Belt change question

[Qgrappler]

Have received new belts to replace since I am fixing the broken radiator and am in there anyway. {Notice to anyone who does this, make sure to look at the service manual and LOOSEN the axle screws of the belt idler pullys before you try to adjust them with the worm screw. It turns 300 times more easily then}

My question is--- the belt that runs the power steeting pump is covered just above the PS pump pulley by a very stiff metal shield, just under the oil filter. There is not enough clearance between the shield and the pulley to get the belt around the pulley. What is way to get enough clearance there?? Do I have to partially dismount the PS pump, or can I get to the screw(s) holding the shield by going through the holes in the pulley??

Thanks

PS. I did successfully change the water pump and thermostat out, although neither looked like they really needed it.

[DAEDALUS]

{Notice to anyone who does this, make sure to look at the service manual and LOOSEN the axle screws of the belt idler pullys before you try to adjust them with the worm screw. It turns 300 times more easily then}

You need to keep up with NICO more! You're lucky you didn't damage the threads on the tensioner studs.http://www.nissaninfiniticlub....=6341Try again with the belt under the shield. There should be just *barely* enough room to get the belt in there, but it needs to perfectly straight going in. If you positively cannot get it in, then maybe it's bent. It does come right off if you unbolt it. The thermostat may have been OK (you can test with boiling water) but for the amount of work involved, it's better to have it replaced if it's old or in question for any reason.

[911/Q45]

You might need to take the pulley off the power steering pump to remove that shield. Use the holes in the pulley to keep it from turning while you loosen the bolt. When you replace the shield, be sure to attach it in a way that allows belt access next time. I don't think the last guy to remove the shield did this.

[juiceman]

I am not familiar with the q but when I changed my J's ps belt I had to actually remove the screws holding the reservoir to the wheel well to get enough slack to put a belt on or off.

Of course this was after loosening the main bol

BTW I cut the old belt off to allow the ps pully to spin so I could get at the main bolt.

[Qgrappler]

Solution

Absolutely could not get the belt betwen the shield and the PS pump pulley. Tested shield stiffness and strength with a hefty screwdriver and concluded that without undue force it could be bent up a little bit, which was enough to get the belt on.

Hate to use the "armstrong" method on these cars, but in this case it worked ok.