Tech Tip: Fix for a Squeaky Nissan Drive Belt

Tech Tip: Fix for a Squeaky Nissan Drive Belt

Drivers of certain Nissan vehicles may complain about noises coming from the drive belt. Correcting these noises will involve inspecting the power steering oil pump pulley alignment and possibly realigning the pump bracket (if needed), and replacing the auto-tensioner and drive belt with the ones listed below (if needed).

By Dennis Shortino, ALLDATA editor, and Jeff Webster,
ALLDATA technical writer

Drivers of certain Nissan vehicles may complain about one of two noises coming from the drive belt:
• A chirping or “squeak” noise is coming from the engine area, usually occurring at start-up in the morning especially in cold or damp conditions.
OR
• A squealing or chirping noise occurs when the vehicle has been driven for an extended period of time. Duplication of this noise may require operation of the engine for at least one hour.

Correcting either of these noises will involve inspecting the power steering oil pump pulley alignment and possibly realigning the pump bracket (if needed), and replacing the auto-tensioner and drive belt with the ones listed below (if needed). Refer to the steps in this Tech Tip for details.

Applicable Models
• 2005-’08 Xterra built before 5N1AN0(***)8C 531034;
• 2005-’08 Pathfinder built before 5N1AR18(**)8C 656034;
• 2005-’08 Frontier built before 1N6AD0(***)8C 437234; and
• All vehicles with VQ40 engine ONLY.

Repair Procedure
1. Remove the engine cover following factory and/or industry standard approved practices.

2. Remove the air duct.

3. Rotate the drive belt auto tensioner counterclockwise (loosening direction of the tensioner) using a suitable tool. Caution: Do not move it clockwise.

4. Remove the drive belt.

5. Using a straight edge (or other equivalent tool), visually check the power steering oil pump pulley and crankshaft pulley alignment. The pulleys should be evenly aligned (see Figure 1).
  • If the pulleys are not evenly aligned, go to Step 6.
  • If the pulleys are evenly aligned, go to Step 12.

6. Loosen the three bolts holding the heat shield to the right-hand exhaust manifold. Push the heat shield out of the way and secure it with a bungee cord or similar tool.

7. Loosen the two front bolts securing the power steering pump bracket to the engine block (see Figure 2).

8. Loosen the two side bolts on the bracket (see Figure 3).

9. Finger-tighten the two front bolts.

10. Finger-tighten the two side bolts.

11. Torque the bolts in the following sequence:
  • Torque the lower front bolt 42-48 ft.-lb. (56.9-65.7 Nm).
  • Torque the two side bolts 42-48 ft.-lb. (56.9-65.7 Nm).
  • Torque the upper front bolt to 18-23 ft.-lb. (24.5-31.4 Nm).

12. Check the part number on the front of the tensioner arm using a mirror (see Figure 4).
  • If the part number reads 11955-EA20A, DO NOT install a new auto-tensioner.
  • If the part number reads 11955-EA200, install a new auto-tensioner (P/N 11955-EA20A).

13. Install a new drive belt (P/N 11720-EA200). Do not reuse the existing belt.

14. Install the engine cover in reverse order of removal.

15. Install the air duct and exhaust heat shield.

16. Drive the vehicle to verify that the incident has been resolved.

Courtesy of ALLDATA.

You May Also Like

TS Toolbox Guide February 2024

Here’s a look at some of the core feature and modern frills to consider when it’s time to move into a new office.

toolbox guide illustartion

The corporate world has offices. You hang pictures on the wall, keep a few trinkets on your desk and a few snacks in one of your desk drawers. It’s your space. As technicians, we have our toolbox. It’s our “office” on wheels. But it’s different. We have no “work from home” option. We can’t take it with us and work at a coffee shop. Our “office space” becomes far more important. This is where we make our living.The size of a toolbox and the features we choose depend on multiple factors, which have changed over the years along with automotive and tool technology. Here’s a look at some of the core features and modern frills to consider when it’s time to move into a new office.

Brake Lathe Basics

Resurfacing drums and rotors is a machining process with its own specific guidelines.

Refrigerant Oil Has to Be Right

Oil type is just as important as oil capacity.

Three bottles of refrigerant oil
Top 5 Tools: Steve Coffell, Auto World, Hazelwood, MO

Steve Coffell, a technician at Auto World in Hazelwood, MO, says his Top 5 Favorite Tools are: Related Articles – Mayhew Introduces New 14-Piece Micro Hand Tool Set – New Small Stud Extractor Now Available from Mayhew Tools – Matco Debuts 5-Piece Purple Screwdriver Set   OTC Genisys Touch – Quick scan, bidirectional control Snap-on

Wheel Bearing Adjustment Tools & Equipment

A wheel bearing that’s out of adjustment can reduce bearing life and can affect more than just the bearing. It’s important to adjust the wheel bearing endplay to the proper specifications. If the bearing set is adjusted too loose or too tight, it can cause the bearing to fail prematurely. There are a few types of assemblies, so using correct procedures and tools will ensure a comeback-free wheel bearing installation.

Other Posts

Embracing Cutting-Edge Solutions the Industry has to Offer

Embracing cutting-edge solutions is strategic and imperative for technicians navigating the constantly changing landscape of automotive maintenance and repair.

Nadine Battah
Repairify Announces Executive Leadership Changes

The company has named Craig Edmonds as president of asTech among other executive appointments.

TPMS: Are Retrofits in Your Future?

Installing a retrofit kit can be performed with the tools and equipment you already own and use on a daily basis.

Tire tread
PRT Launches 22 New Products on Complete Strut Assemblies

The new items come to expand the PRT portfolio in North American Market and represents more than 12 Million vehicles in new coverage.