Hello all. I have a 2011 with a squealing problem.
Things I have done to remedy the problem.
- Removed the serpentine belt and ran engine in order to determine if sound was inside the engine or out. No squealing with belt off, reinstalled belt, squeal is back.
- replaced belt. Noise gone but returned.
- Has new Upper and lower idlers and Tension Pulley.
- Replaced A/C clutch.

While running, I tried increasing and decreasing the tension on the Tension Pulley. Noticed the noise stop once less tension was applied by pulley on belt. So now what do I do? I am still unable to exactly pinpoint the source of the noise.

Please help.

 

I had this problem with my 2010 Maxima. In May of 22, I replaced the #7 idler pulley with one from a junkyard, this fix lasted about 1k miles. In Dec of 22 I had to replace the belt, (3rd time) the upper idler pulley and the tensioner assembly, that was at 185k miles. I'm not at 193k miles and no noise. My issue was that my pulleys were worn out and slightly out of alignment, which tweaked the belts until they made noise. Btw, when I had a shop fix it they charged me $525 dollars.

 

Thanks Maxgig. You mentioned that the pulleys where out of alignment. I didn't realize that the Idler pulleys or the tensioner where adjustable for alignment or did I read that wrong? Either way, is there a technique or reference I can use to check and adjust the belt/pulley alignment for my car?

Thanks

 

I used the term out of alignment loosely. There isn't any adjustments to be made to them mine were misaligned due to wear and tear and or mileage. There was a little bit of side to side play in them when I spun them in my hand due to the bearings wearing down over time and miles. The only solution is to replace them.

 

Thank you Maxgig for clarifying that. I seem to have fallen into an internet Rabbit Hole when it comes to finding a solution. I did read that there may be an alignment issue and that by adjusting the AC compressor, Alternator, etc might be a solution to the problem. That is why I wanted to clarify what you had said. I got under the car and checked the play in the idlers and tension pulley. There seems to be a little play in the tensioner. Ordered a replacement. Fingers crossed.

 

And as most of us have found, use an oem belt. Others tend to squeal more readily. Also, while your belt is off replacing pulleys, hit the ac, power steering and crank pulleys with a plastic brush and brake cleaner. If still squelling after that, the 2nd most prevelent cause of squeal is the power steering pump which is oh so fun to replace!

apologies for writing this at eye Dr.!!

 

Thank you LtLeary. I will do the pulley cleanup and hope for the best.