I have a 97 SE with 57000 miles on it and the belts have started to sqeek (compressor, alternator etc.) until the car gets to the normal operating temp. (I am checking in the daylight tomorrow for any cracking or glazing) What do you all think?

 

I used to spray on my old 86 Sentra with belt spray from Kragen. Too long time ago to remember how well it helped. I think it's like a temperary fix.

 

Just found a similar post from a few days ago, seemed to be the same problem, there were different diagnosises such as starter motor being greased to changing the belts. I am wondering if I should go ahead and change the belts. (I have no idea how the car was maintained and how old the belts were before I got it back in February)

 

My 98 Maxima SE has 51,000 on it and it squeeks when I start it but only when its wet outside. It last for a while then disappears. When I go for my 60k tune Ill have it checked and/or replaced.

 

I have in the past put some ajax or comet powder on them for a quick fix. But, recently I replaced them, so I no longer have the problem.

 

I have the exact same problem and I posted about it like last week. It's not just a squeak, my car squeals.. I have 61k miles, part of the 60k reccomended maintenance is checking the belts for signs of wear. I examined them as good as i can and they seem to be in great condition, I know people change belts anyways because they are pretty cheap, so why not... But I know a lot of the time they just tighten them up if they are a little loose. I heard if they are loose they slip around and cause the squeak. My car does this for a while, even when I reach operating temp, it still squeals until I drive like 10-15 minutes with the car operating at normal temp... I will tighten them up tomorrow and see if that helps. I listened for the noise, at first it sounded like the noise was coming straight from the alternator and I got scared, now I am not sure, but I think one of the pulleys is making that noise, it is also shaking so it could be it. I greased it and the sound kind of went away, then it came back after like 5-6 starts.

 

How hard is replacing them? How much did it cost you? Use Nissan parts??

 

I used Nissan belts & they cost under $30 for both of them. Not too hard to replace. Go here to get more help
http://integra.vtec.net/geeser/megamax/60k_service.html
Just remember that when it says "Loosen the bolt so that you can lower the power steering pump. There is a bolt on the other end of the threads that you can't see. That bolt will lower the pump." keep turning on the bolt to drop the pump, do not try to push it down after just loosing it up a bit.

 

Yes, I found your post after I posted. I checked the belts this morning and they look fine. I had a oil change today and had them check them also and they say they are ok (I believe them because they do belts also and would have wanted to change them anyway as in more money for them!!) I had them spray some lube on them so we will see what happens. I am almost due for 60k service anyway. . .

 

i got mine replaced about 2 weeks ago for 50 bucks, pretty cheap considering the other places i called and people wanted upto 170 dollars.....but after i replaced them, i still hear squeeking noise in the belts, but just when i start my car and it stops after that, does anyone know why its doin that??

anu

 

Be careful when tightening the belts.. I have a porsche tool for timing belts that tests tension.. After my brother changed his UDP he put new belts on.. I tensioned to the correct tension and there was noise.. I tighted a slight more and it went away.. He then go his belts wet doing god know what and there was noise again.. I checked tension and it was already higher then normal.. I told him to buy a new belt but he wanted to tighten.. I told him he would break something but he tightened anyway.. the next day his A/C quit because he damaged its bearings.. Moral is being cheap gets you SCREWED!!! change the freakin belt.. $12 is much cheaper the a $250 A/C compressor or $100 PS pump or damn if you screw up you water pump a $450 head gasket job.. plus you will still need that new $12 belt..

 

If you decide to change the belts yourself or through a garage ask for the better quality belt. There are differences in the quality of belts. The best belts on the market are Gates belts. You can find them at carquest and O'reillys. Auto Zone and pepboys have junk.
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