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Squealing serpentine belt on my 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel

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Mike T. · rep 0 · May 25, 2:32 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Ram 1500 Laramie

Hello everyone,

My 2017 Ram 1500 Laramie with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine has developed a really annoying squeal, especially when I first start it up in the morning or when it's damp outside. It sounds like it's coming from the front of the engine, and I suspect it's the serpentine belt. The truck has about 80,000 miles on it.

Is replacing the serpentine belt a common maintenance item for these trucks? How difficult is it to do myself, and are there any special tools required? Also, should I be looking at replacing anything else at the same time, like the tensioner or idler pulleys? Thanks for any advice!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 25, 2:32 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

A squealing serpentine belt is a very common issue, especially as vehicles age. For your 2017 Ram 1500 3.0L EcoDiesel, here's what you should consider:

  1. Belt Inspection: First, visually inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, glazing (shiny appearance), or missing ribs. A glazed belt can squeal even if it's not severely worn. A tell-tale sign of wear is also seeing small pieces of rubber missing from the ribs.

  2. Common Maintenance Item: Yes, serpentine belts are wear items and typically need replacement every 60,000 to 100,000 miles, or sooner if signs of wear or noise appear. Your 80,000 miles puts you right in that window.

  3. Difficulty & Tools: Replacing the serpentine belt on the EcoDiesel is a moderately difficult DIY job. You'll need a long breaker bar or a specific serpentine belt tool to release tension from the automatic tensioner. It's crucial to have a diagram of the belt routing before you remove the old one, as it can be tricky to remember.

  4. Replacing Other Components: It's highly recommended to replace the automatic belt tensioner and any idler pulleys at the same time as the belt. These components contain bearings that can wear out, causing noise (squealing, grinding, chirping) and potentially leading to premature belt failure or even throwing the belt. A failing tensioner might not provide adequate tension, causing the belt to slip and squeal.

Causes of belt squeal:

  • Worn or cracked belt.
  • Glazed belt surface.
  • Failing belt tensioner (not providing enough tension).
  • Worn idler pulley bearings.
  • Misaligned pulleys (less common).
  • Fluid leaks (oil, coolant) contaminating the belt.

When to see a shop:

  • If, after replacing the belt, tensioner, and pulleys, the squeal persists.
  • If you suspect an accessory (alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump) bearing is failing, as this would require more involved diagnosis and repair.
  • If you're uncomfortable with the physical demands or the intricacies of routing the belt correctly.
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