2016 Nissan Titan Serpentine Belt: Routing, Replacement, and Part Numbers

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: 2215 mm (87.2 inches)
• Rib Count: 7-rib
• OEM Belt Part Number: 11720-EZ30A
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates: K070872
  • Dayco: 5070872
  • Continental Elite: 4070872
• Auto-Tensioner Part Number: 11955-EZ30A
• Idler Pulley Part Number: 11925-EZ30A

Belt Routing

The serpentine belt on your 2016 Nissan Titan (5.6L V8 engine) weaves its way through several accessories. Before you even think about removing the old belt, take a moment to photograph the current routing path. This will be an invaluable reference when installing the new belt.

Here's a breakdown of the typical routing for the 5.6L V8 engine:

1. Begin at the crankshaft pulley (the largest pulley at the bottom front of the engine).
2. From the crankshaft, the belt goes up and to the left, wrapping around the A/C compressor pulley.
3. From the A/C compressor, it continues upwards to the idler pulley, which simply guides the belt.
4. After the idler pulley, the belt moves to the alternator pulley (typically located high up on the passenger side).
5. From the alternator, it makes its way to the power steering pump pulley.
6. Next, the belt wraps around the water pump pulley.
7. Finally, the belt runs around the automatic tensioner pulley, which maintains proper tension on the belt. The belt then returns to the crankshaft pulley.

Always double-check the routing diagram in your owner's manual or a service manual specific to your truck, as slight variations can exist.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2016 Nissan Titan is a moderately straightforward DIY task. You'll need a serpentine belt tool or a 3/8-inch breaker bar for the tensioner pulley.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the automatic tensioner pulley. It will have a square hole in the arm where you can insert your tool.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert the serpentine belt tool or 3/8-inch breaker bar into the square hole on the tensioner. Gently push or pull (depending on the tensioner's design) to rotate the tensioner arm and relieve the belt tension. This will allow you to slip the belt off the pulleys.
4. Remove Old Belt: Once tension is relieved, carefully remove the old serpentine belt from all the pulleys.
5. Route New Belt: Using the photograph you took earlier (or the routing description above), carefully route the new belt around all the pulleys, leaving the tensioner pulley for last or partially routing it.
6. Apply Tension: Again, use your tool to relieve tension on the tensioner pulley. While holding the tensioner in the loosened position, slip the new belt fully onto the tensioner pulley.
7. Release Tensioner: Slowly release the tensioner, ensuring the belt is properly seated in all the pulley grooves.
8. Double-Check: Visually inspect the belt on all pulleys to ensure it's correctly seated and not off-track. Start the engine briefly and listen for any abnormal noises. Reconnect the battery.

Replacement Interval

Nissan generally recommends inspecting the serpentine belt every 30,000 miles or 2 years and replacing it if any signs of wear are present. Many technicians recommend proactive replacement between 60,000 to 100,000 miles, regardless of visible wear, as rubber components can degrade over time. If your truck is used for heavy towing or in extreme conditions, you might consider more frequent inspections and replacements.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

Don't wait for your belt to break! Be vigilant for these warning signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators of a worn or improperly tensioned belt. The noise often intensifies during cold starts or when turning the steering wheel.
• Visible Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Inspect the belt's ribbed surface. Cracks, fraying along the edges, or a shiny, glazed appearance are clear signs of wear and tear.
• Loss of Power Steering, A/C, or Charging System Issues: If the belt fails completely, the accessories it drives will stop working. You'll lose power steering assist, the air conditioning won't blow cold, and your battery warning light may illuminate as the alternator stops charging.
• Wobbling or Misaligned Pulleys: A failing tensioner can cause pulleys to wobble or become misaligned, leading to premature belt wear.
• Loose Belt: A loose belt can slip, causing the accessories to not operate at full efficiency. A bad tensioner is a common cause of a loose belt.
• Grinding or Clunking from the Tensioner: If the tensioner itself is failing, you might hear unusual noises coming from it, or it may not maintain proper belt tension.

Early detection can save you from being stranded on the side of the road. Consult with a trusted mechanic if you notice any of these symptoms.

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