Setting tension on the serpentine belt

Tiny
MUNDANEATROCITY
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
How do you precisely set the tension on the serpentine belt? This particular truck does not have automatic belt tensioning. I've seen instructions (from Chilton) that you are supposed to use a "belt tensioning gauge" to set the tension of a new belt at 180-200 lbs. How am I supposed to do that when I can't find the proper tool?

Sunday, May 18th, 2014 AT 8:50 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
I've seen universal belt tension gages on e bay, the cheapest was 29.99 made in China. The higher quality tension gages may run around 150 bucks.

You might go to your local dealership talk to the service department, see if one of their mechanics will loan you a belt tension gage? Just make sure you take it back. Some mechanics are very helpful, some aren't.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, May 18th, 2014 AT 10:53 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Serpentine Belt Tensioner Content

VIEW MORE