2020 Nissan Rogue: Serpentine Belt Length & Routing

Quick Answer

Here are the key specifications and part numbers for the serpentine belt system on a 2020 Nissan Rogue with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine.

An important note on parts: Always verify part numbers with your vehicle's VIN at a dealership or with a trusted parts supplier before ordering. Variations can exist.

• Belt Length: Approximately 2134 mm
• Rib Count: 7-Rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: Nissan 11720-6CA0A
• Aftermarket Cross-References:
  • Gates: K070834
  • Dayco: 5070835
  • Continental: 4070834
• Auto-Tensioner Assembly Part Number: Nissan 11955-6CA0B
• Idler Pulley Part Number: Nissan 11927-6CA0A

Note: This guide is for the standard 2.5L QR25DE engine. The 2020 Rogue Hybrid model uses a different engine and belt system.

Belt Routing

Correctly routing the serpentine belt on your 2020 Nissan Rogue is critical for proper accessory function and to prevent shredding the new belt. The belt winds its way around multiple pulleys in a specific order.

Pro-Tip: Before you even touch a tool, use your smartphone to take a clear photograph of the existing belt's path from a few different angles. This simple step can save you a massive headache during reassembly.

The belt path for the 2.5L engine is as follows:

1. Begin by wrapping the belt around the main Crankshaft Pulley at the bottom of the engine.
2. From the crank, the belt travels up and around the grooved pulley on the A/C Compressor.
3. The back (smooth side) of the belt then wraps around the smooth Idler Pulley.
4. Next, the belt goes up to the grooved pulley of the Alternator.
5. It then crosses over to the Power Steering Pump pulley (if equipped, otherwise this may be an idler).
6. The route continues down to the grooved Water Pump pulley.
7. Finally, the back of the belt loops under the smooth pulley of the Auto-Tensioner, which applies the final pressure to the system.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

This is a manageable job for an experienced DIYer with the right tool. The key is releasing the belt tension safely.

Tools needed: Serpentine belt tool kit, or a long-handled 3/8-inch drive breaker bar.

1. Access the Tensioner: Locate the automatic belt tensioner assembly. It is a spring-loaded arm with a pulley on the end. You'll see a 3/8" square hole on the body of the tensioner arm, designed to accept a breaker bar.
2. Release Belt Tension: Insert the 3/8" drive end of your breaker bar or serpentine tool into the square hole on the tensioner. Apply steady pressure to rotate the tensioner arm (typically clockwise on this engine) to compress the spring and loosen the belt.
3. Remove the Old Belt: While holding the tensioner in the released position, carefully slide the old belt off one of the smooth pulleys, like the idler or water pump pulley. Once it's free, let the tensioner gently spring back to its resting position and remove the old belt from the engine bay.
4. Install the New Belt: Referring to your photos and the routing diagram, carefully thread the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving one easy-to-access, smooth pulley (like the idler) for last. Ensure the V-grooves of the belt are correctly seated on all the ribbed pulleys.
5. Re-apply Tension & Finish: Use the breaker bar to rotate the tensioner arm again, giving you the slack needed to slide the belt over the final pulley. Once it's on, slowly and carefully release the pressure on the breaker bar, allowing the tensioner to apply pressure to the new belt.
6. Final Inspection: Give the belt a final, thorough check. Make sure it is centered on every single pulley and that the routing is 100% correct. Start the engine and let it run for a minute, watching the belt and listening for any unusual noises.

Replacement Interval

Nissan recommends inspecting the drive belt at every oil change or service interval. While there is no strict replacement schedule, belts are a wear item. As a general rule, it's wise to consider replacing the serpentine belt as a preventative measure every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Consult your owner's manual for Nissan's official recommendation.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

A failing belt or tensioner will almost always provide warning signs before a catastrophic failure that leaves you stranded. Be alert for:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is the classic sign of a slipping, worn, or contaminated belt. The noise may be more pronounced on cold starts or in wet weather.
• Visible Wear and Tear: Visually inspect the belt. If you see multiple cracks, frayed edges, glazing (a shiny, smooth appearance on the ribbed side), or chunks missing, it's time for a replacement.
• Failing Accessories: If your battery light comes on (bad alternator rotation), the engine overheats (bad water pump rotation), or the steering becomes heavy (bad power steering pump rotation), the belt may be the culprit.
• Tensioner or Idler Noise: A rumbling, grinding, or whining sound from the front of the engine that changes with engine RPM often points to a failing bearing in the tensioner or idler pulley.
• "Bouncing" Tensioner: Watch the tensioner pulley with the engine running. If it's vibrating or bouncing erratically instead of remaining relatively steady, the spring inside the tensioner is weak and the entire assembly should be replaced.

For this or any other maintenance, find a trusted shop on Repairius.