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Squealing noise from engine bay - 2020 Ram 1500 5.7L Hemi

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 4:18 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie

Hey everyone, I've got a 2020 Ram 1500 Laramie with the 5.7L Hemi engine, just over 60,000 miles on the odometer. For the past week or so, I've been hearing a really annoying squealing noise from the engine bay.

It's most prominent on cold starts, especially when it's damp outside. Sometimes it goes away after the engine warms up, but it's been getting more consistent and louder recently. It sounds like it's coming from the front of the engine.

I suspect it might be the serpentine belt, or maybe one of the pulleys. Is this a common issue for these trucks around this mileage? How difficult is it to inspect or replace myself, or should I just take it to a shop right away?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 4:18 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A squealing noise from your 2020 Ram 1500's engine bay, especially on cold starts or in damp conditions, is a classic symptom of a worn or loose serpentine belt, or a failing accessory pulley. Here's how to approach it:

  1. Diagnosis Steps:

    • Visual Inspection (Engine Off!): With the engine off and cool, inspect the entire length of the serpentine belt. Look for cracks, fraying, glazing (shiny surface), or missing ribs. A glazed belt can lose grip and squeal.
    • Check Tension: The automatic tensioner should keep the belt taut. If the belt feels loose, the tensioner might be failing.
    • Pulley Check: Carefully spin each accessory pulley (alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, idler pulleys, tensioner pulley) by hand. Listen for grinding, squeaking, or excessive play. A bad bearing in one of these can cause a squeal.
    • Water Spray Test (Caution!): With the engine running and squealing, briefly spray a small amount of water onto the ribbed side of the belt. If the squeal temporarily stops, it strongly indicates a belt issue. If it changes pitch or gets louder, it might be a pulley bearing.

  2. Common Causes:

    • Worn Serpentine Belt: The most common cause. Belts wear out over time, losing their grip.
    • Failing Tensioner or Idler Pulley: The bearings in these pulleys can wear out, causing noise and improper belt tension.
    • Failing Accessory Bearing: Less common, but the bearings in your alternator, AC compressor, or power steering pump can also fail.

  3. DIY Difficulty: Replacing the serpentine belt on a 5.7L Hemi is a moderately easy DIY task for someone with basic mechanical skills. You'll typically need a serpentine belt tool (or a long ratchet with the correct socket) to release tension on the tensioner pulley. It's often a good idea to replace the tensioner and idler pulleys at the same time as the belt, especially if they show signs of wear or are original.

When to See a Shop: If the noise persists after belt replacement, or if you're uncomfortable identifying and replacing the components yourself, it's best to take your Ram to a qualified mechanic. A failing accessory bearing can be more complex to replace and requires specific tools. Ignoring a squealing belt can lead to it breaking, which will leave you stranded as it drives critical components like the alternator and water pump.

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