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Autopapyrus · Nissan Murano 3.5 V6 VQ35DE (2005)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/nissan/murano/drive-belt-serpentine-belt-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Nissan Murano 3.5 V6 VQ35DE (2005): Drive Belt (Serpentine Belt) Replacement

On the VQ35DE, the alternator, power steering pump and A/C compressor are all driven by a single serpentine belt with an automatic tensioner. Replace it if you see cracks, separation, missing ribs or hear squealing, and typically every 90,000-100,000 km (56,000-62,000 miles) or per the maintenance schedule. Confirm the exact routing and original belt length for your version by checking the old belt and the routing label or diagram under the hood, if it is still there.

Difficulty: Medium Time: 40-60 minutes Steps: 10

Parts

3
№PartGenuine part no.Alternatives
01 6PK serpentine (V-ribbed) accessory drive belt for 3.5 V6 VQ35DE 11720-VC200 Gates, Bando, Contitech
02 Drive belt tensioner pulleyworth replacing at the same time at over 100,000 km (62,000 miles)
03 Drive belt idler pulleyworth replacing at the same time at over 100,000 km (62,000 miles)

Part numbers are from the manufacturer's original catalogue. Check them against your VIN before ordering.

Tools

7
  • Ratchet with extension
  • sockets and a wrench for turning the tensioner pulley (square drive or hex, as fitted)
  • screwdriver or plastic clip removal tool set
  • flashlight
  • breaker bar or box-end wrench for the tensioner lever
  • gloves
  • marker or a photo of the belt routing
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 4 more. See manuals →

Step by step

10 steps
  1. Park the vehicle on level ground, turn off the engine and let it cool down. Apply the parking brake and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
  2. Remove the decorative engine cover if it blocks access. If the vehicle is on a lift or over a pit, also remove the lower engine splash shield, because part of the work is easier from below.
  3. Take a photo or sketch the path of the old belt around the pulleys: crankshaft, alternator, power steering pump, A/C compressor, idler pulley and tensioner pulley. A mistake in the routing will cause the belt to come off.
  4. Locate the automatic tensioner. Fit a wrench or ratchet onto the tensioner mount and turn the lever against the spring tension to release the belt. The force can be considerable, so hold the wrench firmly.
  5. While holding the tensioner in the released position, slip the belt off a smooth pulley, such as the alternator or the idler pulley. Slowly release the tensioner.
  6. Inspect the pulleys and rollers. Spin the tensioner pulley and idler pulley by hand: they should turn smoothly, with no grinding, play, binding or traces of grease. Check the pulley grooves for wear, built-up rubber and corrosion. Replace a faulty pulley together with the belt.
  7. Fit the new belt onto all the ribbed pulleys following the routing diagram, leaving the smooth pulley or the tensioner pulley for last. Make sure all the belt ribs are seated in the pulley grooves.
  8. Release the tensioner again, slip the belt onto the last pulley and smoothly let the tensioner back. Check the belt position on all pulleys, especially at the edges of the alternator and crankshaft pulleys.
  9. If you removed the shield and cover, reinstall them. Do not overtighten the shield fasteners; torque is not critical for the non-structural shield bolts. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
  10. Start the engine and let it run for 3-5 minutes. Check that the belt runs straight and that there is no squealing, grinding or wobble. Check that the alternator and power steering warning lights on the dash are off and there are no error codes. If needed, turn on the A/C and turn the steering wheel to full lock to check operation under load.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Do not touch the belt or pulleys while the engine is running, and do not work under the hood in loose clothing
  • Do not use screwdrivers as a lever on the pulleys: you can damage the tensioner and your fingers
  • If the belt comes off or squeals after replacement, check pulley alignment, the condition of the tensioner and the belt routing
  • If you are not sure where the tensioner is or how to release it safely, it is better to go to a repair shop
  • If you are replacing the pulley or tensioner bolts, take the exact tightening torque from the Nissan service manual for the VQ35DE