2022 Nissan Altima — Serpentine Belt Routing, Specs & Part Numbers

As an ASE-certified master technician, I regularly service the 2022 Nissan Altima. Whether your Altima is equipped with the standard 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder or the 2.0L VC-Turbo, keeping the serpentine belt and its tensioner in top condition is critical to keeping your alternator, water pump, and A/C compressor running smoothly.

Below is your comprehensive reference guide for the 2022 Nissan Altima serpentine belt, including part numbers, routing instructions, and replacement tips.

Quick Answer: Specifications & Part Numbers

Note: The following specifications are for the widely common 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. Always verify part numbers with your parts supplier using your specific VIN, especially if you have the 2.0L VC-Turbo.

• Belt Length: 48.1 inches (approximate)
• Rib Count: 6-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: Nissan 11920-6CA0A
• Aftermarket Cross-References: Gates K060481, Continental 4060481, Dayco 5060480
• Auto-Tensioner Part Number: OEM Nissan 11955-6CA0A (Aftermarket: Gates 39400)
• Idler Pulley Part Number: OEM Nissan 11925-6CA0A

Belt Routing

Pro-tip: Always take a clear photograph of your existing serpentine belt with your smartphone before you loosen the tensioner. This gives you a personalized, visual reference of exactly how the belt is supposed to sit on your specific vehicle.

Because the 2022 Nissan Altima utilizes Electronic Power Steering (EPS), there is no traditional hydraulic power steering pump on the accessory drive. The standard 2.5L engine serpentine belt routing follows this text-based path:

1. Crankshaft Pulley: Start at the bottom, wrapping the grooved side of the belt around the main drive pulley (crank).
2. A/C Compressor: Route the belt up and forward around the air conditioning compressor.
3. Idler Pulley: Pass the smooth back side of the belt over the idler pulley.
4. Alternator: Bring the grooved side up and around the alternator pulley at the top.
5. Water Pump: Route the grooved side around the water pump pulley.
6. Auto-Tensioner: Finally, slip the smooth back side of the belt under the tensioner pulley. You will need to hold the tensioner open to slip the belt over this final accessory.

Ensure that the ribs of the belt are perfectly seated in the grooves of all the ribbed pulleys before releasing the tensioner.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the belt on the 2022 Altima requires accessing the passenger side of the engine bay. Space can be tight, so having the right tools is essential.

1. Access the Belt: You can access the belt from the top of the engine bay, but removing the front passenger-side wheel and the plastic inner fender liner provides much better access to the crankshaft and tensioner.
2. Release Tension: Locate the automatic belt tensioner. Use a serpentine belt tool or a long 3/8" drive breaker bar inserted into the square receptacle on the tensioner arm (or use a correctly sized socket on the tensioner bolt, usually 14mm). Rotate the tensioner counter-clockwise (away from the belt) to relieve the tension.
3. Remove the Belt: With the tension released, slide the old belt off the nearest pulley (usually the water pump or the tensioner itself). Carefully release the tensioner arm back to its resting position.
4. Inspect Pulleys: Spin the idler, tensioner, alternator, and water pump pulleys by hand. Listen for grinding noises and feel for any wobble or roughness. If the tensioner is weak or grinding, replace it now.
5. Install the New Belt: Route the new belt according to your photograph or the routing path described above. Leave the easiest pulley for last.
6. Apply Tension: Rotate the tensioner again, slip the belt over the final pulley, and slowly release the tensioner. Double-check that all ribs are properly seated.

Replacement Interval

For the 2022 Nissan Altima, the original equipment serpentine belt is made of highly durable EPDM rubber. Nissan generally recommends inspecting the drive belt every 10,000 miles or 12 months. However, the standard replacement interval typically falls between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, or every 5 to 7 years, depending on your driving environment and operating conditions.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Modern EPDM belts don't crack the way older neoprene belts did; instead, they wear out like tire treads. Watch for these symptoms:

• Squealing or Chirping: A high-pitched squeal on startup or acceleration often indicates a stretched or worn belt, or a weak auto-tensioner that can no longer apply proper pressure.
• Visible Wear: Look for missing ribs, fraying on the edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance on the grooved side. You can also use a belt wear gauge to check groove depth.
• Accessory Malfunctions: A slipping belt can lead to poor A/C performance, a battery warning light (low alternator output), or engine overheating (water pump slipping).
• Rattling Noises: A constant metallic rattle from the passenger side of the engine often points to a failing bearing in the idler pulley or the tensioner assembly.

If you don't feel comfortable tackling this maintenance item yourself, don't risk a breakdown on the highway. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.