Changing the Drive Belts

Changing the drive belts on the Nissan Pathfinder is a quick job, that pretty much anyone can do. It only takes a few tools, and you can have it done within an hour.

This is a regular maintenance item, that probably needs to be done roughly every 50,000 miles. You can get the belts from your dealership, or purchase them online. I prefer to only use the nissan belts. Also I always keep a spare set of belts in the back of my pathfinder. Those lightweight parts could keep you from being stranded somewhere!

  1. From underneath - remove the plastic shield (splash guard) underneath the front of the truck. It is held on by a six to eight 10mm bolts.
  2. The fan shroud on the radiator is made up of two parts. The smaller lower section clips into the larger upper section. The lower section can be removed easily by pinching the clips by hand. It then can be positioned out of the way, or removed from the area.
  3. Loosen the idler pully to allow adjustment of the tension on main and secondary belt tensioners. [see illustration]
  4. Loosen the belt tensioner on the main serpentine belt (from below) and remove the belt. 12mm bolt - turn counter clockwise to loosen.
  5. Loosen the belt tensioner on the secondary serpentine belt (from below) and remove the belt. 12mm bolt - turn counter clockwise to loosen.
  6. Now would be a good time to inspect the area for any grease or fluids on the serpentine belt path. These can decrease performance of the belt, and cause noises, and or failure.
  7. Replace secondary belt first, then main belt.
  8. Tighten belt tensioners to adjust belt tension - see deflection numbers below.
  9. Tighten both idler pullys to spec - 24 ft-lb.
  10. Inspect drive belt deflection or tension at a point on the belt midway between pulleys (at inspection point in drawing). With 22lbs force pushing on the belt, this deflection should be 4-5mm on the main belt, and 8 - 9 mm on the secondary (AC) belt.
  11. Re assemble fan shroud, and front plastic splash guard
Nissan Pathfinder Idler Pulley and Belt Tensioner
Nissan Pathfinder Idler Pulley and Belt Tensioner
Click image to enlarge		Nissan Pathfinder Serpentine Belt
Nissan Pathfinder Serpentine Belt Configuration
Click image to enlarge