Fan Belt Replacement

This procedure covers removal and installation of the serpentine drive belt on the 1992 Dodge Viper 8.0L V10 engine, including tensioner operation and routing verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Serpentine drive belt × 1 — Gates K060857 or equivalent 85.7 inch belt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake.
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated (minimum 1 hour).
3. Open hood and secure in raised position.
4. Photograph or sketch the serpentine belt routing before removal. Belt routing diagram is typically on the radiator support or fan shroud.
5. Verify replacement belt matches OEM length specification (approximately 85.7 inches for standard accessories).

Procedure

1. 1

   Locate Belt Tensioner
   Locate the automatic belt tensioner on the front of the engine. Identify the tensioner pulley (spring-loaded idler) and the drive fitting in the tensioner arm center used to relieve tension; confirm the exact location and fitting type against the service manual for this vehicle.
2. 2

   Release Belt Tension
   Insert 1/2 inch breaker bar into the square drive fitting on the tensioner arm. Rotate the tensioner arm in the direction that relieves belt tension per the service manual for this vehicle. Note the actual rotation direction and travel before proceeding. Maintain steady pressure throughout the next step.
3. 3

   Remove Old Belt
   While holding tensioner in the released position, slip the serpentine belt off the nearest accessible pulley (typically alternator or tensioner pulley). Slowly release tensioner arm back to rest position. Remove belt from remaining pulleys and extract from engine bay. Inspect all pulleys for damage, rough bearing noise, or wobble while accessible.
4. 4

   Inspect Tensioner and Idler Pulleys
   With belt removed, manually spin each pulley to check for bearing roughness, noise, or excessive play. Check tensioner spring tension by manually moving the arm—it should return smoothly to rest position with firm resistance. Inspect pulley surfaces for glazing, grooves, or damage. Replace any questionable components before installing new belt.
5. 5

   Route New Belt
   Beginning with the crankshaft pulley at the bottom center, route the new serpentine belt around all pulleys EXCEPT the tensioner pulley, following the belt routing diagram photographed earlier. Route the belt exactly per the belt routing diagram photographed earlier or the underhood decal for this vehicle, ensuring belt ribs seat fully in each pulley groove. Ensure belt ribs seat fully in each pulley groove.
6. 6

   Install Belt on Tensioner
   Using the 1/2 inch breaker bar, rotate the tensioner arm clockwise again to create slack. Route the belt over the tensioner pulley while holding tension released. Verify belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves with ribs fully engaged.
7. 7

   Release Tensioner and Verify
   Slowly release the breaker bar, allowing the tensioner to apply proper tension to the belt. Remove the breaker bar. Verify the belt is correctly seated on all pulleys with no misalignment or edge riding. Compare routing against diagram to confirm correct path around all accessories.
8. 8

   Check Belt Alignment
   Visually inspect belt alignment on each pulley. The belt should track centered on all pulleys with ribs fully engaged in grooves. Check that belt does not contact any stationary components, brackets, or hoses. Manually rotate the crankshaft in the normal direction of engine rotation (clockwise as viewed from the front) one full revolution using a socket on the crankshaft bolt, NOT the starter, to verify belt tracks properly through complete rotation.

Reassembly

1. No disassembly was required for this procedure.

Verification

• Start engine and observe belt operation at idle. Belt should run smoothly without squealing, slipping, or vibration.
• With engine running, verify all accessory components are operating: alternator charging, power steering responsive, A/C compressor engaging if selected.
• Listen for unusual noises from pulleys or tensioner during operation.
• Shut off engine and perform final visual inspection of belt tracking on all pulleys.
• After initial test drive (10-15 minutes), re-inspect belt for proper seating and tension.

More procedures for this vehicle