Nissan Repair: Changing A/C compressor belt 1989 Nissan PU, center bolt, compressor belt

Question
QUESTION: How do I change the AC compressor belt on my 1989 Nissan PU. It is the 3rd belt from the front. Is this a difficult procedure? Should I have it done by a pro or try it myself? Thanks

ANSWER: Hi Ron -

Well, normally it is not too difficult a job. The 2 things that would make it challenging is the lack of clearance to access the belts, and having the right tools. The latter is very important. If you have open end wrenches and a 3/8" ratchet and socket set, you can probably do the job yourself. Having a flex head ratchet is an advantage also.

You will need to remove the mud guard behind the right front wheel to access the belts, and will be working from the top as well as from the bottom. Since you have to remove the 2 outer belts to get to the A/C belt, my recommendation is to replace all of the belts. Each belt has an idler pulley to loosen to get the belt out. Follow the path of the belt and you will see it. Loosen (do not remove) the center bolt (normally it is 14mm) and the belt should loosen. The alternator belt (I think it is the first one) may have the adjustment bolts at the alternator, so you will loosen those to get the belt off. They will be 12mm. Start from the alternator belt and move in (power steering belt, then the A/C belt).

When replacing, do one belt at a time, starting from the A/C belt and moving to the front. Use a pry bar to move the pulley until the belt is tight enough (no more than 1/2" of play) and then tighten the bolt. Start the engine turn on the A?C and turn the steering wheel from side to side. If the belt squeaks, then tighten it more.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Calvin I need a little more help. My outter belt goes to the power steering and that was no problem. The next belt goes to the alternator and has no idler pulley. I loosened the top bolt but I can not loosen the underneath bolt that seems to be the pivot point for the alternator. I think if I can loosen this bolt I can rotate the alternator forward and release the tension on the belt.  If I can, the A/C belt will be no problem. Any advice on getting the bottom bolt loose.  It is very difficult to reach and get leverage. It seems to be over tightened or corroded. I haven't been able to budge it. Do I need a special tool? This belt goes to the radiator fan - alternator - motor. Thanks again.

Answer
Hi Ron -

The top bolt of the alternator, does it have any other bolt near it? Like a 12mm adjustment bolt with a separate bracket?

If so, loosen that too.

Try this trick - if all the top alternator bolts are loose, try pulling on the alternator belt straight up. This should move the alternator so you can get the belt loose.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin