Replacing Belts in 98 Q

[bcg33478]

The P/S belt on my 98 Q is showing some cracking and needs to be replaced. Spoke to the local Infiniti dealer and was told the following: 1) all four belts should be replaced, 2) replacement of belts is tricky and should be done by experienced mechanic (i.e., at dealer), 3) replacement of all four belts takes about 2 hours, and 4) including parts and labor, the cost is $290.

This seems a little high for belt replacement but I wanted to check with other Q owners if this was legit. If I intend to do the work myself, what is the general sequence, what should I watch out for, any special tools needed, and how long should it take for a weekend warrier?

[97Q45t]

I replaced all 4 belts in my 97 a coupe months ago. It took me about 2 hours for the job. No special tool is required, your regular tool set should be fine. It is a good thing to check the big cooling fan for any crack so you can replace it at the same time because you're going to take the fan off anyway. Parts (4 belts) cost about $60.

[TorQue45]

97Q45t,

I am tempting to change all my belts but I am afraid I might screw thing up.

How do you know you have the right tension on each of the belt?Did you use any information from the FSM for this?

Thanks

[97Q45t]

TorQue45Yes, I used my service manual for the tensions.

TorQue45 and bcg33478,If you guys need the specifications on the belt tensions, give me your emails addresses and I'll send you the page.

Don't afraid to mess up. Just remember to mark which belt comes out of which parts for a faster installation. Have fun. =)

[TorQue45]

Thanks 97Q45t,

I have the service manual already. But thanks for the offer.

Did you get the belts from Scottsdale?

[97Q45t]

TorQue45,No problem. And yes, I bought the belts from them. I bought pretty much everthing from them (belts, fan, ABS relay, ATF filter and gasket, filters, valcover gaskets.) Their prices are even cheaper than Autozone's aftermarket parts, ie the air filter is only $7 vs $20 at Autozone.

[TorQue45]

I am looking at the scheduled maintenance and it does not specify when to replace the belts. It only lists the inspection intervals.

So, when is a typical miles/years to replace those belts?

Thanks

[97Q45t]

I replaced mine because my P/S belt was going bad. The P/S was cracked and slippery when the engine is cold made a very loud noise when I turn the steering wheel. I also had to use a lot of force to turn the wheel. I don't know much about the interval because it is vary from region to region. I did mine when my car had 120 kmiles. I think it's best to do it when you have some free time so you have one less thing to worry about. New belts might make the engine run a little smoother and quieter. I felt so on mine.

[maxnix]

So, when is a typical miles/years to replace those belts?

Thanks

It's not miles so much as aging. Replace when you can see deterioration like cracks.

[bcg33478]

97Q45t

My email address is [email protected]

I do not have the service manual and would appreciate any instructions or specs you can provide. BTW, do I need the service manual to replace all these belts?

Thanks, Yuan

[97Q45t]

Yuan,You got mail. I don't think you'll need the FSM to replace all the belts.

[bcg33478]

Ordered the belts from Scottdale today ($45) and a few other parts, be here in a week. Get dirt under my fingernails a week from Saturday.

[Q451990]

Get dirt under my fingernails a week from Saturday.

I know it's just an expression, but I gotta tell you - $7 for a box of latex gloves was the best $$ I've spent in a while. For fuel pump jobs or ones that involve a lot of work with brake parts cleaners or solvents, nitrile gloves work well too.

I like avoiding that whole scrubbing of the cut up fingers routine that had me budgeting an extra 20 minutes into every job.

Heath

[mlford]

What can you tell me about the fuel pressure regulator on a 1998 Q45? I replaced all the belts, flushed the radiator, changed oil, etc. (reglarly scheduled 60K mile stuff) and car ran good for a while. Now it won't start. Clicks like it wants to turn over but doesn't. Wondering what problem could be or should I tow to dealer?mlf

[DAEDALUS]

If it's not cranking at all, it's not the fuel pressure regulator. Most often I think your symptoms are a sign of a weak battery. Try jump starting it before taking it anywhere.