If I have not driven my Max for a day or two, there is a loud squealing noise that may last for 30 seconds to a minute. If I give it some gas and increase the RPM's it stops. If I stop to run an errand and start it after 30 minutes or so there is no noise.
I have applied belt dressing but the noise continues.
Could there be a problem with the idler pulley? Do I need new belts or do I just need to tighten the adjustment?

 

I'd guess either the belt is deteriorating/stretching, or the alternator came loose in its bracket. You either need a new belt(s), or you need to re-position the alternator and re-tighten. Good luck.

 

i had the same problem after replacing my belts. if you tighten the idler pulley, the noise will stop. after tightening, you might hear a grinding sound instead when starting the engine (cold start only), that means you'll idler pulley's bearings are either worn or loose. the idler pulley cost around $35 at the dealer. you should replace if you hear the grinding sound.

jhlee

 

I had the same problem too, check your steering fluid level, you might need to add some. That helped a bit, but later the squeling came back. Its probably time for you to replace your belts.

 

Replaced the belts and the noise is gone. The old belts had not cracks but the groves were worn to a "V" shape. The new belts have notched groves, no "V" shape. Thanks to everyone for their immput.

 

Did you do it yourself? If so, was it hard?
If you had the dealer install it, what do they charge for labor?

 

Did you do it yourself? If so, was it hard?
If you had the dealer install it, what do they charge for labor?

Yes, I did it myself. I got the belts from Carquest which provides belts by Gates. With tax the total for the two belts was $30 and change. My guess is a dealer would charge double that for the belts. You might call your local dealer and ask for a price quote just to change your belts.
I thought it was hard because you have to jack up the car, remove the passenger front tire, remove the splash guard, and then start to replace the belts. There are several threads that show links on how to replace the belts. I spent a lot of time trying to get to the nut towards the center of the car on the power steering unit. The large belt is easy. Next time around it will be easier. If you have the time, and some tools, it is definitely doable at home.

 

the power steering close to the center of the engine. I am having problems getting to it.

thanks

 

regarding:
the power steering close to the center of the engine. I am having problems getting to it.

thanks

If I remember correctly it is a 14mm on the back of the power steering unit which must be loosened before using the adjusting nuts towards the wheel well. I could reach the nut with a socket and small 3/8 rachet. The problem was I could not loosen it with out using a breaker bar and or a "cheater pipe" over my rachet. It might be worth buying a 14mm swivel socket.

Regarding someone else's question about cost, I just called my local Nissan dealer and was quoted $70 labor to change the belts. With them providing the parts (belts) and labor, the total was $113.

 

Sounds like a PITA to do it yourself! I'll probably go with the dealer, despite being paranoid about them messing with something else. Called them today and it's $100 including parts/labor.