My power steering failed and it turned out to be a broken drive belt. I was wondering if anyone here has had experience in changing this belt as the Haynes manual I have says that the belt can have different functions for different model/year Maximas.

The drive belt can apparently not only control power steering, but possibly also the water pump, A/C, and/or alternator. I was thinking of just driving it to an auto shop but possibly driving it without a functioning water pump would not be a good idea.

Is the replacement of the belt a lengthy and difficult task for one to do on their own?

 

It powers the water pump and power steering on the 3rd gens.
Replacing the belt isn't that hard, but I think the alternator and AC belts need to be removed to get to it.

Check pulleys while you're in there for smoothness.

 

It's not hard, but do you have all the lifting equipment and jack stands? I can tell you how to do it, if your actually going to do it.

 

By "lifting equipment", do you mean a jack? I have one but I need to get some jack stands.

I guess the only way to tackle this problem is to work from under the car with the passenger side tire removed?

 

Yes, you need jack stands and you need wood blocks or wheel chocks for the back tires. It's accessed by removng the tire you said and removing the splash shield.

 

IIRC. The power steering belt is the very inside belt so you do infact have to take all the belts off to get to it...its not hard at all just find your tensioners and loosen them up enough to free up your belts.. then just pull off and put back on... remember to tighten your tensioners back up and allow no more than 1/2 inch flex in the belt...

 

Thanks for the info guys. I'll give this a shot once the weather clears up.