed.