Horrific noise on start up

loldiges · Jul 18th, 2007, 01:50 AM

I have a 2002 Altima with about 86K miles. Over the past couple of years it has developed an awful noise when I start it after it has sat overnight or several hours. It only last about a second and sounds like the engine is revving really loud (but it's not). I took it in today to get a tune up, etc. and asked him to listen to it since the car was there overnight and he was sure to hear it. His thoughts were that it had something to do with the tensioner and said the chain was kinking. He is very knowledgeable and I am sure he is right. However, he said he could not do the work because it would require specific Nissan stuff and the front of the engine would have to be removed. Does anyone have other ideas or insight on the problem?? How much is this going to cost me??

So sad

Laurie

fivetears · Jul 25th, 2007, 11:50 PM

This is the procedural data I have on my '03

Removal and Installation of Drive Belt Auto-tensioner

REMOVAL

Remove the front RH engine side cover.
Remove the drive belt.
Keep the drive belt auto-tensioner pulley held back with a tool such as a short-length screwdriver.
Remove the alternator.
Remove the drive belt auto-tensioner, with power tool.
INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION: Install the drive belt auto-tensioner carefully so not to damage the water pump pulley.

I didn't see anything about pulling an engine.

There's a NTB on the job too.
Reference:
NTB03-106

Date:
November 12, 2003

QR25 ENGINE: DRIVE BELT AUTO-TENSIONER
SERVICE CAUTION

APPLIED VEHICLES:
2002 - 2004 Altima (L31)

If the Auto-Tensioner on an Applied Vehicle requires replacement:

^ The complete Auto-Tensioner must be replaced as a unit, including the pulley.

^ Do not swap the pulley between the new and old Auto-Tensioner units.

The factory installation of the pulley attachment bolt is a one-time threading operation.

The bolt "self-taps" into the auto-tensioner, and the reused threads may not maintain the re-tightened torque.

Removal and re-installation of the attachment bolt is not a Nissan approved procedure.

An '03 serpentine belt runs $15.92.

I'd call Nissan and price the job.

Good Luck.