Have a 2004 nissan sentra, which I bought used in 2006.
In the last few months, I have noticed that when I start it, there is
a squealing noise from the front of the car. It lasts in the minute
or so it takes for me to drive out of my apt building garage -- the
squeals continue when I make turns. After I hit the highway and the
car warms up, the squealing stops.
I'm guessing it's a pretty basic problem; what is it? Thank you.
Trevor Smith - 09 Feb 2008 08:46 GMT
On 9 Feb, 07:18, tarkanian.1.ra...@spamgourmet.com wrote:
> x-no-archive: yes
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> I'm guessing it's a pretty basic problem; what is it? Thank you.
It sounds like you need to get your alternator belt tightened.
Trevor Smith
HLS - 09 Feb 2008 13:00 GMT
> x-no-archive: yes
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> I'm guessing it's a pretty basic problem; what is it? Thank you.
I think Trevor is right that it is probably a slipping belt you are hearing.
Tightening may be possible, or it may not.
Some cars have tensioners to control the tightness of serpentine belts,
and further tightening may not be an option.
If the belt is wet with oil or water, or if the contact surface is shiny
and/or
cracked, you will need to replace it.
In some cases, the tensioners lose their strength and they may have to be
replaced.
Gib Bogle - 09 Feb 2008 21:05 GMT
>> x-no-archive: yes
>>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>> squeals continue when I make turns. After I hit the highway and the
>> car warms up, the squealing stops.
Look at my earlier post "Presea camshaft lubrication". I had exactly
the same squealing noise problem on my Nissan Presea (this may have a
different model name in the US). Like you, I assumed it was a minor
belt problem, although my attempt to tighten the belt didn't have any
effect. Luckily my wife by chance encountered a mechanic who heard the
noise and told her it was a serious engine problem. I was very
sceptical but he turned out to be right. Removing the valve cover (a 5
minute job) showed the extreme wear occurring on one camshaft, as a
result of inadequate lubrication. I suggest you do this, because
leaving it unattended could have serious consequences. As part of the
repair the mechanic flushed the engine to get rid of all the metal
particles. He also changed over to semi-synthetic oil (10w40).
tarkanian.1.rahim@spamgourmet.com - 11 Feb 2008 22:04 GMT
> > <tarkanian.1.ra...@spamgourmet.com> wrote in message
> >news:018ca8ef-34c5-4bb1-88ea-cd9a2b99001a@q77g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> repair the mechanic flushed the engine to get rid of all the metal
> particles. He also changed over to semi-synthetic oil (10w40).
that's a very alarming story i hope that the probability is too low
for it to affect my car.
Nicholas - 11 Feb 2008 22:46 GMT
>> > <tarkanian.1.ra...@spamgourmet.com> wrote in message
>> >news:018ca8ef-34c5-4bb1-88ea-cd9a2b99001a@q77g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>that's a very alarming story i hope that the probability is too low
>for it to affect my car.
I've been running _only_ synthetic (either Mobil 1 or Pennzoil
Platinum 5W-20) and my engine is happy. Because I live where it is
sub-zero Farenheit, I don't like the idea of gelled motor oil in my
engine until it heats up. For the couple of extra dollars, I can't
think of a better way to prevent unnecessary engine wear.
For people who live in warmer climates, I guess it isn't an issue, but
I live *up North,* and it -definitely- is an issue. It goes below
zero here quite often.
Steve W. - 09 Feb 2008 16:47 GMT
> x-no-archive: yes
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> I'm guessing it's a pretty basic problem; what is it? Thank you.
Sounds like a bad belt or the tensioner assembly is going bad.

Signature
Steve W.
Near Cooperstown, New York
Life is not like a box of chocolates
it's more like a jar of jalapenos-
what you do today could burn your a.s tomorrow!
N8N - 09 Feb 2008 17:54 GMT
On Feb 9, 2:18 am, tarkanian.1.ra...@spamgourmet.com wrote:
> x-no-archive: yes
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> I'm guessing it's a pretty basic problem; what is it? Thank you.
Are you leaving the A/C or defrost engaged when you stop/start the
car? Does it still squeal if you turn it off?
I agree with the other posters that it is a belt issue, but leaving
the A/C compressor clutch engaged doesn't help.
nate
tarkanian.1.rahim@spamgourmet.com - 09 Feb 2008 19:01 GMT
> Are you leaving the A/C or defrost engaged when you stop/start the
> car? Does it still squeal if you turn it off?
>
> I agree with the other posters that it is a belt issue, but leaving
> the A/C compressor clutch engaged doesn't help.
Thanks to all of you for your input.
Huh, I do always turn on the defrost. I'll have to start while leaving
it off first and see how it sounds. Hadn't thought of that.