Your Nissan engine relies on a variety of intricate, interconnected components that help you enjoy that smooth Nissan ride you love! Some parts are linked by a series of belts, and the Serpentine Belt is among the most important.

Your Nissans Serpentine Belt is a strong, continuous belt that transfers power to the power steering pump, alternators, A/C compressors, and, in some models, the water pump. Some refer to the Serpentine Belt as the accessory or fan belt because it powers your Nissans peripheral devices. But, dont underestimate its importance.

Nissan Serpentine Belts are typically made of reinforced rubber manufactured to withstand the challenges involved in transferring energy from one engine component to the next. However, like any other part, they are subject to wear and tear.

Serpentine Belts can fray, crack, or even peel with age, or they can malfunction if they become soaked due to coolant or oil leaks. They can also lose alignment, slip, or lack tension, because of faulty tensioners, which may necessitate Serpentine Belt and tensioner replacements, or re-adjusting the belt, depending on its condition. Common signs of Serpentine Belt issues include: weird rattling noises coming from the engine, a malfunctioning car A/C or loss of power steering functionality, engine overheating, and visible cracks or wear on the belt.

In general, your Nissan Serpentine Belt is one of your most long-lasting parts, but issues like oil leaks and worn tensioner mechanisms can significantly shorten its lifespan. Its a good idea to inspect your Serpentine Belt during every oil change, or get a professional opinion from one of the Nissan experts at a service center near you.

The process of replacing your Nissan Serpentine Belt is dependent on the tensioner mechanism in your Nissan. Consult with an expert technician or your Nissan manual before DIY-ing any services!

In most cases, youll need a Serpentine Belt thats designed to fit your model and year, and an adequate belt tensioner. Note that if your Nissan relies on a manual or hydraulic tensioner for the Serpentine Belt, it may be a smarter choice to visit your nearest Nissan experts for professional assistance.

When youre prepared to begin, snap a photo of your belts current placement and how it winds around your engines components. Then, detach the tensioner using a ratchet and gently unwind the Serpentine Belt, ensuring not to mess with any accessories or pulleys!

Once youve removed the old Serpentine Belt, check it for signs of oil leaks, cracks, and damage to uncover any underlying issues that are not Serpentine Belt-specific. Re-wind the new Serpentine Belt in the old ones place and re-activate the tensioner, using a wrench to tighten it to the appropriate level. Lastly, turn the engine on and idle it while inspecting its operation to ensure it runs smoothly.

Whether you choose to DIY your Nissan Serpentine Belt replacement or get professional replacement services at your local Nissan service center, getting the right parts for the job is vital! Order authentic Altima and Rogue parts directly from the manufacturer itself! Find genuine Serpentine Belt replacements for your Nissan Altima 2013-2018 and Nissan Rogue 2016-2020. See the What This Fits tab for more details.