Replacing the serpentine belt on a 2004 Nissan Titan requires understanding the correct routing path. For the standard 5.6L V8 configuration, follow this verified belt path diagram:
Serpentine Belt Routing Steps
- Crankshaft Pulley: Start at the largest, bottom-center pulley (crankshaft). The belt wraps clockwise around approximately half of its circumference.
- Idler Pulley (Top): From the crankshaft, route the belt upward and counterclockwise around the smooth, unmarked idler pulley near the top of the engine.
- Power Steering Pump: Move diagonally downward to the driver-side pulley. Wrap clockwise around the power steering pump pulley.
- Water Pump: Continue upward from the power steering pump, looping counterclockwise around the water pump pulley.
- Air Conditioning Compressor: Route downward to the passenger-side pulley. Wrap clockwise around the A/C compressor.
- Tensioner Pulley: Finish by looping the belt clockwise around the spring-loaded tensioner pulley adjacent to the crankshaft.
Installation Procedure
Required Tools: Serpentine belt (Gates K060830 or equivalent), socket wrench (14mm), belt tensioner release tool.
- Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Locate the automatic tensioner at the front of the engine. Insert the socket wrench into the tensioner's square hole.
- Rotate the tensioner clockwise to relieve pressure and slide the old belt off the pulleys.
- Match the new belt precisely to the diagram above, ensuring no twists.
- Re-engage the tensioner pulley last while maintaining clockwise pressure on the tensioner.
- Double-check all pulleys are seated in grooves before releasing the tensioner slowly.
Critical Precautions
- Never force the belt onto pulleys – improper routing causes immediate failure.
- Inspect all pulleys for roughness or wobble before installation. Replace if damaged.
- Verify belt alignment: Ribs must sit fully within pulley grooves without overhanging.