Engine Squealing!!!

hurasame · Dec 10th, 2007, 03:44 AM

I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE and during start up, I get this loud squealing sound. I've had this squealing sound before 2 years ago which was the first time. I've had my belts replaced about 9 months ago because they were cracked and the dealer told me that it could probably be the belts. Now the squealing sound is back and even louder. Can the cold weather have anything to do with this? I've had people told me to buy "belt dressing" to maybe help but that didn't work. I've heard that it could also be the pulley's but I don't know. Anyone else have this problem?? Any input is appreciated. I plan on going for a service check-up anyway in a week. I would like to have as much information on this before I head to the dealer... Thanks

jerryp58 · Dec 10th, 2007, 05:56 AM

Best to Worst:

1. Belt(s) needs to be tightened
2. Belt(s) needs to be replaced
3. Tensioner Pulley(s) needs to be replaced
4. Accessory (Power Steering, Alternator, AC Compressor) bearing is bad and that accessory(s) needs to be replaced
5. Water pump bearing is bad and the WP needs to be replaced

cakedaddy · Dec 10th, 2007, 12:51 PM

#3 was the first to pop in my head. You can probably spray this area with a silicone base product to easy the noise, but it will return, but atleast you can identify the problem if you notice this squeal(sp) goes away even for a minute. My previous pathfinder squealed(sp) at startup, but soon went away after I hit 3k rpm. Later I got the alt pulley replaced.

I say located the alt pulley and spray it and then you can began to inquire about it at your dealer/mechanic

**88pathoffroad** · Dec 10th, 2007, 11:05 PM

Your harmonic balancer has slipped. You need a new one before it disintegrates and spins the outer ring off and into something else. o.o The squeal is caused by the outer ring of the balancer spinning against the rubber/poly separator material in the balancer due to separation of the parts.

This is actually getting to be a common complaint from '00-'03 owners AFAIK.

jerryp58 · Dec 11th, 2007, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

The squeal is caused by the outer ring of the balancer spinning against the rubber/poly separator material in the balancer due to separation of the parts.

Wow! That one would qualify for "Worster".

paddymack · Jan 3rd, 2008, 12:58 PM

I have a 2004 Nissan Frontier V6 SC that has chronic belt squealing during cold starts in the morning. I've had the belt replaced a few times and the dealership says they've checked all the pulleys. The warranty will be expiring soon so I'm pretty frustrated with this vehicle. When they replace the serpentine belt the issue goes away for 6 months or so.

sfm432 · Apr 30th, 2009, 03:14 PM

Boy, this is driving me crazy too! Glad to hear I am not the only person out there. Here is what I did:
1) Tried Belt Lubricant (Stop Squeal). Seemed to work for a day.
2) Had belts replaced twice within 18 months, as thats what the dealer said the problem was. Still not fixed
3) I live in Chicago. The squeal started happeing once it got colder (under 50 degrees). Lived through the embarassment each day as I would take off froma light.

Then, I cam across a something. I was driving one cold morning and had my lights, radio, heater and rear defroster on. As the truck started to squeal, I just happened to turn my rear-window defroster off. The squeal stopped. I turned the defroster back on at stop light, and the squeal started again. I turned off all accesories, and the squeal stopped totally!

Somehow, some way, I beleive that this thing is tied into the alternator. I don't know how, but hopefully this information will spark more conversation about it. My extended warranty is up in 6 months and would like to get something concrete when I go tell the dealership to fix my truck.