Engine squeaking

[livinglegend2100]

About a month ago I picked up a 2012 3.5SR 6mt for a work beater. She's a high miler at 213k, but was well taken care of for the most part. I've been picking away at some items that were in need of service the last couple weeks to bring it up to snuff. Belt/tensioner/idlers, power steering pump was leaking, some cosmetic items that were bothering me, etc. I've had a pile of nissans and a couple Infinitis over the years and im pretty familiar with the various VQs, but this one is giving me an issue I haven't encountered yet.

The issue:
There's a squeaking noise coming from presumably the timing area of the engine. It's non-existent at idle, but comes on as the rpms climb. Initially I thought it was the powersteering pump since it was leaking out the front seal so I was going to replace that regardless, but I just got the pump in earlier today (bit of a PITA by the way... who mounts a pump like that in a transverse engine..?), and the squeak is still there. Upon closer inspection while I had my wife give it some rpm, I think its something internal. From what I've gathered so far, it could possibly be either the water pump or the chain tensioner. Maybe VVT assembly? I'm honestly not sure, and am trying to establish whether it's even safe to drive currently. I'd hate for it to be a timing issue and have my pistons/valves become intimate with each other... I'll include a video assuming the quality doesn't get butchered uploading.

Thanks in advance.

This is hovering around 2.5k to 3k rpm

https://youtube.com/shorts/p8EYcRSkg50

[VStar650CL]

It's a dry bearing for sure, and tensioners don't make that sort of noise. Typically they make a "mad bumblebee" noise at idle which turns into a high-pitched whine at higher RPM's. VVT hardware never really makes noise at all unless something is coming apart, and that would be some sort of clatter, not a squeal. I'd be pretty confident it's your water pump.

[livinglegend2100]

It's a dry bearing for sure, and tensioners don't make that sort of noise. Typically they make a "mad bumblebee" noise at idle which turns into a high-pitched whine at higher RPM's. VVT hardware never really makes noise at all unless something is coming apart, and that would be some sort of clatter, not a squeal. I'd be pretty confident it's your water pump.

Yeah that's what I was afraid of since I just had that side torn apart for the PS pump and belt/tensioner/pulleys... lol. I really dislike wrenching on transverse engines. Is there any truth to being able to finesse the water pump out without removing the timing cover? I saw one video that mentioned being able to slack the chain and get the pump out through the access cover, but every other scenario has people pulling the timing cover off to replace it. Feel that may be the better option anyway so I can check the tensioner and guides at the same time. Other than the squeak it runs well and quiet, but 213k miles is 213k miles no matter how you look at it..

[VStar650CL]

Is there any truth to being able to finesse the water pump out without removing the timing cover?

Yep. Complete instructions here starting on CO-43. It isn't easy, but it's doable:
https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual ... 2%2FCO.pdf

[livinglegend2100]

Is there any truth to being able to finesse the water pump out without removing the timing cover?

Yep. Complete instructions here starting on CO-43. It isn't easy, but it's doable:
https://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual ... 2%2FCO.pdf

Right on, thanks

[VStar650CL]

[livinglegend2100]

Update: fixed. Water pump was not the culprit. Turns out it was a combination of the new powersteering pump and belt tensioner. Im guessing it was like this when I purchased the car last month, but one of the brackets to mount the PS pump was bent causing the pulley to be misaligned with the rest of the belt system. the stress was actually pulling the new tensioner back at an angle towards the engine. straightened bracket / new tensioner and the noise is gone. Gotta love it

[VStar650CL]

Misalignment will tear up bearings in a hurry, I bet that poor tensioner was screaming. Glad to hear you got out easy, good job!