Parts for your 2017 Nissan Serena-Drive belt tensioner

Understanding the Drive Belt Tensioner on the 2017 Nissan Serena

The 2017 Nissan Serena is a popular multi-purpose vehicle known for its reliability and practicality. When it comes to the components under the bonnet, one part that often comes up in discussions about vehicle maintenance is the drive belt tensioner. But is this component relevant to the 2017 Nissan Serena? According to technical sources and OEM specifications, the 2017 Nissan Serena does indeed use a drive belt tensioner as part of its accessory drive system.

The drive belt tensioner is an integral component in many modern vehicles, including the 2017 Nissan Serena. Its primary job is to maintain the correct tension on the serpentine or accessory belt. This belt powers essential components such as the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump. Without the tensioner doing its job, the belt could slip, resulting in poor performance of these accessories or even a breakdown.

In the 2017 Nissan Serena, the drive belt tensioner is typically a spring-loaded or hydraulic device mounted on the engine block. It presses against the belt to hold it taut, compensating for any belt stretch or wear over time. This automatic tension adjustment helps ensure that the belt runs smoothly over pulleys, minimising noise and maximising the lifespan of both the belt and the components it drives.

Having a functioning drive belt tensioner is crucial for the proper operation of the vehicle. Should it fail or wear out, several symptoms may arise:

• Squealing or chirping noises from the engine bay.
• Visible belt slack or misalignment.
• Reduced effectiveness of accessories like the alternator or air conditioning.
• Potential premature wear of the drive belt itself.

When servicing a 2017 Nissan Serena, mechanics often inspect the drive belt tensioner along with the drive belt itself. Because the tensioner is usually made up of a pulley, spring mechanism and sometimes dampers, it can suffer from wear, corrosion, or loss of tension over time. It's a common maintenance task to replace the tensioner during a belt change or when any symptoms of failure are detected.

Replacement or maintenance of the drive belt tensioner on the 2017 Nissan Serena typically involves these steps:

1. Remove the engine cover (if fitted) to access the belt and tensioner.
2. Use the appropriate tool, often a ratchet or breaker bar, to relieve tension by rotating the tensioner pulley arm.
3. Slip the drive belt off the pulleys and remove it.
4. Inspect the tensioner pulley for smooth rotation and check for any play or noise.
5. If the pulley or tensioner is worn, remove the mounting bolts and replace the tensioner with a new OEM or high-quality replacement part.
6. Refit the new or inspected tensioner and route the belt over the pulleys following the belt routing diagram usually found under the bonnet or in the owner's manual.
7. Apply tension by releasing the tensioner arm slowly, ensuring the belt sits correctly on all pulleys.
8. Double-check belt alignment and tension before starting the engine.

Routine inspection of the drive belt tensioner is recommended at each scheduled service or roughly every 60,000 to 100,000 kilometres depending on the usage and driving conditions. Vehicles like the Nissan Serena, which are often used as family or people movers, benefit from this preventive maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Ignoring the drive belt tensioner can lead to drive belt failure, which in turn can cause loss of power steering, alternator charge and air conditioning - all of which can be inconvenient and even dangerous. For the 2017 Nissan Serena owner looking after their vehicle's longevity and reliability, keeping an eye on the drive belt tensioner is a wise move.

For those who prefer a DIY approach, it's important to have the right tools and a good understanding of the belt routing and tensioner operation before attempting a drive belt or tensioner replacement. Otherwise, a professional Nissan mechanic or an experienced auto technician is the best option to ensure the job is done right.

Ultimately, the drive belt tensioner is a small yet critical part that quietly keeps things running smoothly on the 2017 Nissan Serena. Regular maintenance and timely replacement can save time, money and hassle down the track, helping to keep this versatile vehicle on the road for years to come.