2004 Nissan Pathfinder My Belts Make Noise

KIMATHIGS

MEMBER
2004 NISSAN PATHFINDER
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
76,000 MILES

Hi there, about 18 months ago I took the car to the dealer because of a loud belt noise and they said all the belts were bad and needed changing. They changed then and all was well for awhile.

about 5 months later, they started squeaking loudly again and I went back to the dealer about 3 months after the squeaking started. They said there was an oil leak on the belts and they needed changing again.

Of course the squeaking started a few months later and when I again returned to the dealer, I was told that this model and year vehicle just has this problem and so the belts need changing once more. The service guy assured me that he had the same car and had the same problem. Again they changed the belts and within 3 weeks, there was the squeaking again. Its typically when I first start the car and EXTREMELY LOUD for about 3 minues then sofer until the car warms up, but then again periodically when I drive or turn the sheel. Now I went to another mechanic (a friend of a friend) and he tells me the belts are bad and need changing.

Can you guys tell me if something is wrong or am I just being taken for a ride.

Thanks

2 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

Thank you for the donation,

Belt squeal is one of the most annoying problems, now first you must understand why they squeal

1. Belt tension to loose.
2. Contaminate on belt causing slippage.
3. Worn or old belt that has started to fail and crack.
4. Belt misalignment.
5. Contaminant on pulleys and idlers, causing a grip problem.

Now what your mechanic must do is check all these and ensure that each is not a problem, also it is important to know that a new belt will stretch a little and re adjustment will be required after a few weeks, but after that there is normally no problems, and if it uses an automatic tensioner, they must make sure that it is with in the tension limits and when the new belt settles in the tensioner can still apply correct tension to the belt under normal load conditions, remember when the alternator or power steering is working hard the tension will still need to be able to cope with this added load.

Mark (mhpautos)