Nissan Repair: timing belt replacement, timing belt replacement, tensioner pulley

Question
How do you change the timing belt on a 2001 xterra?

Answer
Keith,

You need a Haynes Manual to get the diagram of how to line things up.  But, basically you turn the engine over to top dead center as noted at the crank and then you remove all the accessories and covers and crank balancer to access the belt.  You will need to remove the radiator first to get access.  Purchase a Nissan timing belt.  They are awesome as they have the marks and they line up.  Makes life easy.  Aftermarket belts vary and that makes the job more difficult.  Also, get a new idle tensioner pulley to save you the trouble of having to tear the thing down later since it will go out a few months after you change the belt.