I just replaced AC/Alternator and Power Steering belts. What a P.I.T.A. Nissan engineers should be fired!!!!
1) Raise car and remover right front tire.
2) Remove inside fender cover.
3) Using 14mm universal wrench, loosen the idler pulley lock. I could not use a socket and ratchet because there was no room.
3) Using 14mm socket and universal joint, loosen the idler pulley adjusting nut. I counted 7 full turns until the belt came loose. Universal joint was necessary for access and clearance.
4) If necessary, turn the crankshaft pulley (19mm socket) until you can see through the Power Steering pulley hole to reveal a bolt holding PS.
5) Using 12mm socket and ratchet, put the socket through the PS pulley hole and loosen the PS pivet bolt.
6) Using 12 mm universal wrench, loosen the PS lock bolt that's locking the adjusting bolt.
7) Using 12mm socket, ratchet and very long extension (I used two long plus one short extensions), loosen the PS adjusting bolt in the CLOCKWISE direction until the belt comes off. I had to turn the bolt ALL THE WAY just to barely remove the belt.
Everything except step #3 was done underneath the car.
Installation of new belts is reverse order.
After you are satisfied with the PS belt tension, first tighten the PS pivet bolt, then turn the PS adjusting bolt until it rests against the PS bracket, and finally tighten the PS lock bolt to lock the adjusting bolt. In my opinion, the PS bracket is a poor and confusing design but once you understand how it works, then you should have no problem. Be patient learning how this PS bracket works before you are done.
I am disappointed that I could not use a torque wrench anywhere due to tight space. I don't mind that it does not have a single serpetine belt supported by self-tensioning idler pulley as long as I can have good access to the belts. But this was not the case.
I am glad it's over. Even though it was difficult, it took me about 50 minutes thanks to all the tools I had.
Suggestion:
Get extra long universal wrench for PS lock bolt and ilder pulley. I didn't have extra long universal wrench but I was lucky that none of the bolts were extra tight.
Peter
1) Raise car and remover right front tire.
2) Remove inside fender cover.
3) Using 14mm universal wrench, loosen the idler pulley lock. I could not use a socket and ratchet because there was no room.
3) Using 14mm socket and universal joint, loosen the idler pulley adjusting nut. I counted 7 full turns until the belt came loose. Universal joint was necessary for access and clearance.
4) If necessary, turn the crankshaft pulley (19mm socket) until you can see through the Power Steering pulley hole to reveal a bolt holding PS.
5) Using 12mm socket and ratchet, put the socket through the PS pulley hole and loosen the PS pivet bolt.
6) Using 12 mm universal wrench, loosen the PS lock bolt that's locking the adjusting bolt.
7) Using 12mm socket, ratchet and very long extension (I used two long plus one short extensions), loosen the PS adjusting bolt in the CLOCKWISE direction until the belt comes off. I had to turn the bolt ALL THE WAY just to barely remove the belt.
Everything except step #3 was done underneath the car.
Installation of new belts is reverse order.
After you are satisfied with the PS belt tension, first tighten the PS pivet bolt, then turn the PS adjusting bolt until it rests against the PS bracket, and finally tighten the PS lock bolt to lock the adjusting bolt. In my opinion, the PS bracket is a poor and confusing design but once you understand how it works, then you should have no problem. Be patient learning how this PS bracket works before you are done.
I am disappointed that I could not use a torque wrench anywhere due to tight space. I don't mind that it does not have a single serpetine belt supported by self-tensioning idler pulley as long as I can have good access to the belts. But this was not the case.
I am glad it's over. Even though it was difficult, it took me about 50 minutes thanks to all the tools I had.
Suggestion:
Get extra long universal wrench for PS lock bolt and ilder pulley. I didn't have extra long universal wrench but I was lucky that none of the bolts were extra tight.
Peter
