2019 Dodge Charger Serpentine Belt Replacement — 3.6L Pentastar and 5.7L HEMI

I replaced the serpentine belt on my 2019 Charger 5.7L HEMI at 95,000 miles. The HEMI is known for belt squeal on cold starts as the belt ages — inspection showed cracking on the rib backside. This is a 30-minute job on the Pentastar and about 45 minutes on the HEMI. Here's exactly how I do it on both engines.

Engine Configurations

Engine	Configuration
3.6L Pentastar V6 (ERB)	Base, SXT, SXT Plus, GT
5.7L HEMI V8 (Eagle)	R/T, R/T Scat Pack
6.4L HEMI SRT V8	Scat Pack 392, Daytona 392

The 3.6L Pentastar and 5.7L HEMI have different belt routing diagrams, different belt sizes, and different tensioner access. I cover the Pentastar and 5.7L HEMI here.

Belt Specs

3.6L Pentastar V6

Item	Spec
OEM belt	Mopar 5184683AB
Aftermarket	Gates K060742, Dayco 5060742
Belt dimensions	6-rib, 74.2"
Tensioner access	15mm or 3/8" square drive
Tensioner rotation	Counterclockwise to relieve tension

5.7L HEMI V8

Item	Spec
OEM belt	Mopar 53034534AA
Aftermarket	Gates K060870, Dayco 5060870
Belt dimensions	6-rib, 87.0"
Tensioner access	15mm bolt on tensioner arm
Tensioner rotation	Counterclockwise to relieve tension

Note on HEMI: The 5.7L R/T uses electric power steering (EPAS) — no hydraulic PS belt. Confirm your configuration before ordering.

Tools Needed

• 15mm socket + ratchet
• 3/8" drive breaker bar
• Serpentine belt routing diagram (photo under hood first)
• Flashlight
• New belt (confirm Pentastar or HEMI, rib count)

Step-by-Step: 3.6L Pentastar

1. Photo the Belt Routing

The belt routing diagram is on a sticker under the hood or on the plastic engine cover. Photograph it before touching anything. The 3.6L Pentastar routing drives: alternator, AC compressor, power steering pulley (if applicable), idler, and crankshaft.

2. Access the Tensioner

The Pentastar belt tensioner has either a 15mm bolt head or a 3/8" square drive hole on the tensioner arm. Insert your tool and rotate counterclockwise to relieve belt tension.

3. Slide the Belt Off

While holding the tensioner compressed, slide the belt off the alternator pulley first. Release the tensioner slowly and remove the belt from remaining pulleys.

4. Route the New Belt

Using your diagram, route the new belt over all pulleys except the tensioner last:

1. Crankshaft pulley (bottom)
2. Idler pulley
3. AC compressor
4. Alternator
5. Tensioner (last)

5. Set the Belt on the Tensioner

Compress the tensioner counterclockwise, slip the belt over the tensioner pulley, release slowly.

6. Inspect Alignment

Every rib must be fully seated in every pulley groove. Check each pulley with a flashlight — no ribs peeking over pulley edge.

7. Start and Listen

Start the engine. No squeal = correct. Squeal means a misaligned rib — shut off and recheck.

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Step-by-Step: 5.7L HEMI

1. Photo the Belt Routing

HEMI serpentine belt routing diagram is on a sticker inside the hood. The HEMI belt drives: alternator, AC compressor, idler pulleys, and crankshaft. The 2019 R/T uses electric power steering — no hydraulic PS pulley on the serpentine belt.

2. Locate the Tensioner

The HEMI automatic tensioner is on the driver's side of the engine, between the alternator and AC compressor. It has a 15mm bolt head on the tensioner pivot arm.

3. Relieve Tension

Insert 15mm socket on tensioner arm bolt. Rotate counterclockwise — moves tensioner toward alternator, relieving belt tension. The HEMI tensioner has more spring force than the Pentastar. Use a breaker bar.

4. Remove the Belt

Slide belt off alternator pulley first while holding tensioner compressed. Release slowly and remove from remaining pulleys.

HEMI tip: The crankshaft pulley is deep at the bottom front of the engine. Reaching the belt onto/off the crank pulley requires working past the radiator support. A belt removal hook tool helps.

5. Install the New Belt

Route Gates K060870 or Mopar 53034534AA around all pulleys per the diagram. Leave tensioner for last.

Standard HEMI routing:

1. Crankshaft pulley (bottom front)
2. Lower idler
3. AC compressor
4. Upper idler
5. Alternator
6. Tensioner (last)

6. Snap Belt Over Tensioner

Compress tensioner counterclockwise, slip belt over tensioner pulley, release slowly.

7. Verify Rib Seating

Check every pulley individually with flashlight. The crankshaft pulley is hardest to see — shine a light from below.

8. Run and Listen

Start. Listen for squealing at idle and through rev to 2,500 RPM. The 5.7L HEMI is sensitive to belt misalignment at higher RPM — squeal on rev = stop and recheck idler and crank pulley alignment.

Common Mistakes

1. Not checking tensioner wear. The automatic belt tensioner has a wear indicator. If the pointer is at or past the replacement line, replace the tensioner assembly along with the belt. Worn tensioner = weak spring force = belt slip under AC compressor load.

2. Installing the wrong belt. The Pentastar and HEMI use different belts — different rib length. A HEMI belt on a Pentastar won't work. Verify your engine code before ordering.

3. Missing the crankshaft pulley on the HEMI. The crank pulley is deep and hard to see. Every mechanic who does HEMI belts has started the engine to immediate squealing because the belt slipped off the crank pulley during tensioner snap-down. Check from below with a light before starting.

4. Ignoring idler pulley bearing condition. Spin each idler by hand with belt off. Any roughness or wobble = worn bearing. Replace idler pulleys at the same time as the belt.

Cost Comparison

	DIY	Dealer / Shop
Belt (Gates or Mopar OEM)	$30–$60	—
Tensioner (if needed)	$50–$100	—
Labor	$0	$120–$200
Total (belt only)	$30–$60	$150–$260

Saving $120–$200 for a 30–45 minute job.

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