Nissan Maxima Service and Repair Manual: Drive Belts

Checking Drive Belts

1. Idler pulley
2. Drive belt
3. Power steering oil pump
4. Drive belt auto-tensioner
5. Crankshaft pulley
6. Idler pulley
7. A/C compressor
8. Generator
1. Indicator
2. New drive belt range
3. Possible use range
4. View D
   Engine front

WARNING: Inspect and check the drive belt with the engine off.

• Check that the indicator of drive belt auto-tensioner is within the possible use range.

NOTE:

• Check the drive belt auto-tensioner indication when the engine is cold.
• When new drive belt is installed, the indicator should be within the new drive belt range.
• Visually check entire drive belt for wear, damage or cracks.
• If the indicator is out of the possible use range or the drive belt is damaged, replace the drive belt.

Tension Adjustment

• Drive belt tension is not manually adjustable, it is automatically adjusted by the drive belt auto-tensioner.

Removal and Installation

REMOVAL

1. Remove the front RH wheel and tire using power tool. Refer to WT-60, "Adjustment".
2. Remove the fender protector side cover (RH). Refer to EXT-24, "Removal and Installation".
3. While securely holding the hexagonal part in pulley center of drive belt auto-tensioner, move in the direction of arrow (loosening direction of drive belt auto-tensioner) using suitable tool.

WARNING:

• Avoid placing hand in a location where pinching may occur if the holding tool accidentally comes off.

CAUTION:

• Do not loosen the drive belt auto-tensioner pulley bolt.

  (Do not turn it counterclockwise. If turned counterclockwise, the complete drive belt auto-tensioner must be replaced as a unit, including pulley.)

4. Insert a rod approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) in diameter through the rear of drive belt auto-tensioner into retaining boss to lock drive belt auto-tensioner pulley.

   - Leave drive belt auto-tensioner pulley arm locked until drive belt is installed again.

5. Remove drive belt from crankshaft pulley and then remove it from the other pulleys.

INSTALLATION

1. Install the drive belt onto all of the pulleys. CAUTION: Confirm drive belt is completely set on the pulleys.
2. Release drive belt auto-tensioner, and apply tension to drive belt.

WARNING:

• Avoid placing hand in a location where pinching may occur if the holding tool accidentally comes off.

CAUTION:

• Do not loosen the drive belt auto-tensioner pulley bolt. (Don't turn it counterclockwise. If turned counterclockwise, the complete drive belt auto-tensioner must be replaced as a unit, including pulley.)

3. Turn crankshaft pulley clockwise several times to equalize tension between each pulley.
4. Confirm indicator is within the possible use range. Refer to EM-14, "Checking Drive Belts".

Removal and Installation of Drive Belt Auto-tensioner

1. Drive belt auto-tensioner
2. Idler pulley
3. A/C idler pulley

REMOVAL

CAUTION: The complete drive belt auto-tensioner must be replaced as a unit, including the pulley.

1. Remove the drive belt. Refer to EM-14, "Removal and Installation". NOTE: Insert a rod approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) in diameter through the rear of drive belt auto-tensioner into the retaining boss to lock drive belt auto-tensioner pulley.
2. Remove the drive belt auto-tensioner using a power tool.

CAUTION: Do not loosen the drive belt auto-tensioner pulley bolt. Don't turn it counterclockwise. If turned counterclockwise, the complete auto-tensioner including the pulley must be replaced as a unit.

INSTALLATION

Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION:

• If there is damage greater than peeled paint, replace drive belt auto-tensioner unit.
• Do not swap the pulley between the new and old drive belt auto-tensioner units.