Replacing main drive belts, or serpentine belts that run multiple accessories, is important on any vehicle on the road. Rather than one long drive belt, the Nissan Maxima has multiple serpentine belts. Nissan Maxima models older than 1995 had three separate belts and 1995 and up models have two belts. Due to normal wear on these belts, Nissan recommends inspection every 6000 miles or 6 months.
Use your wrench (size may vary by model) to loosen the lock nut for the belt that you want to take off. For the alternator belt, the lock bolt is near the upper idler pulley; for the power steering belt, the lock bolt is at the back of the power steering pump.
Loosen the adjustment bolt to release tension on the belt. Again, the adjustment bolts will be near their respective components.
Slip off the old belt and compare the two belts to make sure you have the correct length for the replacement belt. The older belt will be a little longer due to stretching during wear.
Use a routing diagram to put the replacement belt back on to its pulleys. You can work from your memory, or look for a routing belt diagram in your owner's documentation.
Tighten up the adjustment bolt to replace appropriate tension on the belt.
Make sure the belt is seated on all pulleys. Tighten the lock bolt.
Run the engine and observe to see if the belt is installed correctly.
