Hi, I have a 2000 Nissan Altima GXE. I have about 73,000 miles on it. I have not yet replaced my belt. I don't know a whole lot about cars. What kind of belt does my car use? Is it a serpentine belt? If so, how often do I need to replace it? If I should go ahead and replace it now, what do I need to buy? Just the one part? (serpentine belt) Do I need to buy anything else with it? (belt tensioner)

Hi, I have a 2000 Nissan Altima GXE. I have about 73,000 miles on it. I have not yet replaced my belt. I don't know a whole lot about cars. What kind of belt does my car use? Is it a serpentine belt? If so, how often do I need to replace it? If I should go ahead and replace it now, what do I need to buy? Just the one part? (serpentine belt) Do I need to buy anything else with it? (belt tensioner)

you probably dont need to replace it. just go to your closest autozone or advanced auto and just tell them what you need. you dont need anything else but a belt if you do decide to replace it.

you probably dont need to replace it. just go to your closest autozone or advanced auto and just tell them what you need. you dont need anything else but a belt if you do decide to replace it.

Thanks for your help. I'm looking online right now at advanceautoparts.com and they list the following products under "Serpentine Belts". Which one of these do I need:

Part No.
340K4 Drive-Rite 9/16" X 34" 4 Serpentine Belt
Compressor & Idler
Warranty: 90-Day Free Replacement

Part No.
525K6 Drive-Rite 27/32" X 52-.50" 6 Serpentine Belt
Alternator, Water Pump, Power Steering & Idler
Warranty: 90-Day Free Replacement

Part No.
5040340 Dayco Serpentine Belt: 9/16" x 34" 4 Rib
Poly Cog; Compressor & Idler
Warranty: 1 Year Replacement Warranty

Part No.
5060525 Dayco Serpentine Belt: 27/32" x 52.5" 6 Rib
Poly Cog; Alternator, Water Pump, Power Steering, & Idler
Warranty: 1 Year Replacement Warranty

Part No.
5060525DR Drive-Rite Serpentine Belt: 27/32" x 52.50" 6 Rib
Serpentine Belt: Alt., W.P., P.S. & Idler

You have two sepentine belts. One for the A/C compressor and one for the alternator and power steering. When the old belts are removed, spin the idler and alternator to inspect if the bearings are rough or loose. They will probably be OK. If you find a problem, keep in mind that the waterpump bearings are the same as the idler and alternator bearings and each have turned just as many times. Coolant leaking from a waterpump ruins belts. If you don't see any coolant leaking from the W/P and the idler seems ok, replace both belts and hope everything lasts until 150k. They probably will. Pick the two Dayco belts that have 1yr warranty if you want better quality. The Drive-Rite belts must be Walmart quality. When coolant is replaced, flush the cooling system following the instructions on a can of cooling system flush.

I got a 117k out of the original belts. They are not that bad to replace if you can get it up on a lift. Otherwise, it can be interesting.