I just purchased another 4th generation Maxima SE,
as my second car (to an '04 Boxster)

Its a 5 speed with 109K miles.

Anyway, at idle, there is a high pitch squealing noise from the timing chain housing.... I have sprayed the belts, did not go away, if the RPM's are brought up, it goes away. ONLY hear it at idle. Its embarassing/loud enough to shut the engine down if idling in public....

Thanks for your help

Also looking for stock '98 SE, 16in wheels... Thanks!!!!!

 

There is a serp belt tensioner mounted against the front cover ... poss the bearing in that tensioner is failing.... I would loosen the tensioner and pull the serp belt off... start the car and see if the noise is still present... if it goes away replace the serp belt tensioner bearing... or the roller... if the noise is still there it may be in the timing chain drive.... that would blow.... good luck

 

I sure don't plan on getting into the timing chain... But if I have to, I guess I don't have much of a choice.

Thanks for your input!

 

Ive had the same prob. for about a year.. haven't fixed it yet.. Let me know how it goes!