After replacing the timing chain, the harmonic balancer screeched loudly and started smoking, what would cause this?

QHULLBRII

MEMBER
2006 NISSAN MAXIMA
3.5L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
152,000 MILES

I did the timing chain and when I was putting everything back together I had trouble with the power pump back, but I got it and I put the belts on everything looked great, and when I started the car the car immediately and the harmonic balancer was screeching loud, and it went away, and it started smoking. I looked and I saw sparks so I quickly turned it off and I saw that the belt was all chewed up and broken. Now the power steering pump is locked up and I saw some little metal shavings I think that's from the tensioner pulley.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi,

Where did you see sparks? It sounds like one of the pulleys was rubbing something metal. Also, other than the power steering pump, are there any of the belt-driven accessories that have resistance when turning?

The idea that the noise stopped and then you saw smoke leads me to think that is when the pump fully locked causing the belt to burn.

Looking at the belt routing for this vehicle, it appears the power steering belt is separate from the serpentine belt. (See pic below) Is that correct? Also, could you take a few pictures of how it's mounted and upload it for me to see?

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)