boston blacky
Gatineau Quebec Canada
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Joined: 04/22/2004
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Greetings;
I was just advised that both my serpentine belt tensioner plus the belt itself need to be replaced on my 2005 Dodge RAM Laramie 5.9L Diesel. With only 43,000 km or(32,000 mi.) approx. on it - I was very surprised. Has anyone else seen the same problem? If so, how much does it cost; i.e. parts and labour, etc? Tkx. in advance.
BOSTON BLK
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dogsgocamping
Southern California
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Joined: 01/15/2005
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Warranty?
2003 Excursion 7.3 Diesel
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bldrbuck
Boulder, Colorado
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Joined: 02/11/2001
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If you do it yourself it probably will be about $40 for the belt and $80 for the tensioner. Plan roughly 1 - 2 hours labor. Get a second opinion!!!
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Gunpilot77
Killeen, Tx
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Joined: 10/06/2000
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I'm surprised too. I change my belt every 100k miles, never had one break. I had to replace my tensioner when I had well over 400k miles. If they are bad I also think the warranty would cover at least the tensioner, and if it is bad I can see how it could ruin the belt, so it should be covered as well.
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gillguy
Valdosta, GA
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With that low mileage I'd be surprised too.
Who advised the replacement? I'd be getting a second opinion on it.
Does the belt squeal? Does the belt looked cracked or frayed?
Does the tensioner provide tension? Does the pulley wobble?
That's what I'd be checking before I replaced any of it.
It's easy enough that you could DIY.
Good luck
Bobby (USAF Retired)
2007 Chevy 2500 LBZ Duramax C/C, S/B 4X4
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dougger222
Maplewood MN
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I had the tensioner fail on the 99 F250 at 220K miles. When it broke it took the belt out with it. At that point the belt was the original one.
The OO Excursion with 184K has it's original belt and tensioner.
My Uncle had his tensioner go out on his 97 F250 diesel at 225 miles. Ford installed a new dual tensioner and belt. Figuring it was going to be an issue he bought a spare. When he traded it in at 320K miles for a 04 diesel he asked if I wanted the spare. Amazingly enough the belt and tensioner were never touched again.
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Orion
Pacific South West
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The tensioner is just a big spring, On other vehicles I have worked on, the tensioner is just attached with one big bolt, it should be very easy to change yourself, you just need a socket to fit the bolt and a fairly long handle. I cant imagine why it would go so soon.
Never miss an opportunity to walk on the grass.
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tom_kat
way upstate new york/lake george area
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i have had some problems on my dodge with the belt tensioner the best thing you can do is get one from dodge and not a aftermarket one ,i have been thru several after market brands and had nothing but problems hit a puddle belt gets wet and belt comes off leaveing me sitting the side of the road the aftermarket ones would not line up right and allow the belt to slip off when wet but the dodge part is right on and havent had a problem since ,price is much higher for dodge parts,i think it was around $150 for the belt and tensioner for my engine not counting labor.but no problems since i used there parts.
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hotpepperkid
Chino Hills CA
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Joined: 03/29/2002
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Dealer told me mine needed replace. I replaced it myself a few weeks later. There was nothing wrong with it truck had just little over 100K on it at the time. I keep the old belt as a spare.
hpk
2000 Ford F-350 SRW 4X4 PSD Jayco Super Lite 29.5RKS 5th wheel 50 gal X-ferflow in the bed tank. Banks big exhaust and Stinger kit.
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Still Searchin'
Bend, Oregon
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I didn't want to take a chance and had GMC replace the serpentine belt at 53k, and they recomended I replace tensioner at same time. I may have got ripped on the tensioner??
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