So I am working on a 2005 which is eating serpentine belts - 3 in two months. (not many miles in the three months either!) The first one went and it was very clear the idler pully bearing was hooped so I changed it. The second one went not long after and in the same fashion - stripping the outside (fan side) of the belt off a few ribs at a time. The third one was being ripped from both sides. It appears all pulleys are good - no wobbles or play. Doesanyone have a suggestion beyond a steel cable replacement? I am sort of stumped in terms of what to look for....

 

We have another thread similar to this subjest running right now

https://www.dieseltruckresource.com/...s-t294622.html

Are you sure the belt is the right width?

Are you sure the tensioner is pivot isn't worn?

 

Do you have belt squeal at shutdown? Do a search for "overrunning alternator pulley"

 

Check crankshaft end play also, I have seen excessive end play causing the belt to shread on the edge.

 

the belt on my 2005 started to shread at 42K miles, replace it with a gaterback belt,
been on for 8K miles and seems to be fine, i do have belt chirp each time i turn off the motor.
I was concern about the chirp?

another dodge diesel owner said, " A real power plant just makes noise when you shut it down,"
guess he is right as i have had no more problems.

 

Belt tensioner is shot.

 

I use a Gatorback now after 180,000 on original and the chirp is normal on shutdown. Sometimes changing to a GB belt will eliminate that chirp sound but if you replace with original equipment it will majority of the time stay there on shut down..

 

Did you check the fan hub for play??

 

get a cheap can of some bright colored paint and apply a thin coat with a brush to all the pullies. I chased a similar belt problem and did this to find the paint rubbed off on the outside rib of my power steering pump pulley. It felt fine by hand but was wobbling when running at higher rpms and throwing the belt.

 

This is what is wrong. Been there, done that.

Get the Dayco part and be done with it. It's a 10 min install.

 

Belt tensioner for sure. My 05 ate two belts from 32,000 to 40,000 miles. At about 45,000 I cranked it up and the belt tensioner arm broke in half. I replaced the belt and tensioner and it never had another issue again.

 

The tensioner was replaced about 5000 miles ago but it was wonky again. I was not looking close enough at it because it was recently replaced. thanks to all who offered advice - greatly appreciated!

 

Did you replace the mount for the tensioner?

 

Hard to believe but mine was the cast idler block it the top was bent,you would think cast would break but replaced it and problem solved,had already replaced tensioner,clutched alternator pulley,4 belts.
Note my engine was from a totaled truck but same problem.

 

OK, I lost 2 ribs on a belt at 20K miles and now again at 84K miles. is the general consensus the idler pulley? do I need to change the entire idler pulley assembly or just the pulley and bearing?

Thank you in advance for your help