2019 Nissan Altima Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement, and Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: Approximately 90.5-91 inches (specific length varies slightly by engine, verify with parts supplier)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: 11720-6CA0B (for 2.5L engine); 11720-6CA0A (for 2.0L VC-Turbo engine)
• Aftermarket Cross-Reference (2.5L engine):
  • Gates K060905
  • Dayco 5060905
  • Continental Elite 4060905
• Aftermarket Cross-Reference (2.0L VC-Turbo engine):
  • Gates K060910
  • Dayco 5060910
  • Continental Elite 4060910
• Auto-Tensioner Part Number: 11750-6CA0A (for both 2.5L and 2.0L VC-Turbo engines)
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 11925-6CA0A (for both 2.5L and 2.0L VC-Turbo engines)

Belt Routing

The serpentine belt on your 2019 Nissan Altima is crucial for powering various accessories like the air conditioning, alternator, and power steering. Before attempting any belt removal, it is highly recommended to take a clear photograph of the existing belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable guide during reinstallation.

While specific layouts can vary slightly between the 2.5L and 2.0L VC-Turbo engines, the general principle remains the same. Here's a typical routing description:

1. Crank Pulley: Start at the largest pulley at the bottom, which is the crankshaft pulley. The belt will typically wrap around the bottom of this pulley.
2. A/C Compressor: From the crank pulley, the belt usually goes upwards and around the air conditioning (A/C) compressor pulley.
3. Idler Pulley: Next, the belt will come off the A/C compressor and pass over or under an idler pulley. This pulley helps maintain proper belt tension and routing.
4. Alternator: After the idler pulley, the belt will often route up to the alternator pulley, which is responsible for charging your car's battery.
5. Power Steering Pump: From the alternator, the belt may then route to the power steering pump pulley (if equipped and not electric) or another idler pulley if the power steering is electric.
6. Water Pump: The belt will then typically pass around the water pump pulley, which circulates coolant through the engine.
7. Tensioner Pulley: Finally, the belt will loop around the automatic belt tensioner pulley. This pulley, often spring-loaded, maintains constant tension on the belt.

Always double-check your specific engine's routing before removing the belt.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on a 2019 Nissan Altima can be done by a mechanically inclined individual, but it requires patience and the right tools. If you're unsure, it's always best to consult a professional.

Tools Needed:

• Serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8-inch drive breaker bar/ratchet
• New serpentine belt
• Socket for the tensioner pulley bolt (often 14mm or 15mm)

Steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is completely off and cool. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent accidental starting.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic belt tensioner. It will have a square opening or a bolt head where you can apply leverage.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar into the square opening (or onto the bolt head) of the tensioner. Rotate the tensioner to release the tension on the belt. This will allow you to easily slip the belt off the pulleys.
4. Remove Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, carefully remove the old serpentine belt from all the pulleys.
5. Inspect Pulleys: Before installing the new belt, take this opportunity to inspect all the pulleys for any signs of wear, damage, or excessive play. If any pulley feels rough or wobbly, it might need replacement.
6. Install New Belt: Following the routing diagram you photographed earlier, begin routing the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley for last. Make sure the belt is seated correctly in all the grooves of each pulley.
7. Tensioner and Final Placement: With the belt mostly in place, re-apply pressure to the tensioner tool, and carefully slide the belt onto the tensioner pulley. Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt remains properly seated on all pulleys.
8. Verify Routing: Once the tensioner is fully released, double-check that the belt is correctly routed and seated in all the pulley grooves. Give the belt a visual inspection to ensure it's not twisted or misaligned.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
10. Test: Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises. Observe the belt's movement to ensure it