Safety First!
* Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work. This prevents accidental shorts and injury.
* Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from debris.
* Use jack stands if you need to work under the vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack.
* Let the engine cool completely before working on it.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* New drive belt: Make sure you get the correct belt size for your specific engine. Check your owner's manual or a parts store for the correct size.
* Wrench(es): You'll need wrenches to loosen the tensioner(s) – sizes will vary depending on your vehicle.
* Socket set: Might be helpful for easier access to some bolts.
* Ratchet: To help turn the wrenches.
* Gloves: Protect your hands.
* Pry bar (optional): Might help slightly with belt routing in some cases.
* Shop rag or paper towels: To clean up any spilled fluids or debris.
General Procedure:
1. Locate the belt tensioner(s): Most V8 Dodge Ram vans use an automatic belt tensioner. This is a pulley with a spring mechanism that keeps tension on the belt. Locate it; it's usually near the alternator or power steering pump. Some engines might have multiple tensioners.
2. Identify the belt routing: Before removing the old belt, carefully trace its path around all the pulleys. Take a picture or make a sketch; this will be very helpful when installing the new one.
3. Loosen the tensioner: This is the crucial step. Using the appropriate wrench, turn the tensioner bolt (usually a 13mm or 15mm bolt, but check your manual) to relieve tension on the belt. The exact direction to turn might be counter-clockwise or clockwise; again, your manual will show you this. You might need to use a pry bar to keep the tensioner released while you slip off the old belt.
4. Remove the old belt: Once the tension is released, carefully slip the old belt off the pulleys, following the reverse order of its routing.
5. Install the new belt: Carefully route the new belt around the pulleys, following the path you documented or photographed. Make sure it's seated correctly on all pulleys.
6. Tighten the tensioner: Release the tensioner bolt. The spring in the tensioner will automatically re-tension the belt.
7. Check belt tension: The belt should have a slight amount of give but shouldn't be too loose or too tight. Refer to your repair manual for the correct tension specification, if available.
8. Reconnect the battery terminal.
9. Start the engine and check for any squealing or unusual noises: If you hear squealing, double-check the belt routing and tension.
Important Considerations:
* Multiple Belts: Some engines might have multiple drive belts. You'll need to repeat the process for each one.
* Power Steering Pump: Be cautious around the power steering pump and its fluid lines.
* Difficult Access: Depending on your engine and van's configuration, access might be tight. You may need to use extensions or different tools to reach the tensioner.
Again, this is a general guideline. Always refer to your vehicle's repair manual or a reputable online repair resource for detailed instructions and diagrams specific to your 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 van's engine. If you're uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, take it to a qualified mechanic.
