Yeah, I'm at 19.8k and I need to change mine. Well, I won't say need, but I'm starting to fray. I've had the car since mile 150 back in Feb of 2007, so I'm going to say my belt is wearing more because of age, climate and since I only drive it one mile to work. It also saw a really really warm track day down in phoenix.

Great DIY! I'll be using it later on this evening to change mine out. I just bought the OEM belt, it was in stock, and easily accessible. Napa and Carquest were going to make me wait 4-5 days.

 

I think its an HR thing, I had my belt replaced at 27K miles and the mechanic was super surprised because it should have lasted a LOT longer. My Camry's belt has over 100k+ on it and is still going strong but I do believe its one of those HR things

 

I think its only affecting some HR's. My Z has almost 30k miles on it and the belts look brand new. I have not witnessed any signs of premature wear like what we see in this thread

 

When belts squeak terribly for the first 10 seconds, then go away and all is well again, that's the belt slipping right? Time to be replaced?

I've just noticed if i let the car sit a while, or let water get onto the belt, it will squeak like a mad man for 10 - 15 seconds. But after i drive it a bit it goes away.

 

anyone?

 

Thanks for this thread. I'm going to check my belt out now to see if it needs replacing.

 

My car has 15,334 miles on it, installed Unorthodox light weight pulleys (non underdrive) at 12,000 miles. Mine looked just like his, just replaced it today. Had trouble getting the belt (no one in the area had one), guess just for good measure I'll buy an extra.

 

i'm confused, is the serpentine belt the same as an alternator belt that is shown here in the DIY? https://my350z.com/forum/engine-driv...very-easy.html

wondering if i should do this myself or let the dealer do it. i'm afraid dealer is going to blame me if something ever happens and blame it on me not "taking it to a professional mechanics", therefore we're not going to warranty you.

 

Nice write up, did you have to save your allowance money to buy the serpentine belt??

 

Needs clarification.. thanks

 

Any suggestions for me, I currently have the HR with 40k miles on her, and the belt seems like its in great condition the only downside is that im starting to hear a high pitched squeaking sound near the belt area, could it be the pulleys? Like i mentioned before the belt looks brand new.
Thanks

 

help

 

From my observations and research, it seems that the serpentine belt problem effects all VQ's that use an auto tensioner. The Frontiers/Xterras, Maximas, G's, and 370Z's all experience problems from the serpentine belt system.
I have yet to find a long term solution.
The problem seems to be stemming from the auto tensioner assembly itself. I found that the idler pulley which is connected to the tensioner on my Z has a wobble to it. I hear a constant chirping noise that increases with RPM's which also is coming from the tensioner.
I also notice squealing from the belt upon deceleration, which I think suggests a loss in tension.
To my knowledge there isn't any aftermarket auto tensioner assembly to replace the stock ones. So, we are stuck with tensioners that go bad after a few thousand miles and cost 200 dollars.

 

I had mechanic look at my Z and he believes that its the tensioner as well, if it is, its not going to be a permanent fix then? My car lasted 40k before I started listening to this sound, if I can go this much again ill be happy

 

I'm on my original belt at 24k now, but recently have started finding/pulling threads out, so I'm going to replace it this weekend. I actually made an appointment a week in advance to get it replaced and the pulley alignment checked, but they dicked me around and needed to order the part and have me come back. However, they did say they would cover it under warranty (even though the service book says every 30k), but when I got home I noticed 2 scratches above the door handle that weren't there (washed it the day before) and I will never go back to that dealership again. Thirty-five bucks and 30 mins of my time is well worth the aggravation/stress/hassle from some slob from scratching my car.

I'm pretty sure that write-up is only valid for 03-06 z's because there was 2 separate belts. The 07 and 08's have one belt w/ an auto tensioner.

Djwatts.. I have a 88 fiero that I recently had to replace the drive belt (only 3 pulleys). For some reason, a lot of people have problems with the belts squealing because they're not tight enough. Mine squeals randomly, but unfortunately I haven't had enough time to fix it since it takes a little more time and takes 2 people (one to tighten the bolt from the wheel well and one to tension it). Because of that, I agree with Mr. that it probably squeals due to lack of tension.

 

wsa350z, So from what im getting from you guys is that I should just get me tensioner pulleys tighten?

 

Unfortunately because of our auto tensioner you will have to replace the entire tensioner assembly. Auto tensioners are spring loaded and cannot be tightened/adjusted like the older Z's setup.
Please keep in mind that the tensioner may not be the only thing that will need to be checked or replaced. Once the belt is off, I suggest checking the two idler pullies as well as alignment.

 

Estimated cost in having everything replaced, pulleys belts etc?

 

Just parts-
Auto tensioner - 202.10(courtesyparts.com)
Idler pulley(1st)- 73.91(courtesyparts.com)
Idler pulley(2nd)- 73.91(courtesyparts.com)
Serpentine belt(OEM/Gates/Goodyear Gatorback, etc.)- approx. 30-50

 

Ouch, I think Nissan knows when sh.t will start happening to have the warranty expire, not a single problem with my car till now, atleast its not too bad. thanks for the info MR. You think just replacing everything would be better?