OEM 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Belt Tensioner

2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Van Belt Tensioner Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service the drive belt tensioner on 2000 Dodge Ram 1500 Van?

  A: The first stage of tensioner service for the drive belt is to take off the accessory drive belt and disconnect the wiring and secondary cable from the ignition coil. Following this, loosen the two bolts on the ignition coil side of the mounting bracket and then the bolt on the tensioner mounted to the cylinder head. Once that's done, unscrew the nut that connects the tensioner assembly to the mounting bracket. Remember that taking apart the automatic tensioner is not recommended, since inside is a high-pressure spring; only the pulley is handled separately during maintenance. Carefully take out the pulley bolt and take the pulley from the tensioner. The first step in installing is fastening the pulley and pulley bolt to the tensioner and tightening the bolt to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.). Connect the tensioner to the mounting bracket, so the indexing tab at the back matches the bracket's slot and secure it with a nut tightened to 67 Nm (50 ft. lbs.). Attach the tensioner assembly to the cylinder head and also put in the bolt. Attach the wires to the ignition coil again and mount the coil onto the tensioner bracket using the three bolts, fasten each to 41 Nm (30 ft. lbs.) to avoid harming it. After that, put on the drive belt and look for the indexing marks on its edges.