Uploaded October 2008 | Updated September 2026, 5 hours ago
Squealing or slipping belts? This short "how-to" do-it-yourself video shows you how and where to find the simple adjustments for the serpentine belt and standard belt for a Nissan Sentra. Pictured is a 1.8 liter 2006 model year with a GD16DE motor but many models are similar.
Be sure the engine is turned OFF before making any adjustments.
Tools needed:
- 8mm socket wrench with a small extension (for serpentine belt adjustment rod)
- 14mm socket (for serpentine belt idler pulley)
- 12mm socket (for regular belt adjustments)
For the serpentine belt: Just be sure to slightly loosen the 14mm idler-pulley nut before you adjust the 8mm adjustment rod. One turn of the adjustment rod should work well. Be sure to retighten the idler-pulley nut.
For the smaller belt that goes between the power-steering and waterpump, be sure to loosen the 12mm nut on the side before you adjust the 12mm nut on the threaded adjustment rod.
DO NOT overtighten the belts. Only tighten them enough to stop the squealing to avoid extra stress on the belts and bearings.
These adjustments use a normal (as opposed to a reverse) thread. We like to use this simple memory mnemonic to help you remember which way to turn light bulbs, nuts, bolts and other things that screw in and out:
"Righty-Tighty - Lefty-Loosey"
Making Nissan Sentra Serpentine Belt Adjustments
Squealing or slipping belts? This short "how-to" do-it-yourself video shows you how and where to find the simple adjustments for the serpentine belt and standard belt for a Nissan Sentra. Pictured is a 1.8 liter 2006 model year with a GD16DE motor but many models are similar.
Be sure the engine is turned OFF before making any adjustments.
Tools needed:
- 8mm socket wrench with a small extension (for serpentine belt adjustment rod)
- 14mm socket (for serpentine belt idler pulley)
- 12mm socket (for regular belt adjustments)
For the serpentine belt: Just be sure to slightly loosen the 14mm idler-pulley nut before you adjust the 8mm adjustment rod. One turn of the adjustment rod should work well. Be sure to retighten the idler-pulley nut.
For the smaller belt that goes between the power-steering and waterpump, be sure to loosen the 12mm nut on the side before you adjust the 12mm nut on the threaded adjustment rod.
DO NOT overtighten the belts. Only tighten them enough to stop the squealing to avoid extra stress on the belts and bearings.
These adjustments use a normal (as opposed to a reverse) thread. We like to use this simple memory mnemonic to help you remember which way to turn light bulbs, nuts, bolts and other things that screw in and out:
"Righty-Tighty - Lefty-Loosey"
Making Nissan Sentra Serpentine Belt Adjustments
