Nissan Terrano with gasoline engine 2.0 l (MR20DE) is a reliable crossover, but even it requires regular maintenance of the drive belts. A worn or broken alternator belt can lead to loss of battery charge, power steering or air conditioning failure. In this article we will analyze exact drive belt diagram for Terrano 2014–2022, we will show you how to tighten it correctly, and we will reveal the nuances of replacement, which are silent about in the service manuals.
The peculiarity of this engine is the complex configuration of pulleys with two tensioner rollers (main and auxiliary). If this is your first time replacing a belt, it is important not to confuse the direction of rotation and the sequence in which the pulleys go around. We have collected current data on the article numbers of belts and rollers for the Russian market (2023–2026), and also added a compatibility table with analogues from Gates, Contitech And Dayco.
Official drive belt diagram Nissan Terrano 2.0 petrol
On the engine MR20DE used serpentine belt with 6 streams (6PK), which drives:
- 🔋 Generator (alternator)
- 💨 Air conditioning compressor
- 🔄Power steering pump (power steering)
- 🌀 Water pump (pump) - only on some modifications
Official scheme from Nissan provides the following belt route (clockwise, starting from the crankshaft):
- Crankshaft pulley
- Tensioner roller (automatic)
- Generator pulley
- A/C compressor pulley
- Power steering pulley
- Idler roller (if equipped)
Important: on Terrano after 2018 release can be installed additional damper roller to reduce vibrations. Its absence in the circuit is a common cause of replacement errors. Below is a visual diagram (click on the image to enlarge):
Detailed photo of the belt diagram
The diagram shows that the belt goes around the crankshaft pulley on the outside, and the generator pulley on the inside. The arrows indicate the direction of rotation (clockwise). Pay special attention to the position of the automatic tensioner - its mark should coincide with the groove on the bracket.
If you notice that the belt slips or publishes whistling noise on cold start, the problem may lie not only in wear, but also in incorrect tension. More on this in the next section.
- Every 10,000 km
- Once a year
- Only when a whistle appears
- Never checked
How to Check Belt Tension: 3 Working Methods
Incorrect belt tension is the cause of 80% of failures associated with the drive of attachments. On Nissan Terrano 2.0 in use automatic tensioner, but it may fail or jam. Check the tension in the following ways:
Method 1: Visual inspection
- 🔍 Inspect the belt for cracks, delamination or shiny areas (sign of wear).
- 📏 Run your finger along the inside of the belt - if you feel burrs or unevenness, it needs to be replaced.
- 🔄 Check if the belt is moving to the side (a sign of wear on the rollers).
Method 2: Checking Deflection
For belt 6PK1820 (standard size for Terrano) permissible deflection between the generator and crankshaft pulleys - 8–10 mm when pressed with a force of 10 kg. If the deflection is greater, the belt is weakened; if it is less, it is overtightened.
Use a household steelyard (fish scale) to accurately measure force. Press the belt midway between the pulleys and record the readings.
Method 3: Diagnosis by sound
A belt whistle when starting the engine or when turning on the air conditioning indicates:
- 🔊 Weak tension (the belt slips).
- 💧 Oil or coolant ingress onto the surface of the belt.
- 🛠️ Roller wear (bearings make noise).
⚠️ Attention: If the whistling only occurs in wet weather, the problem may be pulley contamination. Clean them with alcohol or a special cleaner (such as LIQUI MOLY Ketten-Spray).
Articles and analogues of belts for Nissan Terrano 2.0
Original belt from Nissan has an article number 11920-4M50A (length 1820 mm, 6 streams). However, its price is often overpriced (from 2,500 rubles), so many owners choose analogues from trusted brands. Below is a compatibility table indicating average prices (for 2026):
| Brand | Article | Length (mm) | Number of streams | Average price (₽) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan (original) | 11920-4M50A |
1820 | 6 | 2500–3200 |
| Gates | 6PK1820 |
1820 | 6 | 1800–2200 |
| Contitech | 6PK1820 |
1820 | 6 | 1600–2000 |
| Dayco | 6PK1820 |
1820 | 6 | 1500–1900 |
| Bosch | 1 987 949 647 |
1820 | 6 | 2000–2400 |
When choosing an analogue, pay attention to belt material: cheap options from neoprene serve 2–3 times less than belts made of EPDM rubber (For example, Gates Micro-V). Also check what's included - some sets include tensioner pulley (article 11950-4M50A).
⚠️ Attention: Belts length 1815 mm or 1825 mm don't fit! A difference of 5mm will result in incorrect tension and accelerated wear.
Step-by-step DIY drive belt replacement
To replace the belt with Nissan Terrano 2.0 you will need:
- 🔧 Socket set (10, 12, 14 mm)
- 🔩 Ratchet wrench
- 🔨 Mount or special wrench for tensioner
- 🛠️ New belt and rollers (if necessary)
Sequence of actions:
- Open the hood and remove right plastic protection engine (attached with 3 clips).
- Loosen the tensioner bolt (14mm socket) and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the belt.
- Remove the old belt, remembering direction of its movement (draw a diagram or take a photograph).
- Check the condition of the rollers: they should rotate silently and without backlash.
- Install the new belt, starting with the crankshaft pulley, then the alternator, air conditioning and power steering.
- Tension the belt by turning the tensioner clockwise and secure the bolt.
☑️ Checklist before installing a new belt
After installation, start the engine and check:
- 🔊 No whistling or extraneous noise.
- 💡 Battery charging stability (voltage at the terminals should be 13.8–14.4 V).
- 🌀 Air conditioning and power steering work (no jerking or humming).
If after replacement the belt whistles in the first 5–10 minutes, this is normal. It “grinds in” to the pulleys. But if the whistle does not disappear longer, check the tension or quality of the belt.
Common mistakes when replacing a belt and how to avoid them
Even experienced mechanics make mistakes when working with a drive belt. Nissan Terrano. Here are the most common:
Error 1: Incorrect belt direction
The belt has directional structure (streams should face the pulleys). If you turn it upside down, it will slip and wear out quickly. There is usually an arrow on the inside of the belt indicating the direction of rotation.
Mistake 2: Ignoring videos
Many people change only the belt, forgetting about the rollers. However roller bearing life - about 100,000 km. If they are worn out, the new belt will last 2-3 times less. Signs of roller wear:
- 🔊 Rumble or grinding noise when the engine is running.
- 🌀 Backlash when shaking the video with your hand.
- 💨 Overheating (the roller is hot to the touch).
Mistake 3: Retightening the belt
Excessive tension leads to:
- 🔋 Overload of generator bearings.
- 💨 Accelerated wear of the belt (it “shags” around the edges).
- 🌀 Tensioner breakdown.
Check tension dynamometer or follow the deflection instructions (8-10mm).
What happens if the belt breaks?
If the belt breaks, the generator, power steering and air conditioning are switched off. The engine will continue to run, but the battery will quickly drain and the steering will become stiff. On some modifications Terrano a broken belt can lead to engine overheating (if the belt drives the pump).
When to change a belt: regulations and signs of wear
According to the regulations Nissan, drive belt on Terrano 2.0 needs to be changed every 60,000 km or 4 years (whichever comes first). However, in Russian conditions (temperature changes, salt on the roads), the belt life is reduced to 40,000–50,000 km.
Signs that it is time to change the belt:
- 🔊 Whistle when starting or under load (air conditioning, headlights on).
- 👀 Visible cracks or delaminations on the surface of the belt.
- 💨 Loss of elasticity (the belt “swells” and does not bend).
- 🛠️ Traces of oil or antifreeze on the belt (indicate a seal leak).
If you operate your vehicle in harsh conditions (frequent off-road driving, high humidity), reduce the replacement interval to 30,000–35,000 km. This will prevent the belt from breaking along the way and costly repairs.
⚠️ Attention: On Terrano with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, be sure to check when replacing the belt condition of pulleys. Worn or deformed pulleys can “eat up” a new belt over several thousand kilometers.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about drive belts Nissan Terrano 2.0
Is it possible to drive with a squealing belt?
A short-term whistle (for example, during a cold start) is not critical, but if it is constant, the belt needs to be tightened or replaced. Long driving with a whistle leads to:
- Battery discharge (the generator is not working efficiently).
- The belt overheats and breaks.
- Pulley wear.
Which belt is better - original or analogue?
Original belt (11920-4M50A) is guaranteed to fit in size and material, but is often overpriced. Analogues from Gates or Contitech no worse if you choose a model from EPDM rubber. The main thing is to avoid cheap brands (eg. Fenox or Finwhale), their belts last 2–3 times less.
Do I need to change the rollers when replacing the belt?
Yes, especially if the car's mileage exceeds 100,000 km. The rollers wear out at the same time as the belt, and their jamming can cause the new belt to break. Cost of the set (belt + 2 rollers) from Gates - about 4000–5000 rubles, which is cheaper than repeated repairs.
What to do if the belt comes off?
If the belt comes off but does not break:
- Check tension - The tensioner may have weakened.
- Inspect pulleys for curvature (even a slight bend leads to the belt coming off).
- Make sure rollers rotate freely (a jammed roller pulls the belt).
If the belt breaks, do not start the engine again to avoid damage to the pulleys.
Can a belt of a different length be supplied?
No! Belt length 1820 mm selected for a specific pulley configuration. Belt installation 1815 mm or 1825 mm will lead to:
- Incorrect tension (whistle or excessive tension).
- Accelerated wear of generator bearings and rollers.
- Risk of breakage under load (for example, when turning on the air conditioner).