Serpentine Belt replacement
10-13-2014, 05:23 PM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
Serpentine Belt replacement
I couldn't find a good description or even how hard it was to replace the serpentine belt on my 2009 Maxima (which was squealing on start up at 85k miles) so I thought I would post my own after doing the job myself.
The job was really pretty easy. It took me about 2 hours but I took my time and cleaned off all the pulleys. Here are the steps:
1) Remove the right front tire
2) Remove the plastic splash shield inside the r/f wheel well (4-5 plastic push in fasteners)
3) Locate the belt tensioner on the lower left as you look at the front of the engine (I'll try to add a photo of this shortly)
4) Use a socket wrench on the bolt head in the center of the belt tensioner to relieve the tension by pushing down (as if you were tightening the bolt)
5) With tension relieved, you can easily unthread the belt from the pulleys (paying attention to the routing)
6) Reinstall the new belt using the same method to compress the tensioner
7) Reinstall the splash shield and wheel and you're done
Hope this is helpful
The job was really pretty easy. It took me about 2 hours but I took my time and cleaned off all the pulleys. Here are the steps:
1) Remove the right front tire
2) Remove the plastic splash shield inside the r/f wheel well (4-5 plastic push in fasteners)
3) Locate the belt tensioner on the lower left as you look at the front of the engine (I'll try to add a photo of this shortly)
4) Use a socket wrench on the bolt head in the center of the belt tensioner to relieve the tension by pushing down (as if you were tightening the bolt)
5) With tension relieved, you can easily unthread the belt from the pulleys (paying attention to the routing)
6) Reinstall the new belt using the same method to compress the tensioner
7) Reinstall the splash shield and wheel and you're done
Hope this is helpful
Last edited by bobbyp; 10-13-2014 at 05:48 PM.
10-14-2014, 07:19 AM
#4
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Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 218
10-14-2014, 07:07 PM
#5
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 2
A couple more things
I forgot to mention that the dealer wanted $150 for the job. I paid $20 for the belt at Advance.
Oh... and the belt I took off was really not in bad shape - no cracks at all. It was really just the noise that was driving me crazy. I guess it was dry or glazed or something.
Oh... and the belt I took off was really not in bad shape - no cracks at all. It was really just the noise that was driving me crazy. I guess it was dry or glazed or something.
10-16-2014, 09:35 AM
#8
Great info Bobbyp, I try to do most of the maintenance on my cars myself but I've never actually changed the belt on my last 2 Maxima's.
Mainly because as luck would have it, both times I had it done in the past I was getting something else done which made the job necessary.
I'm now at 77k miles and once mine starts showing signs that its going south I'll refer back to this thread and do the deed. Thanks.
Mainly because as luck would have it, both times I had it done in the past I was getting something else done which made the job necessary.
I'm now at 77k miles and once mine starts showing signs that its going south I'll refer back to this thread and do the deed. Thanks.
10-17-2014, 08:07 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,802
I couldn't find a good description or even how hard it was to replace the serpentine belt on my 2009 Maxima (which was squealing on start up at 85k miles) so I thought I would post my own after doing the job myself. The job was really pretty easy. It took me about 2 hours but I took my time and cleaned off all the pulleys. Here are the steps: 1) Remove the right front tire 2) Remove the plastic splash shield inside the r/f wheel well (4-5 plastic push in fasteners) 3) Locate the belt tensioner on the lower left as you look at the front of the engine (I'll try to add a photo of this shortly) 4) Use a socket wrench on the bolt head in the center of the belt tensioner to relieve the tension by pushing down (as if you were tightening the bolt) 5) With tension relieved, you can easily unthread the belt from the pulleys (paying attention to the routing) 6) Reinstall the new belt using the same method to compress the tensioner 7) Reinstall the splash shield and wheel and you're done Hope this is helpful
10-17-2014, 06:00 PM
#15
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 137
10-18-2014, 04:28 AM
#16
You will need to use the tool as in tool that slides into the pulley with the two holes in it sort of looks like a curved coat hangar with curved ends on it to slightly tighten whilst the bolt is slightly loose and the belt is ok them measure the belt deflection which should be slightly minimal then use the car for about a day then check again and re tighten to specs (because belts always stretch ) especially after they warm up and get used the first time .
10-18-2014, 04:30 AM
#17
[QUOTE="koreanthunda;8993183"]You will need to use the tool as in tool that slides into the pulley with the two holes in it sort of looks like a curved coat hangar with curved ends on it to slightly tighten whilst the bolt is slightly loose and the belt is ok them measure the belt deflection which should be slightly minimal then use the car for about a day then check again and re tighten to specs (because belts always stretch ) especially after they warm up and get used the first time .also you can use a extension and use a 10mm to adjust the tension on the belt from up above or below on some models too . Have a Maximus day !!
10-18-2014, 10:18 AM
#18
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,802
You will need to use the tool as in tool that slides into the pulley with the two holes in it sort of looks like a curved coat hangar with curved ends on it to slightly tighten whilst the bolt is slightly loose and the belt is ok them measure the belt deflection which should be slightly minimal then use the car for about a day then check again and re tighten to specs (because belts always stretch ) especially after they warm up and get used the first time .
10-18-2014, 11:50 AM
#19
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 137
You will need to use the tool as in tool that slides into the pulley with the two holes in it sort of looks like a curved coat hangar with curved ends on it to slightly tighten whilst the bolt is slightly loose and the belt is ok them measure the belt deflection which should be slightly minimal then use the car for about a day then check again and re tighten to specs (because belts always stretch ) especially after they warm up and get used the first time .
09-30-2016, 11:51 AM
#20
I couldn't find a good description or even how hard it was to replace the serpentine belt on my 2009 Maxima (which was squealing on start up at 85k miles) so I thought I would post my own after doing the job myself.
The job was really pretty easy. It took me about 2 hours but I took my time and cleaned off all the pulleys. Here are the steps:
1) Remove the right front tire
2) Remove the plastic splash shield inside the r/f wheel well (4-5 plastic push in fasteners)
3) Locate the belt tensioner on the lower left as you look at the front of the engine (I'll try to add a photo of this shortly)
4) Use a socket wrench on the bolt head in the center of the belt tensioner to relieve the tension by pushing down (as if you were tightening the bolt)
5) With tension relieved, you can easily unthread the belt from the pulleys (paying attention to the routing)
6) Reinstall the new belt using the same method to compress the tensioner
7) Reinstall the splash shield and wheel and you're done
Hope this is helpful
The job was really pretty easy. It took me about 2 hours but I took my time and cleaned off all the pulleys. Here are the steps:
1) Remove the right front tire
2) Remove the plastic splash shield inside the r/f wheel well (4-5 plastic push in fasteners)
3) Locate the belt tensioner on the lower left as you look at the front of the engine (I'll try to add a photo of this shortly)
4) Use a socket wrench on the bolt head in the center of the belt tensioner to relieve the tension by pushing down (as if you were tightening the bolt)
5) With tension relieved, you can easily unthread the belt from the pulleys (paying attention to the routing)
6) Reinstall the new belt using the same method to compress the tensioner
7) Reinstall the splash shield and wheel and you're done
Hope this is helpful
Took me 47 minutes, although I wasn't smart enough to remember to clean the pulleys.
Couple of things I'd add:
If you don't have a pair of these, I'd buy them. Makes this job, changing oil, and any other time you have to touch those stupid rivets much easier.
http://www.harborfreight.com/push-pin-pliers-67400.html
If you stick an allen wrench (I'm sure there is a better tool to use) in the tensioner you can lock it in place. Makes it much easier to put the new belt on.
Take a picture of the old pulley with your phone before you take it off in case you forget the routing.
Biggest issue I had was pushing the new belt on (was super tight) until I locked the tensioner in place. I'll bet I spent 30 minutes trying to do it with one had.
Relatively easy job, and I'm just a mediocre mechanic.
THANKS for the write up, it was the ONLY one I could find on the googletubes. Very helpful, love the community here.
12-12-2017, 06:07 AM
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: maryland
Posts: 732
Thank you wild....... this info is perfect for my deciding.
I have 130k miles and the belt after inspection looks great. But I have some days off so surgery is in the makings.
Appreciate the prompt response
I have 130k miles and the belt after inspection looks great. But I have some days off so surgery is in the makings.
Appreciate the prompt response
02-02-2019, 12:12 PM
#31
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 5
Much Appreciated
I couldn't find a good description or even how hard it was to replace the serpentine belt on my 2009 Maxima (which was squealing on start up at 85k miles) so I thought I would post my own after doing the job myself.
The job was really pretty easy. It took me about 2 hours but I took my time and cleaned off all the pulleys. Here are the steps:
1) Remove the right front tire
2) Remove the plastic splash shield inside the r/f wheel well (4-5 plastic push in fasteners)
3) Locate the belt tensioner on the lower left as you look at the front of the engine (I'll try to add a photo of this shortly)
4) Use a socket wrench on the bolt head in the center of the belt tensioner to relieve the tension by pushing down (as if you were tightening the bolt)
5) With tension relieved, you can easily unthread the belt from the pulleys (paying attention to the routing)
6) Reinstall the new belt using the same method to compress the tensioner
7) Reinstall the splash shield and wheel and you're done
Hope this is helpful
The job was really pretty easy. It took me about 2 hours but I took my time and cleaned off all the pulleys. Here are the steps:
1) Remove the right front tire
2) Remove the plastic splash shield inside the r/f wheel well (4-5 plastic push in fasteners)
3) Locate the belt tensioner on the lower left as you look at the front of the engine (I'll try to add a photo of this shortly)
4) Use a socket wrench on the bolt head in the center of the belt tensioner to relieve the tension by pushing down (as if you were tightening the bolt)
5) With tension relieved, you can easily unthread the belt from the pulleys (paying attention to the routing)
6) Reinstall the new belt using the same method to compress the tensioner
7) Reinstall the splash shield and wheel and you're done
Hope this is helpful
02-03-2019, 05:03 AM
#32
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 99
Kind of cool how koreanthunda just got OWNED in the early days of this thread, lol! But by God...he's a MECHANIC!
I bought my 2014 SV with 58K miles on it, and being it was a 'Certified Pre-Owned' car, the dealer had explained to me that they'd changed all fluids, belts, etc as part of the program. This dealer speaks with forked tongue, as my old Cherokee great grandfather would have said...pretty much NOTHING they say (well, said...they are out of business now) do I believe. So, I've been thinking of replacing the belt now that I've got around 70K miles.
Excellent write up and pics...this is the sort of thing that makes car forums great.
I bought my 2014 SV with 58K miles on it, and being it was a 'Certified Pre-Owned' car, the dealer had explained to me that they'd changed all fluids, belts, etc as part of the program. This dealer speaks with forked tongue, as my old Cherokee great grandfather would have said...pretty much NOTHING they say (well, said...they are out of business now) do I believe. So, I've been thinking of replacing the belt now that I've got around 70K miles.
Excellent write up and pics...this is the sort of thing that makes car forums great.
08-02-2019, 09:04 AM
#33
Newbie - Just Registered
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 1
7th Generation Maxima (2009-2015)
Hi,
We replaced the the Serpentine Belt, because my maxima was squealing a little. When we did that, we ran into more squealing, LOUD SQUEALING.
Now, we are trying to figure out whats wrong, we made sure the belt was placed into all the grooves and all looks well, but as soon as you turn on the car, move the steering wheel or turn the AC on, it squeals. What could it be, the power steering pump or the pully?
We replaced the the Serpentine Belt, because my maxima was squealing a little. When we did that, we ran into more squealing, LOUD SQUEALING.
Now, we are trying to figure out whats wrong, we made sure the belt was placed into all the grooves and all looks well, but as soon as you turn on the car, move the steering wheel or turn the AC on, it squeals. What could it be, the power steering pump or the pully?
08-02-2019, 10:05 AM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,802
Hi,
We replaced the the Serpentine Belt, because my maxima was squealing a little. When we did that, we ran into more squealing, LOUD SQUEALING.
Now, we are trying to figure out whats wrong, we made sure the belt was placed into all the grooves and all looks well, but as soon as you turn on the car, move the steering wheel or turn the AC on, it squeals. What could it be, the power steering pump or the pully?
We replaced the the Serpentine Belt, because my maxima was squealing a little. When we did that, we ran into more squealing, LOUD SQUEALING.
Now, we are trying to figure out whats wrong, we made sure the belt was placed into all the grooves and all looks well, but as soon as you turn on the car, move the steering wheel or turn the AC on, it squeals. What could it be, the power steering pump or the pully?
08-03-2019, 09:27 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 441
I agree go OEM, I changed 3 belts in a matter of a couple months and they chirped after a few weeks of replacement. I put a Nissan OEM and never had a chirp since!
09-03-2019, 10:48 PM
#36
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 77
How often should the belt be replaced? I have only had my 2010 Max for about 6 weeks now and I don't know when it was last replaced.
I have inspected the belt and it does look a little worn and old but it is completely silent no squeaking. Definitely don't want it to break on me I had a horrible experience in a Subaru Forester where the belt broke and it destroyed the whole engine. Is it like that on the Maxima? Interference engine I think it is called?
And what is the best belt to use? I have seen a few different brands are they all the same? Seems to cost about $40?
It does not sound that hard to install but I don't know if I would be able to do it with the tools that I have.
I have inspected the belt and it does look a little worn and old but it is completely silent no squeaking. Definitely don't want it to break on me I had a horrible experience in a Subaru Forester where the belt broke and it destroyed the whole engine. Is it like that on the Maxima? Interference engine I think it is called?
And what is the best belt to use? I have seen a few different brands are they all the same? Seems to cost about $40?
It does not sound that hard to install but I don't know if I would be able to do it with the tools that I have.
09-04-2019, 05:25 AM
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 441
How often should the belt be replaced? I have only had my 2010 Max for about 6 weeks now and I don't know when it was last replaced.
I have inspected the belt and it does look a little worn and old but it is completely silent no squeaking. Definitely don't want it to break on me I had a horrible experience in a Subaru Forester where the belt broke and it destroyed the whole engine. Is it like that on the Maxima? Interference engine I think it is called?
And what is the best belt to use? I have seen a few different brands are they all the same? Seems to cost about $40?
It does not sound that hard to install but I don't know if I would be able to do it with the tools that I have.
I have inspected the belt and it does look a little worn and old but it is completely silent no squeaking. Definitely don't want it to break on me I had a horrible experience in a Subaru Forester where the belt broke and it destroyed the whole engine. Is it like that on the Maxima? Interference engine I think it is called?
And what is the best belt to use? I have seen a few different brands are they all the same? Seems to cost about $40?
It does not sound that hard to install but I don't know if I would be able to do it with the tools that I have.
09-16-2019, 01:42 PM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,802
a half inch socket wrench with socket, a screw driver to open the "compartment" and a jack and tools to remove your tire. See the procedure at the top of this...pretty good write up!
Last edited by LtLeary; 09-16-2019 at 02:09 PM.