I just bought a maxima 2002 vq35 6 speed from a city 400 miles away from where I live the car drove perfect on the test drive and I checked it out no leaks get good gas mileage so its not burning oil with 60,000 miles.

When I got home a noticed a scraping noise from the front left tire when I brake and turn the steering wheel.

and squeeking noise from the engine at idle (a belt I prosume)

any insight on what these might be will be gratefully appreciated.

I am taking the car to my mechanic on Sunday but I need to drive around on saturday and was wondering if any of this was dangerous.

 

that scraping noise is probably your brakes... i say replace your brakes and your belt and you're good to go... those problems don't sound serious enough to regret purchasing the car

as far as the oil burning issue... i dont know cause i don't have a 3.5.. but you may not notice that until you've driven the car for about a month or so based on other members' testimonies

 

I hope that all I will have to do, thanks for the response

 

no prob.. you might not even have to replace the belt.. check it to make sure it's the correct tension because that can caust a squeal also

 

do you get the noise when you brake normally? or is it always strictly, while braking and turning?

 

since the car has 60K miles, I would recommend changing the belts. if you look, they are probably cracked.

 

scraping noise? Brake dust shield.

 

.......

 

Org vice squad saves the day again!

 

Scraping noise might also be a wheel bearing. If you take it in to your mechanic ask him to check for that, unless he's a typical mechanic if you mention a problem he'll find 15 ways to screw you...

 

Good point. Lift up your car and try to wiggle the wheel - if there's play, its your bearing.

 

Cool guys thanks, the mechanic is a buddy of mine so he wont screw me, but I love this org always helpful, thanks guys

 

So, Fyi for everybody got the car looked at and it the belt needs to be tightened and I need to change the bearing on the right front wheel

 

Welcome to the 5th gen family!

I would suggest that you go through a full fluid change (engine and transmission) and do the typical maintenance thats needed on a car of that age and milage.

Good luck with the new car!

 

maxima.org saves the day once again

 

@ what mileage are you advised to change belts? I didnt think it was that early...

 

so a FULL fluid change is only the engine oil and tranny fluid
pretty sure there are other fluids in the car

 

P/S fluid, break fluid, engine oil, ATF, all belts, check breaks...i think daz it...

 

The driver side wheel bearing seems to not last very long. I just got an '03 two weeks ago, and mine had to be replaced too under warranty from the previous owner at around 55K.

I too am monitoring my oil levels every few days for the dreaded engine oil burning problem. So far so good, though the ATF dipstick is just ashard to read as the oil dipstick.