I'm working on a 96 B2500 Ram Van 5.9. I have a belt squeek that I can't get rid of. I replaced the belt and it did OK for a couple days but it started squeeking again. I just took the belt off to see if any of the assesories are binding up and they all spin free. The only thing that was somewhat tight was the idler pulley. The idler pulley isn't loose and doesn't wobble at all when installed. I took the pulley off and with my finger inside the bearing when I spin it it's smooth but when I give it a pretty good spin it only makes 1 revalution and stops. I also found some rubber like stuff stuck to the pulley and some discoloration on the pulley belt surface like it got a little hot. I think I already answered my question and I need to replace it but am I missing something ?

Ok I replaced the idler pulley ran the motor up to about 2,00 RPM and it still squeaked. I sprayed a little bit of water on the non ribbed side of the belt while my son was holding the throttle at the point that it squeaked and there was no change it still squeaked. I sprayed the ribbed side of the belt and the squeak went away and couldn't get it to come back again. It's done this before and I know it will start squeaking when I'm about 50 miles from home on a trip. What's next ? could it be the tensioner not holding enough tension on the belt ? We only use this van for trips so it doesn't get driven very often but when we do drive it we drive it about 2,000 miles so the squeak gets a little anoying.

Yes, in general if equipted,the tensioner is the culprit if you're positive you have no accessory issues and you have'nt smoked or stretched the belt...Just make sure you've checked all the accessories for bad bearings,drag, etc...And now with the newer belt material the belt could even look fine and still be shot...There's a small gauge to check the ribbed side of the belt for wear...

The old belt was squealing so I replaced it. After I put the new belt on it was fine for abot 2,000 miles then it started to squeal again. If it starts to squeal again I will replace the belt ( Again ) and the tensioner.