Product Description
Restore quiet, reliable belt drive operation on your first and second gen 5.9L Cummins with the Cummins 5333499 OEM belt tensioner assembly. This genuine spring-loaded tensioner maintains precise serpentine belt tension across RPM, load, and temperature changes so your alternator, water pump, power steering pump, and A/C compressor keep working the way they should. If you’re chasing belt squeal, random accessory drive noise, or belt walk-off on your 1989–2002 Ram, replacing the tensioner with this true Cummins part is the right fix — not a band-aid.
Unlike cheap aftermarket copies, the Cummins 5333499 is built to factory load, travel, and damping specs for the 5.9L B-series platform. The correct spring rate and pulley geometry help minimize belt flutter, reduce vibration at idle, and extend belt life. Whether you’re daily driving, towing, or running performance upgrades, this OE tensioner is the foundation for a stable accessory drive on your 12-valve or 24-valve Cummins.
FITMENT
This Cummins 5333499 belt tensioner is engineered for the following applications:
- Engine: 5.9L Cummins B-series diesel (12V and 24V)
- Truck platforms: Dodge / Ram 2500 & 3500, 2WD and 4WD
- Model years (truck): 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1998.5, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
- Engine variants:
- 1989–1998 5.9L Cummins 12-valve
- 1998.5–2002 5.9L Cummins 24-valve
- Other B-series uses: Also used on select industrial and commercial B-series Cummins engine applications where 5333499 is specified.
Always confirm 5333499 against your VIN or existing part number before ordering, especially for industrial, agricultural, or generator sets.
WHY CHOOSE GENUINE CUMMINS 5333499?
- Correct OE belt tension and travel for 5.9L Cummins accessory drive
- Spring and damping calibrated for diesel vibration and load changes
- Helps prevent belt squeal, premature belt wear, and belt walk-off
- Designed for long service life in heavy-duty and towing use
- Direct bolt-in replacement – no modification required
CROSS-REFERENCE / RELATED CUMMINS PARTS
Common cross references and recommended Cummins genuine parts to service while you’re in the front of the engine:
- Cross-reference OE number: Mopar 68250093AA (functionally equivalent belt tensioner, where cataloged)
- Alternative / superseded Cummins numbers (catalog references only): 3912254, 3935819
- Related Cummins front-engine service parts:
INSTALLATION NOTES
- Inspect serpentine belt, idler pulleys, and accessory pulleys for wear or damage and replace as needed.
- Always route the belt per under-hood diagram and verify the belt is fully seated in all pulley grooves.
- Torque mounting hardware to the factory service manual specification for your model year.
Specifications for cummins 5333499
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cummins |
| Part Number | 5333499 |
| UPC | Not specified by Cummins (no OEM UPC published) |
| GTIN / EAN | Not specified by Cummins |
| Engine Compatibility | 5.9L Cummins B-series diesel – 12V (1989–1998) and 24V (1998.5–2002) |
| Vehicle Platform | Dodge / Ram 2500 & 3500 trucks, 2WD and 4WD, 1989–2002 (where equipped with 5.9L Cummins) |
| Configuration | Spring-loaded accessory drive belt tensioner with integral pulley |
| Shipping Weight | Approx. 2.6 lb (1.18 kg) |
| Package Dimensions | Approx. 4.13 in × 4.13 in × 8.75 in (box size may vary slightly by shipment) |
| Cross Reference | Mopar 68250093AA; catalog references: 3912254, 3935819 (verify before use) |
| E-Codes / Emissions | Service replacement accessory drive component; does not change emissions calibration |
| Prop 65 Warning | This product may expose you to chemicals including lead and other substances which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information, visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know my Cummins belt tensioner (5333499) needs to be replaced?
Common signs include belt squeal on start-up, chirping noises at idle, visible belt flutter, or a belt that has walked off a pulley. You may also see the tensioner arm bouncing excessively or notice the pulley bearing making a grinding or growling noise. If the spring has weakened or the pivot is worn, replacement is recommended.
Do I have to install a new belt when I replace the 5333499 tensioner?
It’s strongly recommended. A worn belt can quickly damage a new tensioner and vice versa. If your belt shows glazing, cracking, frayed edges, missing ribs, or contamination from oil or coolant, replace the serpentine belt at the same time as the tensioner so the entire accessory drive system starts fresh.
Is this a genuine Cummins part or an aftermarket copy?
This listing is for a genuine Cummins 5333499 OEM belt tensioner assembly supplied through CPP Diesel. Genuine Cummins components are built to OE specifications for spring rate, travel, and durability on the 5.9L B-series platform, unlike many low-cost aftermarket copies.
Will Cummins 5333499 fit both my first-gen and second-gen 5.9L Cummins trucks?
Yes, 5333499 is used across 1989–2002 Ram 2500/3500 trucks equipped with the 5.9L Cummins, including 12V (1989–1998) and 24V (1998.5–2002) applications, where cataloged. Always confirm against your VIN or existing part number to be certain for your specific build.
What torque should I use on the belt tensioner mounting bolts?
Always follow the factory Cummins or Dodge/Ram service manual torque specification for your exact year and engine. Torque specs can vary slightly by model year and fastener design, so it’s best practice to reference the OE service information rather than relying on a generic value.
Can this tensioner be used on non-truck B-series Cummins engines?
Many industrial and commercial B-series applications also use 5333499, but accessory drive layouts can vary. If you are working on agricultural, construction, or generator applications, verify the part number in your Cummins QuickServe or OEM catalog before ordering.
