Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 342

DR
DRIVE BELT - 5.9L DIESEL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING—ACCESSORY
DRIVE BELT
VISUAL DIAGNOSIS
When diagnosing serpentine accessory drive belts,
small cracks that run across the ribbed surface of the
belt from rib to rib (Fig. 9), are considered normal.
These are not a reason to replace the belt. However,
cracks running along a rib (not across) are not nor-
mal. Any belt with cracks running along a rib must
be replaced (Fig. 9). Also replace the belt if it has
excessive wear, frayed cords or severe glazing.
Refer to ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS
CHART for further belt diagnosis.
NOISE DIAGNOSIS
Noises generated by the accessory drive belt are
most noticeable at idle. Before replacing a belt to
resolve a noise condition, inspect all of the accessory
drive pulleys for alignment, glazing, or excessive end
play.
CONDITION
RIB CHUNKING (One or more ribs
has separated from belt body)
RIB OR BELT WEAR
BELT SLIPS
ACCESSORY DRIVE BELT DIAGNOSIS CHART
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Foreign objects imbedded in
pulley grooves.
2. Installation damage
1. Pulley misaligned
2. Abrasive environment
3. Rusted pulley(s)
4. Sharp or jagged pulley groove
tips
5. Belt rubber deteriorated
1. Belt slipping because of
insufficient tension
2. Belt or pulley exposed to
substance that has reduced friction
(belt dressing, oil, ethylene glycol)
3. Driven component bearing failure
(seizure)
4. Belt glazed or hardened from
heat and excessive slippage
Fig. 9 Belt Wear Patterns
1 - NORMAL CRACKS BELT OK
2 - NOT NORMAL CRACKS REPLACE BELT
1. Remove foreign objects from
pulley grooves. Replace belt.
2. Replace belt
1. Align pulley(s)
2. Clean pulley(s). Replace belt if
necessary
3. Clean rust from pulley(s)
4. Replace pulley. Inspect belt.
5. Replace belt
1. Inspect/Replace tensioner if
necessary
2. Replace belt and clean pulleys
3. Replace faulty component or
bearing
4. Replace belt.
ACCESSORY DRIVE
CORRECTION
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