When to replace Accessory Belts

Myself if the belts show no signs of wear or cracking I would not replace them unless you plan on being a thousand miles from any service. ronm

I replaced mine today - 8 years and 203k miles. On close inspection they showed slight signs of beginning cracks. Operation has been more in Texas heat than in colder climes.

Serpentine belts will generally last longer than the old V-belts. The belt manufacturers recommend replacing serpentine belts every 4 years, or 5 at the outside. (V belts are 3 to 4 years.) They've got charts showing an increasing chance of failure after that point. Like less than 5% failure at 5 years, then rapidly escalating after that. I don't remember exactly, but it was something like 30 or 40% failure at

I changed mine at 60,000 and 6 years. They looked fine. But I took an unexpected all-night trip with family and dog 2 weeks later, after my wife's SUV quit. You can bet I felt slightly more secure, knowing my belts were top notch.

You can search this site for instructions, or pay someone about $90 for the job. Replacing them may never make a bit of difference. But, it could also keep you from being stranded.

Roll the belts over and look at the underside. If the ribs have just small cracks that is not considered a problem. If larger pieces (say, an inch) of adjoining ribs are missing altogether, the belt is substantially worn. Also, if the belt shows any sign of abrasion or separation on the outer side, it needs to be replaced.

Maximas are reportedly easy on the belts. I'd stick with OEM Nissan, which are very good, rather than getting whatever the local parts place has to offer.

Don't forget to check those radiator hoses too.

JM

To add:

I know a Master Tech at a Nissan dealership, we became good friends and he always work on my max when I take it in for warranty work (the rest I do myself) I just had my yearly inspection and I asked him to look specifically at the belts, he said all looks fine and by next summer or so change them. I looked at the belts myself and saw small cracks on inner part of the belt. All looks well on the outside and sides.

Thanks again, Neil

JM wrote: