I have a 1997 Altima with 115,000 miles (not really a lot). I do my own
light maintenance (front brakes, oil and filter changes, spark plugs, cap
and rotor, fuel and air filters, etc) and keep on top of it in that regard.

First, it seems in the past 3 years to burn through exhausts once per year.
I replaced the exhaust system (a $500 repair each time) two years in a row.
Why would it do that? I don't take short trips generally (I realize that
unburned condensation is the cause of much rust).

Second, very recently it has developed a squeal at idle (around 800 rpm)
from under the hood (I can't pin down exactly from where) that goes away
with a slight increase in RPMs. As soon as it settles down to idle again,
the squeal comes back.

I want to keep this car running for another couple of years but can't really
afford to dump a lot of money into it.

For your exhaust problem, where are you getting your exhaust replaced? Make
sure they use high quality Stainless Steel parts! Most Midas jobs are just
junk. OR make sure they offer the lifetime warranty.

As an aside, extra stress could be applied to your exhaust system if your
timing is retarded. It causes alot of extra heat on the pre-catalytic side
of the exhaust system.

As for the squeal, is it a squeal or a rattle? These cars are known for
timing chain rattle at low RPMs, there is a TSB for it. The solution is to
remove the upper timing chain guides. There is one on the top and one on the
right side of the upper timing chain assembly. I took them off on my 93
Altima and its like a brand new car.

PLUS while your in there, change the S-belt (about $30) and make sure its
tensioned properly, should address any other squeals that are there.

Good luck.
t

I am I wrote:
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Message posted via http://www.carkb.com

It's definitely a squeal.

"loewent via CarKB.com" <u10197@uwe> wrote

Also, about the exhaust. Yes, one was from Midas and the other from
Meinekee.

Where should I go to get a quality stainless system and not get raped over
it?


"I am I" <iami (AT) queensryche (DOT) net> wrote

my other car is a honda, i go to the dealer for parts. They offer a
Stainless Steel muffler for $120 lifetime warranty.

Any good muffler shop should be able to get good parts for you. Just don't
chince out and ask for the cheapest system. I think even Midas offers a
lifetime warranty system.

As far as the squeal goes, change the belt and tension correctly, that should
take care of it.

t

I am I wrote:
--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...ltima/200609/1

Someone else I asked said he thought it sounded like the bearing on the
Alternator. I guess if I have the belt off I might as well replace it, too.
What about the water pump? Is there anything else I should change while I'm
in there as preventive maintenance?

"loewent via CarKB.com" <u10197@uwe> wrote

Perhaps before you do the belt, check the pulleys for excessive noise from
the bearings. To do this you would need a mechanics stethoscope. I got mine
from the local surplus store for less than $5.

I am I wrote:
--
Message posted via CarKB.com
http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx...ltima/200609/1

I just replaced my idler pulley, it was squeeling until I revved the engine
as well. No visible sign until it actually backed off on the hwy.


"loewent via CarKB.com" <u10197@uwe> wrote