Alternator belt on Nissan Terrano (especially models R51 And R20 with gasoline engines MR20DE 2.0 l or diesel M9R 2.0 dCi) is a consumable that requires attention every 60–90 thousand km. Its breakage or slipping leads to battery discharge, engine overheating (if the belt also rotates the pump) and even damage to attachments. Car service centers charge from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles, but the procedure can be performed independently in 30–60 minutes, with a minimal set of tools.

In this article - step by step instructions with photos, belt layout diagrams for different engines Terrano, a list of necessary tools and typical mistakesthat beginners admit. We will also look at how to determine belt wear by external signs and what to do if a whistle appears after replacement. The material is relevant for owners Nissan Terrano 2014–2022 model years (including restyled versions).

When to change the alternator belt on a Nissan Terrano?

Manufacturer Nissan recommends checking the condition of the alternator belt every 30 thousand km, and replace during mileage 90 thousand km or through 4–5 years (whichever comes first). However, in practice, service life depends on several factors:

  • 🔥 Belt quality: original spare parts (Nissan 11720-4M000 or 11720-4M010) last longer than analogues from Gates, Contitech or Dayco.
  • 🌡️ Operating conditions: Frequent off-road driving, high humidity or temperature changes will accelerate wear.
  • 🔧 Roller condition: If the idler or tension roller jams, the belt wears out 2-3 times faster.
  • 💧 Oil/coolant ingress: even a small leak from the oil seals or pipes destroys the rubber of the belt.

Don't wait for the break! Signs of alternator belt wear, which require urgent replacement:

  • 🔊 Whistling when starting the engine or when turning on the air conditioning/headlights (especially in wet weather).
  • 🔋 Voltage drop in the on-board network (dim headlights, electronic malfunctions).
  • 🔍 Cracks, delaminations, or shiny areas on the inside of the belt.
  • 🛑 Vibration or jerking when the engine is running (may indicate slippage).
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Terrano with diesel engine M9R The alternator belt also drives the cooling system pump. Its break will lead to engine overheating after just 5-10 minutes of work!
📊 How often do you check the condition of the alternator belt?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Every 30 thousand km
  • Only when the whistle appears
  • Never checked

What tools and spare parts are needed for replacement?

To replace the alternator belt with Terrano no special equipment is required - a standard set of tools is sufficient. Here's the full list:

Name Note
New alternator belt Original: Nissan 11720-4M000 (gasoline) or 11720-4M010 (diesel). Analogues: Gates 6PK1735, Contitech 6PK1730.
14 mm wrench To loosen the tension roller (on most models Terrano).
10 mm socket with extension To unscrew the engine protection (if required).
12 mm socket wrench For fixing the generator pulley (on some modifications).
Torque wrench Optionally - for precise tightening of rollers (torque 20–25 Nm).

If you are planning a replacement rollers (which is recommended for mileage >120 thousand km), additionally you will need:

  • 🔄 Idler roller (Nissan 11920-4M000).
  • 🔧 Tension roller with bracket (Nissan 11950-4M000).
  • 🧴 Bearing grease (For example, LIQUI MOLY LM 50).
⚠️ Attention: On Nissan Terrano With air conditioning, the alternator belt runs through the compressor pulley. If when replacing the belt you notice oil stains on the compressor pulley, this is a sign of a freon leak - diagnostics of the air conditioning system will be required!
💡

Before purchasing a belt, check its length using the old model or the vehicle's VIN code. On Terrano Different engines use belts of different lengths: for MR20DE — 6PK1735, for M9R — 6PK1885.

Alternator belt diagram for Nissan Terrano R51/R20

Before replacing, study the belt layout on your modification. Terrano. The configuration is different on petrol and diesel engines!

Scheme for a gasoline engine MR20DE 2.0 l:

Генератор


↑


│


│


┌───┴───┐


│ Ролик │


└───┬───┘


│


↓


Шкив коленвала ←→ Компрессор кондиционера ←→ Насос ГУР

Diagram for diesel engine M9R 2.0 dCi:

Генератор ←→ Натяжной ролик


↑               ↓


│               │


┌───┴───┐       ┌───┴───┐


│Помпа  │       │Обводной│


└───┬───┘       └───┬───┘


│               │


↓               ↓


Шкив коленвала ←→ Компрессор кондиционера

On diesel Terrano the belt is longer and goes through cooling system pump. This means that its breakage will lead to instant engine overheating!

How to determine the engine type on a Nissan Terrano?

The engine type is indicated on a plate under the hood (next to the VIN code). You can also look in the PTS or by the first characters of the VIN:

- MR20DE — gasoline, 2.0 l, 144 hp.

- M9R — diesel, 2.0 l, 150/175 hp.

Step-by-step instructions for replacing the alternator belt

The replacement procedure takes approximately 40–60 minutes and consists of several stages. Follow the instructions strictly step by step to avoid mistakes.

Step 1: Preparing the car

1. Stop the engine and disconnect the negative terminal of the battery (10 mm wrench).

2. Raise the front part of the car on a jack or drive it into a viewing hole. Apply the handbrake and place chocks under the rear wheels.

3. Remove engine protection (if there is one) - to do this, unscrew the 4 bolts with a 10 mm head.

Step 2: Release the belt tension

1. Find tension roller (usually located to the right of the generator).

2. Insert a 14mm wrench into the roller hole and turn counterclockwiseto release the belt tension.

3. While holding the roller in the loose position, remove the belt from the pulleys.

The engine is turned off and the battery terminal is removed |

The front of the car is raised|

Belt layout photographed|

Checked the absence of oil stains on the pulleys -->

Step 3: Installing a New Belt

1. Place the new belt on crankshaft pulley (lower pulley).

2. Place the belt on generator pulley, then on rollers and other pulleys (air conditioning compressor, power steering pump).

3. Check that the belt is in place exactly (without distortions) on all pulleys.

Step 4: Belt Tension

1. Turn the tension roller clockwiseto tighten the belt.

2. Check the tension: the belt should bend by 5–7 mm when pressing with a finger between the generator and crankshaft pulleys.

3. Tighten the tension roller bolt (torque - 20–25 Nm).

⚠️ Attention: An overtightened belt will accelerate wear on the generator bearings and rollers, and a weak tension will lead to slipping and whistling. Use a torque wrench for precise tightening!

Step 5: Check operation

1. Connect the battery terminal and start the engine.

2. Check no whistle and vibrations.

3. Make sure that on-board voltage stable (13.8–14.5 V when the engine is running).

💡

After replacing the alternator belt, be sure to check the operation of the air conditioning and power steering - if the belt is installed incorrectly, these systems may operate intermittently.

Typical mistakes when replacing an alternator belt

Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to premature belt wear or breakdown of attachments. Here are the most common:

  • ❌ Incorrect tension: too weak leads to whistling, too strong - destruction of the bearings.
  • ❌ Installing the belt inside out: The grooves must match the grooves of the pulleys!
  • ❌ Ignoring roller status: Worn rollers will quickly destroy a new belt.
  • ❌ Ingress of dirt or oil on a belt or pulleys - this reduces the service life by 2-3 times.
  • ❌ Failure to check pulleys for runout: if the generator or crankshaft pulley is a figure eight, the belt will vibrate and wear out.

To avoid problems, keep an eye on:

  • 🔧 Pulley condition: They should rotate smoothly, without play.
  • 🛢️ Cleanliness: Before installing a new belt, clean the pulleys of dirt and oil.
  • 📏 By combining marks: on some models Terrano the pulleys have alignment marks.

If after replacing the belt whistles, check:

  1. Tension (should be 5–7 mm to deflection).
  2. Condition of the rollers (is there any play or jamming).
  3. Keep pulleys clean (oil or dirt can cause slippage).

Is it worth changing the alternator belt yourself?

Replacing the alternator belt with Nissan Terrano - a task of medium complexity. If you have car repair experience and a minimal set of tools, you can handle it in 30–60 minutes. However, in some cases it is better to contact the service:

  • 🔧 If replacement is required rollers or pumps (a special puller is needed).
  • 🔋 If after replacement there are problems with electronics (may indicate a generator malfunction).
  • 🚗 If you have diesel Terrano — errors during replacement can lead to engine overheating.

Advantages of self-replacement:

  • ✅ Savings 1,500–3,000 rubles (cost of work in the service).
  • ✅ Quality control of spare parts (you choose the belt and rollers yourself).
  • ✅ Experience that will be useful in the future.

Cons:

  • ❌ Risk of errors (incorrect tension, belt damage during installation).
  • ❌ No warranty (unlike service).
  • ❌ It will take time and space to work.
📊 Do you prefer to change the alternator belt yourself or at a service center?
  • On your own
  • In service
  • Depends on difficulty
  • Never changed

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about replacing the alternator belt on a Nissan Terrano

Is it possible to drive with a whistling alternator belt?

A short-term whistle (for example, when starting the engine in wet weather) is not critical, but if it is constant, this is a sign belt wear or low tension. Long driving with a whistle leads to:

  • Battery discharge (the generator is not working efficiently).
  • Overheating of the belt and its premature breakage.
  • Damage to pulleys and rollers.

We recommend check belt tension every 10 thousand km.

Which alternator belt is better to choose for Terrano: original or analogue?

Original belts Nissan (11720-4M000 or 11720-4M010) last longer, but cost less 1.5–2 times more expensive analogues. Good alternatives:

  • Gates 6PK1735 — optimal price/quality ratio.
  • Contitech 6PK1730 - soft and wear-resistant.
  • Dayco 6PK1738 - a budget option for temporary replacement.

Avoid cheap brands (Fenox, Finwhale) - their belts often stretch or crack after 20–30 thousand km.

Do I need to change the rollers when replacing the alternator belt?

Rollers (tension and bypass) it is recommended to change:

  • Every 120–150 thousand km mileage
  • If you hear it when rotating crunch or play.
  • If there is a belt uneven abrasions (indicates uneven rotation of the roller).

The cost of original videos for Terrano:

  • Tension: Nissan 11950-4M000 (~2,500 rub.).
  • Bypass: Nissan 11920-4M000 (~1,800 rub.).
What to do if a whistle appears after replacing the alternator belt?

Reasons for whistling after replacement:

  1. Weak tension — tighten the belt (the deflection should be 5–7 mm).
  2. Oil/dirt ingress on the belt or pulleys - clean them with alcohol.
  3. Poor quality belt - replace with the original or a proven analogue.
  4. Worn rollers — check them for play and crunch.

If the whistle only appears when turning on the air conditioner or headlights, the problem is insufficient generator power — check its condition.

Is it possible to install an alternator belt from another Nissan on a Terrano?

Theoretically it is possible, but only if they match:

  • Belt length (eg 6PK1735 for Qashqai suitable for petrol Terrano).
  • Engine type (gasoline/diesel).
  • Presence/absence of air conditioning and power steering.

We do not recommend experimenting - it is better to use a belt, recommended for your model (listed in the catalog Nissan by VIN code).