DOM

I tried changing both serpentine belts this past weekend but I couldn't undo the tensioner bolt that is horizontal to the ground because I couldn't find a tool long enough to reach it through the wheel well. Any recommendations on how you reached it and the tool?

So I changed the larger, easier to reach belt. When the car starts up, the belt looks fine and tight enough like the other unchanged belt. Now though when I turn on my car for a split second it sounds like a bird squealing for a split second. If I turn off my car and then turn it back on after the car has been warmed up, I won't hear the squeal. When the engine is running regularly, everything looks fine and there is no belt squeals.

Any ideas?

00Lightsout

tighten the belt. if you've got a 5th gen you should only have ONE serpentine belt.

2kmax865

Try tighting the tensoner a quarter turn more. I run into the same problem after changing mine. I'm trying to find a long 12mm wrench so I can change the P/S belt.

twiggy144

My 2003 shop manual states the engine has a separate belt for the power steering pump.

Phantom-V

yup, tighten your belt. i just had the same problem when i change my alternator. Just keept tightening it until you find that sweet spot.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

You're both right. They're both technically serpentine belts. The smaller one simply powers the power steering system.

rroderiques77

iTrader: (45)

You are both wrong. They are both serpentine belts. One drives the alternator/AC and the other drives the P/S.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpentine_belt

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

Meh, potayto, potahto.

rroderiques77

iTrader: (45)

CMax03

iTrader: (3)

Really??? I've had a 00 and I presently have a 1990 and 2003 and they're all equipped with 2 serpentine belts.....You sure you're looking at a Maxima? Just tighten up your belt or belts and you'll be fine....it's hard to believe you actually made a thread on this....

Lontar1

iTrader: (5)

2 serpentine belts, one easier to install than the other... just tighten until it stops making noises.

onewheelmik

I had the same problem but then my alternator froze and belt snapped. Might want a pro to take a look at it

deathmagic

is the timing belt beneath the engine in a 2000 maxima?

Stereodude

Based on my experience you need fairly short ratcheting box wrenches.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

Remove the wheel and splash guard - same splash guard you use to get to the oil filter. A standard sized 14 mm wrench will do.

djfrestyl

iTrader: (89)

No, it's not.