I have this ennoying squeeling sound when I start the car and the sound is like heeeeeeekkkkkkk (but pretty high) and last for one or two seconds. What could be the problem? I've searched and found lot of stuff but it has so many things about belts and pulley and everything that I don't really understand. Thx for the help.

 

Huumm....I'd like some help please. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

Is the noise coming from the passenger side of car? If so it's the belts slipping. The noise you are hearing are the belts slipping on the pullies. This means it's time to replace or tighten the belts. The maxima has two accesory drive belts. One for the power steering and the other for the alternator and AC compressor.

 

Thx for replying. I don't really know which side the sound come from cause didn't have time to check it out closely cause from the inside of the car, I can't really hear from where it's coming. I was thinking that a belt was loose but don't know how to tighten it. Can you give me some instructions? And how many belts are there that could be the source of this noise? cause I'm not sure which belt it is and don't want to mess up a belt that was okay.

 

hoe old r your belts?

 

I bought the car used so I didn't ask the seller that question but can it be since 95? Would a belt last that long cause I'm nopt sure if he changed the belts.

 

I get a squeeling sound when doing cold weather starts - searching on this forum and reading all the responses, I believe it is my starter - search the forum using keywords "starters" and or "donkey sound" and you'll get a bunch of posts with symptoms, causes, and even fixes.

This site is great for non techies like me. I used to freak out with the squeeling noise but not anymore. The fix may involve just greasing the starter.

It should only happen in cold weather starts after the car has been sitting for a while (overnight).

 

If the car was serviced by the dealer, they usually don't change them unless they need to be changed. They said they've heard of some factory belts lasting 100K miles. I personally would just change them in the spring. Check for any signs of cracking and wear.

Hope this helps!

-fnny

 

open the hood and have someone stand outside while you start it.....if its passenger side its belts or tension pulley, if its driver side its the starter. the grease in the starter dries out and will squeel if its cold outside and the car has cooled off (like 35 or colder). it can be regreased or replaced.

 

this is a common problem with 4th gens

i replaced my started twice and got rid of it

the mechanic said something about a pendeflex, or somthing?

im not really too good with cars, but im sure its the same problem, more in cold then warm weather

its embarassing

 

I had that problem and it was simply a loose alternator belt

 

And if it's a belt that is loose, How do I tighten it?

 

As I said earlier there are two belts. One for the power steering and one for the alternator and AC compressor. I can only explain to you how to adjust the alternator and AC compressor belt. For the power steering belt adjustment there's a bolt behind the power steering pump that must be loosened. There is no way for me to accurately tell you where this bolt is. I found a picture by searching the org.

The adjuster for the AC/alternator belt is on the passenger side of the vehicle. It's a little bit below but infront of the passenger engine mount. The adjuster nut is a gold colored shaft and if you look closey is connected to the adjuster pulley.

Loosen passenger side lugnuts
Safely raise and support vehicle
Remove wheel
Remove splashguard
Loosen (do not remove) the center bolt on the adjuster pulley (if nothing is happening loosen center bolt on the pulley mmore)
Adjust belt tension from the adjuster nut.
When the belt is adjusted correctly retighten center bolt for pulley
Replace splashguard
Install wheel and tighten the lugnuts to spec

If belts are cracked or frayed replace ASAP.

 

 

And what if it's the starter the problem? Got to bring it to the garage and change it? If so, how much could that be? and how much for the garage to tighten the belt cause it looks a little complicated for me this lil' write up but thx anyway.

 

and here is something else to try:

touch the belt pull it and try to rock it. if it's loose you'll probably feel it.

or just start the engine and look at it. if it's shaking around it's loose. you can also try some gunk belt dressing. it's like rubber belt polish glue and it's supposed to stop minor slippage. been using it for a few months and am very happy with the results.

 

I'd say less than $50.