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The squealing is usually the belt slipping on the pulley. With the engine running rub a bar of soap on the side of the belt. You may have to get under car for the alternator belt. Give it at least 20 seconds. Even bad squealing will go away for a few weeks with application of soap. This will tell you which belt is the problem. You can also try spraying water on the pullies one by one but not as effective.
1. loose, damaged, or wrong belt (belts should not have more than half inch of deflection)
2. glazed belt or pulley(sand pulley and belt)
3. oil or liquid leaking on belt( drive shaft seal, water pump weep hole)
5. alternator bearings shot(idle goes down when interior heater on; squeals when interior heater turned on)
6. power steering pump shot(does turning make noise worse)
7. Idler pulley
8. fan clutch shot Fan Clutch
9. water pump shot
10. radiator blocked??? not sure about that one
11. pulley out of alignment(straight edge metal ruler)
I bought a ten dollar stethoscope which helps you determine if noise is coming from alternator, water pump, power steering pump
Modified by vancouverbc at 1:54 AM 2/4/2009
Modified by vancouverbc at 1:59 PM 1/9/2010
1989-1998 240sx TUTORIALS
Factory service manuals 3
Factory service manuals BEST
Factory service manual2
Factory service manual 1989
Old FAQ
INSTALLS
Pictures of parts
