Help.Replace Serpentine Belt 2004 Altima 2.5SL

[Euroed]

Newbie needs a little advice please! I bought a new serpentine belt for my 2004 2.5 SL before looking under the hood! It is awful tight in there. Do I need special tools to release the tension? I have a diagram of the way the belt goes on, and will take a digital picture to be sure I get it right, but is this something I should attempt? I am reasonably handy with tools and have done brakes and such. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[garthog]

about half-way down, there is a bolt which i believe is a 14mm. just latch on and push down or it may be up... either way, it isn't that hard. i just had to take mine off a couple weeks ago for the alternator. good luck.

[Euroed]

That bolt is on the tensioner, right? If so, then it is as simple as it appears. Just need to lose about 50lbs in order for my fat arms to slide in! Thanks very much for the help.

[garthog]

lol! yep... it's that easy. good luck.

[Euroed]

You were right it is about a 20 minute job......If your after market belt is not 1/8 of an inch to small! The only belt that fits properly is the PK2247 the after market is a PK2240, too small. Should have gone to the dealer to begin with! BTW the dealer also says that the aftermarket air filter is too small as well and causes issues, even the Fram!

[garthog]

sprry to hear that dude. the dealers try to get you a lot though... seems like nissan especially. go to an import parts store and they can usually tell you the best rout.