I took my 2004.5 ZR to a Nissan dealer this weekend to have them check and fix the rear axle clicking issue and change my oil... I get a call from them saying the AC compressor belt broke, they said it was litterally just sitting on the top of the skidplate when they took it off. They wanted $150 to replace the belt and the power steering and alternator belts as well. I didn't have the money so I told them just to leave it since I don't use tha AC that much anyway and wont be for a couple months anyway.

After seeing the belt it looks like its probably the original, its in horrible condition so I can believe their story. Still rather annoying...

Anyway, I'd like to just replace it myself... Has anyone done this? Is it relatively easy? Does anyone know where I can get replacement belts online? I've looked around but i'm not exactly sure what i'm looking for and if it will actually work for the AC compressor.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/se...l&N=4294966994
Think this will work?

 

I would not go to Autopartswarhouse. for the belt. you will want to go with OEM replacement belts. the aftermaket belts whir and vibrate. stick with OEM around $20 to $30 a belt.

 

Ok well i'm having trouble finding one online. I checked nismoparts.com and couldn't find it. I seem to suck at searching as of late, guess im just not using the right words.

Or do I have to get the parts from a Nissan dealer?

 

oem belt is 19 bucks and installation takes less than 10 minutes. Very easy to do. I done it about 10 times on this car already..

 

man, you dont have to go online to find a belt. NAPA, AUTOZONE, w/e sells belts. BANDO or MISTSUBOSHI is the original Belts although they may be stamped NISSAN. if you need a belt just hit up a local parts store like those ones and get it ASAP instead of waiting. BTW those OEM belts i mentioned are about $18.03.

 

Ehh I found them on nismoparts.com now, I just wasn't looking in the right area. Price is about $16 but i'm not exactly sure which I should get.

You think the local autoparts stores will carry one that will fit though?

I've never replaced a belt in an engine bay before so I probably should get a shop manual. I've done brakes but thats about all I know.

 

local autoparts will have it. I like to either have OEM nissan or good year gatorback belts. The good year ones are a bit more expensive.

If you done brakes, this is cake.

 

Cool, thanks for all the replies guys...

I'm asuming you go at this thing from under the car? Will I need to take the skidplate off? It'd be nice if I could find a pic or something so I can get a general idea for what I need to do.

 

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-drivetrain-and-forced-induction-diy/333152-diy-replacing-your-belts-very-easy.html

 

Surprised no one replied with 'learn to use the damned search function', lol... I should of... thats a great write-up! Thanks for posting the linky mate!

 

LEARN THE DAMN SEARCH FUNCTION!!!! hah. .

Kidding, haha. yeah man you've got to go from underneath to loosen i think the P/S adjustment, or there might be a pulley adjustment just for the A/C. I havent't tightened or adjusted mine in a while so i don't remember. But it's not hard at all due to the nice space provided well, least in my 03 thats how it is.

 

+1

I used this 'how to' thread about a month ago.

 

remove bottom cover
loosen center bolt of tensioner pulley~don't remove it!
loosen adjusting bolt
remove/install new belt
tighten adjusting bolt till belt is just able to slack on the side a tad but is still giving force back.
tighten center bolt of pulley
basically done
You may have to start/drive car and listen for squeals of the belt and re adjust as needed.
Also after a while of driving belt may stretch and you'll have to re adjust as needed.

That thread thats shown has good pictures of the bolts im talking about.