Nissan Murano: Drive Belt Diagram and Replacement Guide

Drive belt in Nissan Murano - a critical element responsible for the operation of the generator, power steering, air conditioning and other auxiliary units. If it breaks or slips, it can lead to battery drain, loss of power steering, or engine overheating. However, many owners find it difficult to find the exact belt layout for a specific modification. Murano (Z50, Z51 or Z52), especially if the vehicle is equipped with additional equipment.

In this article we will look at not only standard drive belt diagrams for different generations Nissan Murano, but also nuances associated with engines VQ35DE (3.5 l) and QR25DE (2.5 l). You will learn how to independently diagnose belt wear, select a high-quality analogue and replace it without errors. We will pay special attention to the typical problems that owners encounter when working with the tensioner and rollers.

Drive belt diagrams for Nissan Murano by generation

Drive belt configuration Nissan Murano depends on the year of manufacture, engine type and configuration. Below are current diagrams for the most common modifications.

For first generation (Z50, 2003–2007) with engine VQ35DE the circuit includes a generator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor and tension pulley. Feature - the belt bypasses the crankshaft pulley clockwise, which is important to consider during installation. On models with QR25DE (2.5 l) the circuit is simplified due to the absence of a separate pulley for the power steering pump (an electric booster is used).

Second generation (Z51, 2008–2014) received a modified design with an additional deflection roller to reduce vibrations. On Murano 2015–2021 (Z52) the scheme is almost identical, but belts with an increased resource are used (up to 100 thousand km).

• 🔧 Z50 (2003–2007, VQ35DE): belt with 6 ribs, length 1880 mm (original 11720-9M000).
• 🔄 Z51 (2008–2014, VQ35DE): added deflection roller, belt length 1905 mm (11720-9M005).
• ⚡ Z52 (2015–2021, VQ35DE): belt with reinforced cord, original article 11720-9M010.
• 🚗 QR25DE (2.5 l): simplified diagram without power steering, belt length 1750 mm (11720-4M000).

Signs of Drive Belt Wear: When to Replace

The manufacturer recommends checking the condition of the drive belt every 30–40 thousand km, and replacement should be carried out through 60–80 thousand km (or once every 4–5 years). However, actual service life depends on operating conditions: in hot climates or under frequent loads (for example, towing a trailer), the belt wears out faster.

The main symptoms indicating the need for replacement:

• 🔊 Whistling or squeaking when starting the engine or when the load increases (turning on the air conditioner, headlights).
• 💡 Battery light flashing on the dashboard - a sign of belt slipping and undercharging of the generator.
• 🔄 Cracks or delaminations on the surface of the belt (visible upon visual inspection).
• 🛑 Loss of power steering or engine overheating (if the belt breaks).

⚠️ Attention: If there are signs on the belt deep transverse cracks (more than 2–3 mm) or visible detachment of rubber from the cord, replacement must be performed immediately. Such defects lead to breakage under sudden load (for example, when falling into a hole).

To diagnose, simply remove the protective cover (on most models it is secured with 2-3 bolts) and inspect the belt with the engine off. Also check the tension: when pressing with your finger in the middle between the pulleys, the deflection should be 8–10 mm. If the belt sags more, the tensioner needs to be adjusted.

Selecting a drive belt: original vs analogues

Original belts from Nissan guarantee compatibility and long service life, but their price can reach 3–5 thousand rubles. At the same time, high-quality analogues from trusted brands (for example, Gates, Contitech, Dayco) will cost 2–3 times less without loss of reliability.

When choosing an analogue, pay attention to:

• 📏 Length and number of streams (must match the original).
• 🔍 Cord material (optimally - polyester or Kevlar).
• 🏷️ Availability of certificate (For example, ISO 9001 or TS 16949).

Manufacturer	Article	Length (mm)	Number of streams	Approximate price (RUB)
Nissan (original)	11720-9M010	1905	6	4500–5200
Gates	6PK1905	1905	6	1800–2200
Contitech	6PK1900	1900	6	1600–2000
Dayco	6PK1910	1910	6	1500–1900

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a belt for Murano with engine VQ35DE Avoid cheap, unlabeled analogues. Poor-quality belts can stretch after only 10–15 thousand km, which will lead to slippage and accelerated wear of the pulleys.

Critical nuance: 2015+ models (Z52) use belts with a reinforced rib profile (labeled “HP” or “High Performance”). Installing a standard belt will lead to rapid wear due to the increased load from the electric power steering.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the drive belt

Replacing the belt with Nissan Murano does not require special tools, but will require care - especially when working with the tensioner. Below is a universal instruction for the engine VQ35DE (3.5 l). For QR25DE The steps are similar, but without the power steering pump steps.

Disconnect the battery (remove the negative terminal)|

Remove the belt guard (2–3 bolts)|

Secure the crankshaft pulley (use a 22mm socket)|

Prepare a new belt and tension pulley (if necessary) -->

Step 1: Release the tensioner

Tension roller on Murano fixed with a hexagon bolt (size 14 mm). To release the tension, rotate the roller counterclockwise using a socket wrench. After this, the belt can be removed from the pulleys. If the roller does not budge, check whether the bolt is soured - in this case, WD-40 will help.

Step 2. Removing the old belt

Remove the belt after remembering or photographing its route. On the engine VQ35DE standard route: crankshaft → generator → power steering pump → air conditioning compressor → tension roller. Important: do not confuse the direction of rotation - there is usually an arrow on the belt (or the inscription "TOP"), which should point upward.

Step 3: Install a new belt

Place the belt on the pulleys in reverse order, starting with the crankshaft. The last one should be the alternator pulley. Then turn the tension roller clockwiseto tighten the belt. The optimal tension is checked by pressing on the middle of the belt - the deflection should be 8–10 mm.

Step 4. Checking the work

After installation, start the engine and check:

- No whistling or vibration.

- Generator operation (battery lamp should not be lit).

- Steering force (must be uniform).

If the belt slips, readjust the tension.

Typical replacement mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced car owners make mistakes when replacing the drive belt with Murano. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

• ⚠️ Incorrect tension: too weak leads to slippage, too strong leads to wear of the roller bearings. Use a torque wrench to make fine adjustments (tensioner bolt tightening torque - 20–25 Nm).
• 🔄 Twisting the belt: If the belt is installed "inside out", it will wear out quickly. Always pay attention to the directional arrow on the belt.
• 🛑 Ignoring cutscenes: It is recommended to change the tension and idler rollers together with the belt (their service life is approximately the same). The cost of the video is approx. 1000–1500 rub., but its jamming can lead to belt breakage.
• 🔧 Damage to pulleys: When removing the belt, do not use screwdrivers or other sharp tools - this will scratch the surface of the pulleys and accelerate the wear of the new belt.

⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Murano With a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, the crankshaft pulley often wears out. If it has scuffing or play, replace it at the same time as the belt - otherwise the new belt will last no more than 20–30 thousand km.

Another common problem is belt incompatibility with electric power steering (on models after 2015). If after replacement the steering wheel becomes “heavy”, check whether the belt is suitable for your modification (should be marked “EPS” or “Electric Power Steering”).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to drive with a whistling belt if it is not torn?

Whistling indicates slippage, which leads to accelerated wear of the belt and pulleys. In addition, the generator may undercharge the battery, and the power steering pump may operate intermittently. It is recommended to replace the belt in the next 1–2 weeks, after checking the tension and condition of the rollers.

Which belt should I choose for my 2010 Murano 3.5L engine?

For Nissan Murano Z51 (2008–2014) with VQ35DE The original belt will fit 11720-9M005 (length 1905 mm, 6 grooves) or analogues: Gates 6PK1905, Contitech 6PK1900. If the vehicle is equipped with electric power steering, check the "EPS" marking on the belt.

Do I need to change the rollers along with the belt?

Yes, it is recommended to replace the tension and idler rollers at the same time as the belt, since their bearings wear out at approximately the same rate. Ignoring this recommendation may result in the roller jamming and the new belt breaking.

What should I do if vibration appears after replacing the belt?

Vibration is usually caused by uneven tension or damage to one of the pulleys. Check:

1. The belt route is correct (is there any twisting).
2. Condition of the crankshaft pulley (is there any play or deformation).
3. Fastening the tension roller (must be fixed with a torque 20–25 Nm).

If the problem persists, the belt may be of the wrong length.

Is it possible to adjust the belt tension yourself without a special tool?

Yes, on Murano tension is adjusted manually using a socket wrench on 14 mm. However, to accurately check the tension, it is better to use a dynamometer or contact a service center. Insufficient tension will lead to whistling, excessive tension will lead to premature wear of the bearings.