2013 Dodge Charger 5.7 Serpentine Belt Routing Diagram and Pulley Layout
To replace the serpentine belt on a 2013 Dodge Charger with the 5.7L HEMI engine, follow the factory belt routing diagram located on the fan shroud or under the hood. If it’s missing, use the following layout: the belt wraps around the crankshaft pulley, then moves to the water pump, power steering pump, alternator, idler pulley, and finally the tensioner. Always route the ribbed side of the belt along ribbed pulleys and the smooth side over flat pulleys.
Use a 3/8″ or 1/2″ drive ratchet (depending on the tensioner design) to rotate the tensioner clockwise. This relieves tension and allows you to remove or install the belt. Inspect the tensioner and pulleys for wear or bearing noise before installing a new belt. If any pulley feels rough or wobbly, replace it immediately.
Correct belt routing ensures proper function of engine accessories. A misrouted belt can cause alternator charging issues, power steering loss, or water pump failure. Double-check each pulley contact before starting the engine. Refer to the OEM diagram or a reliable repair manual if unsure.
2013 Dodge Charger 5.7 Belt Diagram
Use a 3/8″ drive ratchet to rotate the automatic tensioner clockwise and relieve tension from the serpentine belt. Before removal, sketch or photograph the belt routing, which includes the crankshaft pulley, power steering pump, alternator, water pump, A/C compressor, and tensioner.
The crankshaft pulley sits at the bottom center of the engine, driving all components. From there, the belt moves up to the A/C compressor on the passenger side, then wraps around the tensioner located slightly above and to the left. It continues to the alternator on the top driver’s side, then down to the power steering pump. From the pump, the belt routes across the smooth surface of the water pump pulley before returning to the crankshaft.
Confirm the water pump pulley is smooth–this ensures the correct side of the belt runs over it. Use the ribbed side of the belt on all grooved pulleys, and the flat side on smooth pulleys. After installing the new belt, rotate the tensioner again to seat it, then double-check alignment across all pulleys.
How to Locate and Identify Each Pulley on the 5.7L HEMI Engine
Begin by removing the engine cover to access the front of the 5.7L HEMI. Stand directly in front of the engine bay for a clear view of the serpentine belt layout.
The crankshaft pulley sits at the bottom center of the engine. It’s the largest pulley and drives all others. The alternator pulley is located toward the upper passenger side; it’s connected to a bracket and has an aluminum housing behind it. Directly opposite, on the driver’s side, sits the power steering pump pulley, which is smaller and recessed slightly toward the fender.
Just below the alternator, you’ll find the air conditioning compressor pulley. It’s mounted low and closer to the radiator. Above the crankshaft, slightly to the passenger side, is the water pump pulley, easily recognized by its plastic fan-like structure. It’s usually flush with the water pump housing and connects to the engine block with four visible bolts.
The idler pulley is located near the center-top area and maintains tension on the belt without driving any components. It has a smooth surface. The belt tensioner pulley is spring-loaded, usually placed between the crankshaft and alternator. Use a 3/8″ or 1/2″ ratchet to relieve belt tension by rotating the arm clockwise.
Check the belt routing diagram under the hood for reference. If it’s missing, sketch the routing or take a photo before removal. Each pulley should rotate freely without wobble or noise. Replace any worn or misaligned components before installing a new belt.
Step-by-Step Guide to Routing the Serpentine Belt Correctly
Use a 3/8″ drive ratchet to rotate the belt tensioner clockwise and release tension. Remove the old belt and compare it to the new one to ensure proper length and rib count.
- Wrap the belt around the crankshaft pulley first. Ensure the ribs sit correctly in the grooves.
- Route the belt up and over the water pump pulley. This pulley is smooth, so the back of the belt should make contact.
- Continue routing it under the power steering pump, keeping tension consistent as you work.
- Pull the belt across the A/C compressor pulley, again ensuring the ribs align precisely.
- Route the belt under the idler pulley. This pulley is smooth and helps maintain tension distribution.
- Bring the belt up to the alternator pulley. This one is ribbed, so double-check alignment here.
- Finish by threading the belt over the tensioner pulley last. Use the ratchet to rotate the tensioner again, slide the belt into place, then slowly release pressure.
Double-check each pulley to confirm the belt sits correctly–no ribs should be misaligned or hanging off. Manually rotate the engine clockwise one full turn using a socket on the crankshaft pulley to verify smooth operation before starting the engine.
Common Mistakes When Replacing the Drive Belt and How to Avoid Them
Always release the belt tensioner with the correct tool. Using a wrench that doesn’t fully fit can round off the tensioner bolt or cause the tool to slip, risking injury and damaging surrounding components.
Double-check the belt routing before removal. Take a clear photo or label the pulleys, especially if the original diagram is missing. Incorrect routing can lead to poor alternator output, overheating, or a power steering failure.
Inspect every pulley for rough bearings or wobble. Replacing the belt without addressing a failing idler or tensioner pulley usually leads to noise or premature belt failure. Spin each pulley by hand and feel for resistance or grinding.
Never reuse a glazed, cracked, or stretched belt. Even if it looks acceptable, a worn belt may slip under load or squeal. Always install a new belt with the correct length and rib count–part number K060923 fits the 2013 Charger 5.7L HEMI.
Verify the tensioner resets fully after installing the new belt. If the tensioner sticks or doesn’t maintain proper tension, the belt may slip or throw under load. Replace the tensioner if its movement feels jerky or weak.
Keep all pulley surfaces clean. Avoid touching the ribbed side of the belt with greasy hands. Belt contamination reduces friction and causes noise. Wipe pulleys with brake cleaner before installation.
After installation, start the engine and observe the belt path. Any visible flutter, misalignment, or chirping noise may indicate a misrouted belt or worn pulley. Shut off the engine immediately and inspect all components again.