<em>Nissan Murano</em> Z50/Z51 drive belt diagram: how not to make mistakes when replacing

Drive belts in Nissan Murano - These are critical components on which the operation of the generator, power steering, air conditioning and even the cooling system depends. An error when replacing them can lead to a breakdown, overheating of the engine or failure of the attachment. Owners Murano first (Z50, 2003–2007) and second (Z51, 2008–2014) generations are often faced with confusion: belt diagrams for gasoline VQ35DE (3.5 l) and diesel YD25DDTi (2.5 l) are different, as for models with automatic or manual transmission.

In this article you will find current drive belt diagrams for all modifications Murano, including rare configurations with all-wheel drive All-Mode 4x4-i. We'll look at how to properly tension the alternator belt, avoid slipping, and when it's time to change the rollers. And also - unique articles of original belts and analogues that will last longer than cheap fakes.

1. Types of drive belts in Nissan Murano: how are they different?

B Murano Two types of belts are used: attachment belts (generator, power steering, air conditioning compressor) and timing belt (gas distribution mechanism). The first is visible when the hood is open, the second is hidden under protective covers. They cannot be confused: the timing belt breaks less often, but replacing it requires disassembling half of the engine.

On petrol Murano with motor VQ35DE usually worth it serpentine belt (aka rill) with 6–8 grooves. On diesel YD25DDTi - wider and more rigid, since the load from the turbine and fuel injection pump is higher. In this case, the tension pattern depends on the year of manufacture: until 2010, an automatic tensioner was used, later - a manual one with an adjustment bolt.

• 🔧 Alternator belt — drives the generator, pump (on some modifications) and air conditioning compressor. It wears out every 60–80 thousand km.
• 🌀 Power Steering Belt — separate on models with hydraulic booster (on Murano Z51 often combined with the alternator belt). Requires replacement when a whistle occurs.
• ⚙️ Timing belt - critical for synchronizing the crankshaft and camshafts. On VQ35DE resource - 100-120 thousand km, on diesel - 150 thousand km.

⚠️ Attention: On Murano 2008–2010 with motor VQ35DE and automatic transmission, the alternator belt may touch the timing belt guard. If you do not correct its position, it will quickly wear out on the plastic.

2. Drive belt diagrams for Nissan Murano Z50 (2003–2007)

First generation Murano (Z50) was equipped with gasoline VQ35DE (245–265 hp) and diesel YD25DDTi (174 hp) for the European market. The belt patterns for these engines are fundamentally different:

2.1. Gasoline VQ35DE (3.5 l)

On Z50 with this engine, the belt drives the alternator, air conditioning compressor and power steering pump (if equipped). Tension is adjusted by automatic tensioner 11920-4M000. Belt movement pattern:

1. Crankshaft → generator
2. Generator → air conditioning compressor
3. Compressor → tension roller
4. Tensioner roller → power steering pump (if installed)
5. Power steering pump → idler roller (if equipped)
6. Idler roller → crankshaft

Article numbers of original parts:

Detail	Article	Quantity
Drive belt	11920-4M005	1
Tension roller	11920-4M000	1
Idler roller	11920-4M010	1 (only for configurations with power steering)

2.2. Diesel YD25DDTi (2.5 l)

On diesel Murano Z50 the belt is shorter but wider (7PK1730). It drives the generator, air conditioning compressor and injection pump. Feature - additional damper roller 11920-ED000, which dampens vibrations from a diesel engine. Scheme:

Crankshaft → generator → injection pump → air conditioning compressor → tension roller → damper roller → crankshaft.

⚠️ Attention: On diesel Murano The belt often whistles during cold starts. This is not always a sign of wear - check the tension and condition of the rollers. The damper roller fails every 100 thousand km.

3. Schemes for Nissan Murano Z51 (2008–2014) and restyled models

Second generation (Z51) received updated VQ35DE with variable valve timing system CVTC. This affected the belt design: an additional deflection roller appeared to stabilize the tension. On diesel versions (YD25DDTi) the diagrams remain the same, but the belt numbers have changed.

3.1. Gasoline VQ35DE (2008–2014)

Belt diagram on Z51:

Crankshaft → generator → air conditioning compressor → tension roller → idler roller (new) → power steering pump → crankshaft.

Articles:

• 🔹 Belt: 11920-4M025 (7PK2430)
• 🔹 Tension roller: 11920-4M015
• 🔹 Detour roller: 11920-4M020 (only for models with power steering)

Difference from Z50: on Z51 the belt is longer (2430 mm versus 2200 mm) and has additional groove for better grip. This is due to the increased load from the system CVTC.

3.2. Diesel YD25DDTi (2008–2014)

The scheme has not changed, but the belt has become wider (8PK1750 instead of 7PK1730). Articles:

• 🔹 Belt: 11920-ED010
• 🔹 Tension roller: 11920-ED005
• 🔹Damper roller: 11920-ED015 (updated version)

4. When to change drive belts: signs of wear

The manufacturer recommends replacing attachment belts every 60–80 thousand km, but the actual period depends on operating conditions. In Russia, with its temperature changes and dusty roads, belts wear out faster. Pay attention to these symptoms:

• 🔊 Whistle on startup - especially in damp weather or when the air conditioner is turned on. More often than not the belt is to blame, but jammed roller.
• 🔥 Cracks on the surface - even small ones (1–2 mm deep) weaken the belt structure.
• 🌀 Groove wear - if the belt becomes smooth, it slips and does not transmit full power.
• 🛑 Extraneous sounds from rollers - hum or grinding noise when the engine is running.

On diesel Murano Belts last longer (up to 100 thousand km), but their condition needs to be checked every 20 thousand km due to high loads from the turbine. Belt breakage is especially dangerous YD25DDTi: this can damage the fuel injection pump, the repair of which will cost 150–200 thousand rubles.

⚠️ Attention: If there are signs on the belt oil stains, look for leaks from the crankshaft or camshaft seals. The oil corrodes the rubber, and the belt will break within 1–2 thousand km.

5. Step-by-step instructions for replacing the alternator belt

Replacing the attachment belt with Murano does not require special tools, but an inspection hole or lift is required. It is more convenient to do the work with an assistant. Below are instructions for gasoline VQ35DE (Z51):

5.1. Required Tools

• 🔧 14 mm wrench (for tension roller)
• 🔧 10 mm socket (to protect the engine)
• 🔧 Jack and stops (if there is no hole)
• 🔧 Torque wrench (for proper tightening)
• 🔧 Flashlight (lighting the bottom of the engine)

5.2. Sequence of actions

1. Remove right engine protection (4 bolts x 10 mm).
2. Loosen the tension roller by turning it counterclockwise with a 14 mm wrench.
3. Remove the old belt, remembering direction of movement (there are arrows on it).
4. Check the rollers for play and noise. If there is a game, replace it.
5. Install the new belt starting at the crankshaft. Follow the diagram from section 3.
6. Tension the belt by turning the pulley clockwise. The optimal tension is a deflection of 8–10 mm when pressed in the middle.
7. Start the engine and check for whistling noise. If necessary, tighten the belt.

On diesel Murano the process is more complicated due to the damper roller. It must be removed separately, using a special wrench to fix the crankshaft pulley.

What to do if the belt whistles after replacement?

The whistling sound of a new belt is normal in the first 100–200 km. If the sound does not disappear:

1. Check the tension (a common cause is weak tension).

2. Inspect the pulleys for runout (a bent alternator pulley is a common problem).

3. Make sure that the belt does not touch the protective cover (relevant for Z50).

4. If a whistle appears when the air conditioner is turned on, the compressor is to blame (lack of oil or clutch wear).

6. Timing belt: when to change and why it is critical

Timing belt on Murano hidden under covers and has no external signs of wear. Its break leads to collision of pistons with valves, which is guaranteed to require a major engine overhaul. Replacement timing:

• 🔴 VQ35DE (gasoline): every 100–120 thousand km or 5 years (whichever comes first).
• 🔴 YD25DDTi (diesel): every 150 thousand km, but you need to check the condition every 60 thousand km.

Signs of timing belt wear:

• 🔊 Quiet rustling from under the casing when the engine is running.
• 🛑 Cracks on the outer surface (visible when removing the top casing).
• 🌀 Cord delamination (the threads stick out from the rubber).

Timing belt items:

Engine	Belt number	Kit article number (belt + rollers)
VQ35DE (Z50/Z51)	13028-4M000	13028-4M010
YD25DDTi (Z50)	13028-ED000	13028-ED010
YD25DDTi (Z51)	13028-ED020	13028-ED025

⚠️ Attention: On Murano with VQ35DE when the timing belt breaks valve bending in 90% of cases. On diesel YD25DDTi the consequences are less critical, but repairs will still cost 200+ thousand rubles.

7. Which belts and rollers to choose: original vs analogues

Original belts Nissan They last longer, but cost 2–3 times more than analogues. For Murano high-quality substitutes from Gates, Contitech And Dayco. Comparison:

Detail	Original (item)	Analogue (brand + article)	Price, rub.
Alternator belt (VQ35DE)	11920-4M025	Gates 7PK2430	1 200 / 800
Timing belt (VQ35DE)	13028-4M000	Contitech CT1135	4 500 / 2 800
Tension roller	11920-4M015	Dayco APV2010	3 200 / 1 500
Timing kit (YD25DDTi)	13028-ED025	Gates K015731XS	12 000 / 7 500

Selection tips:

• 🔹 For the alternator belt, take Gates or Contitech — they are softer than the original and whistle less.
• 🔹 It’s better to put on videos original or NTN/SNR — cheap analogues quickly fall apart.
• 🔹 On diesel Murano Do not skimp on the damper roller - its failure leads to vibrations and belt breakage.

Avoid brand belts Bando (often counterfeited) and Fenox (low quality rubber). When purchasing, check:

• 📦 Availability holograms on the packaging (from Gates and Contitech).
• 🔍 Markings on the belt (must match the article number).
• 📏 Length and width (for example, 7PK2430 - 7 streams, length 2430 mm).

8. Common mistakes when replacing and how to avoid them

Even experienced craftsmen make mistakes when working with belts on Murano. Here are the most common:

1. Incorrect tension - too weak leads to slipping, too strong - to wear of the generator bearings. Use a torque wrench!
2. Mixed up scheme - on Z51 The belt is often worn backwards, which causes it to wear out quickly. Follow the arrows on the belt.
3. Ignoring cutscenes - if you leave the old rollers, they will jam and break the new belt.
4. Dirt entry — before installation, clean the pulleys from oil and dust. Use a degreaser.

On diesel Murano common mistake - Incorrect installation of the damper roller. It should rotate freely, without play. If the roller is difficult to spin, it needs to be replaced.

What happens if you tighten the alternator belt?

Excessive tension leads to:

1. Accelerated wear of the generator bearing (repair cost - 5–8 thousand rubles).

2. Deformation of the air conditioner compressor shaft (replacement - 15–20 thousand rubles).

3. Belt breakage due to increased load.

The correct tension is checked with a dynamometer (force 10 kgf, deflection 8–10 mm).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to drive with a whistling alternator belt?

Short term - yes, but this is a signal of a problem. The whistle appears due to slippage, which leads to undercharging of the battery and overheating of the generator. If you ignore the squealing noise, the belt may break, leaving you without electronics (including power steering).

Which timing belt is better - original or Gates?

Both options are reliable, but they have different features:

- Original (13028-4M000) is tougher and keeps its shape longer, but more expensive.

- Gates (CT1135) is softer, works better in the cold, but can stretch to 80–90 thousand km.

For regions with frosts below -30°C, it is better to choose Gates.

Do I need to change belts when buying used ones? Murano?

Definitely! The previous owner may not have monitored the condition of the belts or used cheap analogues. Even if the belts look normal, replace:

- Alternator belt (cost of work - 1–1.5 thousand rubles).

- Rollers (especially tension rollers).

- Timing belt, if the mileage is more than 80 thousand km or the replacement history is unknown.

Why on Murano Z51 Does the alternator belt wear out quickly?

Reasons:

1. Alternator pulley misalignment — check the alignment (the pulley must be strictly parallel to the crankshaft).

2. Faulty tensioner - if it does not hold tension, the belt slips and overheats.

3. Antifreeze ingress — check the pump and pipes for leaks.

4. Belt quality - cheap analogues (for example, Finwhale) are erased within 20–30 thousand km.

Is it possible to replace the timing belt yourself? Murano?

Technically yes, but it is a complex procedure requiring:

- Special tools (pulley clamps, crankshaft star puller).

- Experience working with timing marks (on VQ35DE there are 4 of them: on the crankshaft, camshafts and flywheel).

- Time (4–6 hours for a beginner).

An error in setting labels will lead to collision of valves with pistons. If you are not sure, entrust the work to the service.