How to Change the 2000 Maxima Drive Belt
The 2000 Nissan Maxima is equipped with two drive belts that power various engine accessories. The crankshaft supplies the power for both belts. One belt turns the power-steering pump pulley and does not make use of an idler pulley. The other belt powers the alternator and the air-conditioner compressor, if equipped. This belt utilizes a pulley to ensure the proper tension. You should inspect these belts regularly and replace them should they show signs of cracking or other wear.
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Instructions
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1
Ensure that the car is cool. You'll work near the radiator and other hot parts of the car. And before you begin the task, find a diagram that should be somewhere in the engine compartment to ensure that you correctly route the new belts after removing the old belts. If a diagram is not visible, take a picture or compose a diagram before you begin working on the belts.
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2
Locate the adjustment bolt at the rear of the power-steering pump pulley. Loosen the locking bolt in the middle of the adjuster by turning it counterclockwise. Rotate the screw at the top of the adjuster by turning it counterclockwise to loosen the pulley. When it's loose enough, the belt can be pulled off of the drive shaft and power-steering pump pulley.
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3
Locate the idler pulley next to the alternator. Use a socket to loosen the center locking bolt like you did for the power-steering pulley. Turn the adjusting bolt, which is directly above the idler, to loosen it. Once it is loose enough, slip the belt off of the alternator, drive shaft and idler pulleys.
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4
Replace the new alternator belt over the pulleys. Tighten the center bolt on the adjuster.
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5
Place the straight edge object on top of the belt over the span between the crank shaft and air-conditioner compressor. Press the belt away from the straight edge using a ruler and note how far the belt deflects away from the straight edge. Tighten the adjusting bolt by turning it clockwise until the deflection is between 4.2 mm and 4.6 mm.
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6
Replace the new power-steering belt over the crankshaft and the power-steering pump pulley. Tighten the locking bolt on the adjuster.
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7
Follow the procedure in Step 5 to test the deflection. Place the straight edge over the lower belt span between the crankshaft and power-steering pump. The deflection for this belt should be between 7.3 mm and 8 mm. Tighten the adjusting bolt to attain the correct tension.
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Tips & Warnings
A tool is available to aid in testing the belt tension. You can rent or borrow it from an auto-parts store.
