I replaced this belt this weekend and I will like to share some info withyou guys.

This is not a difficult task....I would rate it 3 out of 10. But it does take me the entire day because I wasnt prepared for it. Initially, I wanted to clean out some shredded belt before my 2.87 pulley install. But then I saw the powersteering belt got shredded from 4 ribs to 2....so I decided to replace it. Totally unprepared. I use Nissan service manual and Haynes. 4th gen is different than 5th gen.

Objectives:
1.loosen main drivebelt
by FIRST loosening the nut that holds your idler pulley and then reduce the belt tension with the tension adjuster. If the nut is not loosen first, you might snap your tensioner adjuster.

2.loosen the bolt at the back of the powersteering pump
This is hard. The 14mm bolt is located near the rear exhaust manifold and it's really hard to get to. I use the universal joint along with extension to loosen it a little bit. Then I use gear wrench to take care the rest.
universal joint

3.loosen the belt tension adjuster lock bolt
Loosen the lock bolt a little bit, dont loose it all the way or you will regret for it.

4.adjust the belt tension with the adjuster bolt.
Turn it clockwise to lower the pump pulley. The belt will come loose. Counter-clockwise to raise the pump pulley when finish install.

belt tension adjuster and locking bolt


Random notes....
a.you have to remove your wheel
b.do this when your car is cold or the exhaust manifold will burn you.
c.dont loosen the lock bolt all the way or the tension adjuster is going to come off. It took me 1 hour to put it back.
d.gear wrenches helps a lot in this job and saves a lot of time. I use them to loosen all the bolts.
e.FYI : old belt, in several pieces
f.choosing a new belt: recommanded to use Pep boy's Dayco belt if the OEM is not available. The finish is similar to that of the OEM.

 

Nice! Thanks for sharing the info. This would be a nice addition to the "How-to's" if it's not already there.