Hello,

Hope there is someone familiar with this problem.I have a 1996 Nissan Maxima There is a high pitched noise that sounds like the power steering fluid is low. However, the fluid is up there. We have checked the alternator, the power steering unit and belt tension.

My son's friend drives a Maxima, '96 also, and it makes the same noise.

Has anyone heard of this and is there a solution?

Please help.

I dont have any experience with this problem but might want to check A/C compressor bearing.

Is it your speaker?

I have this same problem on my 96 maxima. I replaced the ps pump but its still there. I'm starting to think its the water pump. You can hear it sound louder and faster when reving the motor. I know it's coming from the pulley area. I pulled the wheel off and I can really hear it loud. I have been reading the FSM with no help as to find the problem.

My money's on the A/C compressor.

I seen on another thread that the same problem was fixed by replacing the water pump. I'm leaking coolant by the water pump/thermostat area. I went ahead and bought a water pump and thermostat because I bet that they have never been replaced in the car's 180k mile lifetime. I also hit all the pulley's with a little wd40 to see if the sound would quiet up any with no luck. I will be upset if it's the ac compressor as this car has Ice cold dew! I find it odd how the water pump is tucked away in the timing cover. I can't fathom how the weep hole bypasses from contaminating the oil with coolant. That and the fsm is not helping me find any troubleshooting info.

jack up the front end

put it on stands

block the rear wheels

take your largest screw driver(preferably something about 16+" long)

put the handle of the screwdriver to your ear(while plugging your other ear) and the flat/philips head on the alternator, AC compressor, power steering pump, and lower engine block.

you will hear the high pitched noise resonate thru the handle of the screwdriver on the accessory that has the problem

peace out

p.s. DO YOU HAVE A SUPERCHARGER THAT YOUR NOT TELLING US ABOUT, LOL!!??

Sounds like a crappy supercharger! I just remembered I have a automotive stethoscope! Finding it in my cluttered garage might take a while.

If you're leaking coolant, the water pump could be the cause. Coolant on the belts will lead to squealing (and probably premature belt degradation).

Although anything is possible, the water pump leaks I have seen are"large" not just a little leak or drip. You might look closely at your hoses.

I pulled and checked the hoses. They are good.

Best way to locate the noise source is to use a mechanic's stethoscope. You can get one from Harbor Freight for @ $10, or just use the screwdriver method. I've had similar problem before: -99 I30 (similar to Maxima)-replaced idler pulley on alternator -97 Q45-replaced belt tensioner

Good LuckRod

Ok, I changed the water pump and thermostat. The sound went from a 10 to a 2 and no more coolant leak. I heard it takes some heat cycles for this kind of water pump to break in. It was truly a PITA to swap water pumps! I could of swapped 4 water pumps on my 240 in the time it took for this 1. At first the sound was still there. Then after the motor warmed up and I reved it up some, it almost went away.

Yeah, sideways engine bays are kind of a pain for that kind of stuff. Oh well. You get used to it. Or learn to swear a lot. Or both.

No more leaks?

Fixed? Yes, no leaks. I can still hear some sound. I guess for $800 for a 96 maxima, you gonna run into some problems.

Just guessing, but the noise could be from the timing chain guides.I am planning on changing them out along with the timing chainand other chains when my water pump goes out.(notice i said "plans"