How to Replace the Idler Pulley in a 2001 Nissan Xterra

The 2001 Nissan Xterra powers its engine accessories by means of three belts. On the 2.4L engine, both the power steering pump belt and the air conditioner compressor belt use an idler pulley to route and provide tension to the belt. On the 3.3L engine, only the air conditioner compressor belt uses an idler pulley. If the idler is damaged, you will have to replace it in order for the belts to function correctly.

KA24DE 2.4L Engine

• 1

  Remove the lower fan shroud. Disconnect the two plastic tabs that hold it on the upper shroud and pull it back then up to remove it.

• 2

  Loosen the clamp on the upper radiator hose and detach the hose from the radiator. Some coolant will spill out. Move the hose out of the way. Detach the overflow hose from the filler neck. You can just pull the hose off the nipple.

• 3

  Remove the two bolts that hold the upper shroud in place that are found at the top of the shroud connected to the grille. Lift the upper shroud off the radiator.

• 4

  Loosen the bolt in the middle of the upper idler pulley. Turn the adjustment bolt on top of the pulley counterclockwise to loosen tension until you can slip the belt off the pulley. Completely remove the bolt in the center of the pulley then remove the pulley.

• 5

  Position yourself beneath the vehicle. Loosen the bolt in the center of the lower idler pulley. Turn the adjustment bolt located at the bottom of the pulley counterclockwise until you can remove the belt from the pulley. Completely remove the bolt from the center of the pulley then detach the pulley.

• 6

  Install the new lower idler pulley and insert the center bolt. Tighten the bolt until the pulley is stable. Place the belt over the pulley and turn the adjustment bolt clockwise to tighten it. Place a straight edge against the belt between the air conditioner compressor pulley and the crank pulley. Push down on the belt with the ruler and note the amount the belt deflects from the straight edge. Tighten the adjustment bolt until the deflection is between 10 mm and 12 mm. Tighten the center pulley bolt to 24 ft.-lbs. of torque.

• 7

  Route the new upper idler pulley. Follow the procedure in Step 6 to reinstall the belt and pulley.

• 8

  Replace the upper radiator shroud then replace the two bolts. Reattach the overflow hose to the radiator filler neck. Reconnect the upper radiator hose and tighten the clamp. Place the lower radiator shroud into position and snap the two plastic clips on the upper shroud to the lower shroud. Open the radiator and ensure it is still full. If not, add coolant to top it off.

VG33E 3.3L Engine

• 1

  Follow Steps 1 through 3 from Section 1.

• 2

  Loosen the bolt in the middle of the idler pulley, which is the uppermost pulley. Turn the adjustment bolt on top of the pulley counterclockwise until you can slip the belt off the pulley. Completely remove the bolt in the center of the pulley then remove the pulley.

• 3

  Install the new pulley in place and insert the center bolt. Tighten the bolt until the pulley is stable. Place the belt over the pulley and turn the adjustment bolt clockwise to tighten it. Place a straight edge against the belt between the air conditioner compressor pulley and crank pulley. Press down on the belt with the ruler and note the amount the belt deflects from the straight edge. Tighten the adjustment bolt until the belt deflects between 12 mm and 13 mm. Tighten the idler pulley center bolt to 14 ft.-lbs. of torque.

• 4

  Perform Steps 7 and 8 from Section 1.