How do I adjust tension on the accessory belt?

[CJD91]

Just as the title states, my Pathfinder squeals when I start it up. I added some belt dressing and it went away so that tells me I need to tighten the tension on the accessory belt.

Any DIYs?

[JonathanPrem]

My belt also makes noise when I fire it up in the morning. Would that be a worn belt(since i never changed it yet 180km) or just need some belt dressing .

[CJD91]

You probably need to replace your belt and check your tension from there.

I need to figure out how to adjust my tension up.

[CJD91]

No one knows?

[Kidastra]

there are 2 tension adjustments accesible from the bottom of the car, they are easy enough to spot and you can adjust your tension from there

[W O T]

I made a thread a while back with pics if you wanna look

Jonprem: pop that hood and look for large cracks, (see them?) change the belts then, its $20 for both @ Napa

[bmlawless]

No one knows?

I believe that mine has an idler pulley at the top of the engine that uses spring tension to keep the belt tight. I don't know if that can be moved to make it tighter or if it means your belt is bad.

[CJD91]

From what I gather there are two tensioners one on top and one of the bottom. The factory service manual seems to indicate both are adjustable.

Can anyone confirm?

[tomR]

There are 2 tension pullies. it's not always the belts making the noise. The squeeling can be caused by either of the tension pulley bearings going bad.

My squeeling stoped when I replaced the passenger side pulley, now the other side is squeeling during start up. I know the passenger side pulley is adjustable but dont know if the drivers side is yet.

Many belt dressings are not to be used on serpatine belts. You can try to wd40 the bearing of the pullies, one at a time, to see if that's your problem.The pullies are usually sold with the bracket but you probably dont need the bracket. It will cost less without it.Good luck!Tom

[CJD91]

Thanks Tom.

If anyone else wants to weigh in, it would be appreciated.

[Crutch]

It's most likely your belt tension. If you have the 3.5 engine then you have two tensioner screws on the bottom side. Make sure to loosen the pulley bolt first and then tighten the tension. After that retighten the pulley bolts. While you're at it check your belts. This would be a good time to change them if needed.

[CJD91]

Adjusted the tension about a week ago. Haven't heard ANYTHING since.