- Maintains the tension in the drive belt, which sends power to essential vehicle components like your alternator and power steering
- If failing, it could cause the engine to overheat and loss of power steering system
- Generally needs to be replaced about every 50,000 to 100,000 miles
Your Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner works to hold the tension in the serpentine belt, also called the drive belt. The drive belt is imperative to your Nissan's performance and handling, as it connects the power steering, A/C, and alternator to the engine to make sure power continues to flow from the engine to these vehicle accessories.
An old, worn-out Nissan accessory drive belt tensioner might lead to a squealing noise when the engine is first started, or the drive belt will look frayed. If extremely worn out, the Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner could snap the drive belt and then cause all of the accessories it powers to fail, too. Your vehicle's engine can overheat. Or, your vehicle could lose power steering or alternator charge. These circumstances can make it close to impossible to continue driving down the road.
It's best to replace the Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner before you notice extreme wear and tear. Many auto technicians suggest a replacement tensioner pulley about every 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
Installing a replacement Nissan accessory belt tensioner requires more advanced automotive skills, since the process involves special tools, unhooking the battery, selecting the right belt, and adjusting the Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner to have the exact amount of tension necessary. If the belt isn't tight enough, it could get tangled up in other engine parts or fall off completely. If it is too tight, it can strain the system and cause other parts to seize and stop working.
Turn to the professionals at Nissan. Order a replacement belt tensioner for your Nissan Altima 2007-2013 from Nissan Parts, and visit your neighborhood Nissan service center for proper Accessory Drive Belt Tensioner installation. See the "What This Fits" tab for more fitment details.
TENSIONER ASSY-AUTO
Fits Altima, Murano, Rogue, Sentra