2002 Nissan Maxima noises from the engine

VDANIANA

MEMBER
2002 NISSAN MAXIMA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
84,000 MILES

My car sounds like it is growling or whining, I consulted several people. One said it was my alternator and pulley belt and that it was urgent to get them replaced. While another said it was just a belt and nothing to worry about. If it is my alternator what is a reasonable price to pay for the repairs? How do I know which is correct?

1 Reply

OBXAUTOMEDIC

MECHANIC
3,711 POSTS

Hello,

Here is what you do.

With a can of spray lube (wd40 or similar) handy open the hood find the alternator and spray behind the pulley. Start the vehicle if noise is gone for short time then bearings are going bad and you will need to replace it.

If noise is still present turn off vehicle. Then if you can get to the back side of the alternator spray the center of it there may or may not have a cap covering the rear bearing but spray it the best you can. Start vehicle if noise is gone for short time then you need an alternator.

If noise is still present turn vehicle off find the Idler Pulley it is the pulley to the left of the alternator. Spray ceenter bolt, start vehicle if noise is gone replace pulley.

Post findings here in forum.

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