Hey guys,

I know this question has been asked before, but the search function is still disabled....

How do I replace my accessory belts (A/C comp, Alt., Power steering pump, etc)? I guess it's just common sense (loosen tensioner, remove belts, replace belts, tighten tensioner) but I thought maybe someone had tips to share from their own experience with their 4th gen Maxima, maybe even pics.

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

Get a set of racheting box wrenches. I think you need 15 mm.
Jack up the car, remove the right front wheel, then remove the plastic shrouding, allowing access to the belts and pulleys.
For the serpentine belt, you need to loosen the center bolt on the adjuster with a box wrench, looks like a pulley wheel, then use a 14 mm deep socket with a long extension to loosen the belt adjusting bolt.
You then can remove the old belt and replace it. Be careful to adjust it properly, too tight and you will wear out the water pump bearing. You need 1/2 " flex across 12" belt length, use a straight edge and a ruler.

The power steering belt is a challenge. The release banjo and bolts are up in the back of the engine compartment to the left as you are looking through the shroud opening.
Get a Haynes manual.
I don't remember the details of loosening the banjo fitting, its a pain to figure it out in the tight space. Be persistant. You have to loosen this strange banjo fitting to get remove the belt. If I recall correctly, the banjo removes when you remove the belt. Then it is easier to understand how it works. Again, space is tight.

Frankly, this is job that is not worth saving $20 on labor. It took a whole Saturday afternoon to change 2 belts and figure it out.