Nissan Almera G15 is a popular sedan that is valued for its reliability and unpretentiousness. However, even such a car has components that require regular maintenance. One of them is alternator belt, especially if the machine is equipped air conditioning And power steering (power steering). In this scheme, additional pulleys are added, which complicates the process of replacing and tensioning the belt.
An incorrectly tensioned or worn belt leads to problems: whistling sound when starting the engine until the generator completely fails and the battery is discharged. In this article we will analyze exact belt diagram for Almera G15 with air conditioning and power steering, we’ll talk about the correct tension, signs of wear and the nuances of self-replacement. You will also find step-by-step instructions with photos, a belt compatibility table and answers to frequently asked questions.
Drive belt design: what you need to know before replacing
On Nissan Almera G15 with air conditioning and power steering used serpentine belt (aka rivulet), which sets several units in motion simultaneously. Unlike the basic version without air conditioning, here the belt goes around:
- 🔹 Crankshaft pulley (drive)
- 🔹 Generator pulley
- 🔹Power steering pump pulley
- 🔹A/C compressor pulley
- 🔹 Tensioner roller (sometimes with a damper)
The length of the belt depends on the year of manufacture and configuration. For example, for 2013-2018 models with engine HR16DE (1.6 L) standard length - 6PK1720 (6 streams, length 1720 mm). However, on some modifications a belt may be installed 6PK1738 or 6PK1715. See the table below for exact details.
Features of the system: automatic tensioner, which compensates for belt stretch. But over time it wears out and the belt begins to slip. If you hear a whistle during a cold start or see cracks in the belt, it's time to change it.
- Every 10,000 km
- Once a year
- Only when the whistle appears
- Never checked
Alternator belt diagram for Nissan Almera G15 with air conditioning and power steering
Below is the standard belt movement pattern for most versions Almera G15 with engine HR16DE and fully equipped (air conditioning + power steering). Important: the direction of movement of the belt must coincide with the direction of rotation of the pulleys (usually clockwise when viewed from the right wing).
The order of bypassing the pulleys:
- Crankshaft pulley (lower)
- Generator pulley
- Power steering pump pulley
- A/C compressor pulley
- Tension roller
For clarity, we present the diagram in text form (from top to bottom):
Компрессор кондиционера
↑
│
Генератор ← Натяжной ролик
↓
│
Насос ГУР → Коленвал
If the belt is installed incorrectly, it will quickly wear out and squeal. To avoid mistakes, before removing the old belt take a photo of his position or draw a diagram.
What happens if you change the direction of the belt?
If the belt is put on “pull” against the direction of rotation, it will slip, overheat and may break after 100–200 km. In addition, improper tension will accelerate wear on the alternator and power steering pump bearings.
Belt compatibility table for different modifications
Not all belts are suitable for Almera G15 with air conditioning and power steering. Below is a table with verified articles and analogues. Please note: the belt length may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the presence of additional equipment (for example, electric power steering instead of power steering).
| Engine | Year of manufacture | Original article number | Belt length | Popular analogues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
HR16DE (1.6 l) |
2013–2015 | 11720-4M000 | 6PK1720 | Gates 6PK1720, Contitech 6PK1720, Dayco 6PK1720 |
HR16DE (1.6 l) |
2016–2018 | 11720-4M010 | 6PK1738 | Gates 6PK1738, Bosch 1987949680, SKF VKM 35685 |
HR16DE (with electric power steering) |
2017–2018 | 11720-4M020 | 6PK1680 | Dayco 6PK1680, Optibelt 6PK1680 |
When purchasing a belt, pay attention to number of streams (6PK) and length. For example, a belt 6PK1720 won't work instead 6PK1738 - it will be too short and the tensioner will not be able to compensate for the tension.
Before purchasing a belt, check its part number using the vehicle's VIN code. This will help avoid mistakes, especially if the previous owner changed the equipment (for example, installed an air conditioner not from the factory).
Signs of alternator belt wear: when is it time to change
The alternator belt is a consumable that needs to be checked every 15–20 thousand km or once a year. Main signs of wear:
- 🔊 Whistling when starting the engine or when suddenly pressing the gas (especially in wet weather).
- 🔍 Cracks or delamination of rubber on the inside of the belt.
- 📉 Tension sag: The belt sags more than 1 cm when pressed with a finger.
- 💡 Battery light flashes on the dashboard (indicates a weak charge from the generator).
- 🔥 Belt overheating: If it is hot to the touch after a ride, this is a sign of slippage.
If you ignore these symptoms, the belt may break along the way, which will lead to:
- 🚗 Generator failure and battery discharge (the car will stall).
- ❄️ Turn off the air conditioner (the compressor will stop working).
- 🔄 Strengthening the steering (if the power steering belt breaks).
A belt whistling is not always a sign of wear. Often the problem lies in oily pulleys or a faulty tension roller. Before replacing the belt, check the condition of the rollers and clean the pulleys from dirt.
Step-by-step instructions for replacing the alternator belt
Replacing the belt with Nissan Almera G15 Air conditioning and power steering require care, but you can handle it without contacting service. You will need:
- 🔧 14 mm wrench (for tension roller).
- 🔧 10 mm socket (for removing protection).
- 🔧 New belt and tension roller (if the old one is worn out).
- 🔧 Flashlight and mounting shovel (for convenience).
Procedure:
- Remove the engine protection (if it interferes with access to the pulleys).
- Loosen the tension roller: Turn it counterclockwise with a 14mm wrench to loosen the belt.
- Remove the old belt, remembering or photographing its position.
- Check pulleys and rollers for play and wear. If the roller rotates with jamming, replace it.
- Install a new belt, following the diagram (see section above).
- Pull the beltby turning the roller clockwise. The correct tension is when the belt bends 5–8 mm when you press your finger between the generator and crankshaft pulleys.
- Check your work: Start the engine and check that there is no whistling or slipping.
☑️ Checklist before replacing the belt
If after replacement the belt continues to whistle, possible reasons:
- 🔧 Weak tension (pull up the roller).
- 🛢 Oily pulleys (clean them with alcohol).
- 🔄 Wear of the generator bearing or power steering pump (diagnostics required).
If you don’t have a tensioner pulley wrench, you can use a special timing belt puller or make a homemade tool from an old belt and a metal rod.
Common mistakes when replacing a belt and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to rapid belt wear or breakdown of units. Let's look at the most common ones:
⚠️ Attention: Never use a screwdriver or a pry bar to tension the belt through the pulley! This may damage the tensioner threads or bend the tensioner body. Use only a 14mm wrench.
Error 1: Incorrect tension.
- 🔴 The tension is too weak → the belt slips and whistles.
- 🔴 Too strong → accelerated wear of the bearings of the generator and power steering pump.
The correct tension is checked as follows: press the belt between the generator and crankshaft pulleys with a force of 10 kg. The deflection should be 5–8 mm.
Error 2: Installing the belt “pull-in” without taking into account the direction.
If the belt is worn against the direction of rotation, it will rub against the ribs of the pulleys and quickly break. Always check the diagram!
Mistake 3: Ignoring the state of the rollers.
The tension roller is a consumable that wears out along with the belt. If it loosens or rotates with jamming, replace it at the same time as the belt. The cost of the roller is about 1,000–1,500 rubles, and its failure can lead to belt breakage.
How to check the tension roller?
Rotate the roller by hand - it should rotate smoothly, without jamming or play. If you hear a crunching sound or feel resistance, the roller needs to be replaced.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to drive with a whistling alternator belt?
In the short term, yes, but it is fraught with consequences. The whistle indicates slippage, which leads to:
- 🔋 Undercharged battery (risk of not starting).
- ❄️ Turning off the air conditioner (the compressor does not work).
- 🔥 The belt overheats and breaks.
It is recommended to eliminate the cause of the whistling within 1–2 days.
Which belt is better to choose: original or analogue?
Original belts Nissan (articles 11720-4M000, 11720-4M010) last longer, but are more expensive (from 2,500 rubles). Analogues from Gates, Contitech or Dayco cheaper (1,200–1,800 rubles) and often not inferior in quality. The main thing is to buy from trusted sellers to avoid fakes.
Do I need to change the alternator belt when replacing the timing belt?
No, these are independent procedures. The alternator belt changes according to its condition (every 40–60 thousand km or when signs of wear), and timing belt — according to regulations (every 100–120 thousand km). However, if you are already removing the protection to replace the timing belt, it is logical to check the condition of the alternator belt.
What to do if the belt breaks on the road?
If the belt breaks, you can drive to the service center on your own, but with caution:
- Turn off all electrical appliances (lights, air conditioning, music).
- Drive at minimum speed (up to 2,000 rpm) so as not to put a strain on the battery.
- Avoid traffic jams - the generator will not work and the battery will quickly drain.
The maximum distance that can be driven without a belt is 20–30 km (depends on the condition of the battery).
Can I install a belt from another Nissan model?
Theoretically, it is possible if the length and number of streams match. For example, a belt from Nissan Juke with engine HR16DE (6PK1720) suitable for Almera G15 2013–2015. However, it is better to use the belt recommended for your model to avoid tension problems.