2020 Nissan Titan Serpentine Belt Routing & Length

Quick Answer

• Belt Length: 2337 mm (92.0 inches)
• Rib Count: 7-rib
• OEM Belt PN: 11720-EZ30A
• Aftermarket Cross-references:
  • Gates: K070920
  • Dayco: 5070920
  • Continental Elite: 4070920
• Auto-Tensioner PN: 11750-EZ30A
• Idler Pulley PN: 11925-EZ30A

Belt Routing

Before you begin any work, it's highly recommended to take a clear photograph of the current serpentine belt routing. This will serve as an invaluable reference during reinstallation.

The 2020 Nissan Titan (with the 5.6L V8 engine) serpentine belt follows a specific path to drive various accessories. Starting from the crankshaft pulley, the belt typically routes as follows:

1. From the crankshaft pulley, the belt travels clockwise to the bottom of the A/C compressor pulley.
2. From the A/C compressor, the belt goes up to the top of the idler pulley.
3. From the idler pulley, it then moves counter-clockwise to the top of the alternator pulley.
4. After the alternator, it goes down and around the front of the power steering pump pulley.
5. From the power steering pump, the belt continues to the top of the water pump pulley.
6. Finally, from the water pump, the belt wraps around the bottom of the auto-tensioner pulley, where it meets back at the crankshaft pulley to complete the loop.

How to Replace the Serpentine Belt

Replacing the serpentine belt on your 2020 Nissan Titan can be a straightforward DIY task with the right tools and a bit of patience. You will primarily need a serpentine belt tool or a 3/8" breaker bar to articulate the auto-tensioner.

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is off and cool. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental starting.
2. Locate the Tensioner: Identify the auto-tensioner pulley. It will have a square opening for your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar.
3. Relieve Tension: Insert your tool into the square opening of the tensioner. Apply steady pressure to rotate the tensioner, relieving tension on the belt. While holding the tensioner in place, carefully slip the old belt off one of the pulleys (usually the idler or alternator is easiest).
4. Remove Old Belt: Once the tension is released, completely remove the old serpentine belt from all pulleys.
5. Inspect Pulleys: Take this opportunity to visually inspect all pulleys for any signs of wear, wobbling, or excessive play. Also, check the auto-tensioner for proper operation and any unusual noises. If any pulleys are worn, replace them now.
6. Route New Belt: Using the photograph you took earlier (or the routing description above), carefully route the new serpentine belt around all pulleys, leaving the auto-tensioner pulley as the last one to engage.
7. Tension and Engage: Again, use your serpentine belt tool or breaker bar to relieve tension on the auto-tensioner. While holding it, slip the new belt onto the tensioner pulley. Slowly release the tensioner to allow it to apply proper tension to the new belt.
8. Verify Routing: Double-check that the belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves and that the routing matches your reference photo.
9. Reconnect Battery: Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
10. Test: Start the engine and listen for any abnormal noises. Allow it to run for a few minutes and visually inspect the belt to ensure it's tracking correctly.

Replacement Interval

For the 2020 Nissan Titan, it's generally recommended to inspect the serpentine belt at every oil change or major service for signs of wear. While specific replacement intervals can vary based on driving conditions and manufacturer recommendations, a good guideline is to replace the serpentine belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or at the first sign of cracking, fraying, or glazing. Always refer to your Nissan owner's manual for the most accurate service intervals.

Signs of a Failing Belt or Tensioner

A failing serpentine belt or a worn-out auto-tensioner can lead to serious issues, as these components drive critical accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, and A/C compressor. Watch out for these common signs:

• Squealing or Chirping Noises: This is one of the most common indicators. A squealing belt often means it's slipping due to wear, incorrect tension, or a misaligned pulley. A worn tensioner can also cause noise.
• Visible Cracks, Fraying, or Glazing: Inspect the belt visually for any signs of deterioration. Cracks on the ribbed side, frayed edges, or a smooth, shiny (glazed) appearance indicate the belt is losing its flexibility and grip.
• Loss of Power Steering: If the power steering pump isn't being driven properly, you'll notice increased effort required to turn the steering wheel.
• Overheating Engine: A malfunctioning water pump (driven by the serpentine belt) can lead to an overheating engine.
• Battery Warning Light / Dead Battery: If the alternator isn't spinning, it won't charge the battery, leading to a battery warning light on your dashboard and eventual battery drain.
• A/C Not Working: The A/C compressor won't engage or cool if the belt isn't driving it.
• Belt Wobble or Jumping: If the belt appears to be wobbling excessively or jumping off pulleys, it could indicate a worn tensioner or a misaligned pulley.
• Tensioner Not Providing Adequate Tension: A failing auto-tensioner may not apply enough pressure to the belt, leading to slippage and noise, or it may be stuck, causing excess tension and accelerated belt wear.

Finding these signs early can save you from more extensive repairs down the road.

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