Is it possible for the timing belt on a 97 J30 to go bad at 51,000?

[alexhho]

Every time when I first start my car after the engine has cool, I get an immediate start, followed by a drop of rpm to around 500 for a split second until the computer adjusted the rpm to the right setting for the egine not to shut off. Today, I had my door open when I started the car and heard a squeaking sound, high pitch, right before the adjustments were made by the computer to stablize the rpm. Could this sound be from the timing belt? Does it need replacements at this point, which is well under the 106,000 mile recommendation for a replacement, or can I just spray it with something to stop the slippage? Thanks.

[Q451990]

Your RPM changes could be any number of things (dirty throttle body, injector cloging, etc) - but I think I've heard of the Js having some tensioner problems with the timing belts. Some of our J30 gurus should come along shortly with a better answer

Heath

[Mayhem_J30]

i would guess that it's one of your three accessory belts. as soon as the engine slows down a bit the belt is warmed up and grabbing. check the tensioner.

[diamondj30]

ditto

[pitaq]

alexhho -

is the noise a whistling noise that changes pitch with RPM's (almost like a supercharger whistle), or is a squeeky belt squeal noise?

I've heard both in my J30 in the past 2 months. The squeal was a loose accessory belt that needed tightening, the other (whistling like noise) I am having checked out Friday.

I had my timing belt and tensioner replaced at 71,000 miles, and then again last week (belt, tensioner, water pump, and thermostat) at 114,000 miles.

[Mayhem_J30]

is it a 'kind-of-hard-to-hear' high pitch squeel? if it sounds like it's coming from behind you, it could be the fuel pump when you first start up.

[alexhho]

alexhho -

is the noise a whistling noise that changes pitch with RPM's (almost like a supercharger whistle), or is a squeeky belt squeal noise?

I've heard both in my J30 in the past 2 months. The squeal was a loose accessory belt that needed tightening, the other (whistling like noise) I am having checked out Friday.

I had my timing belt and tensioner replaced at 71,000 miles, and then again last week (belt, tensioner, water pump, and thermostat) at 114,000 miles.

Wow. Thanks for all the reply everyone. It's right infront of me, and I think you guys hit it on the nose. It may be a tensioner problem. Sounds more like a squeal than a whistling noise. I guess I have to find a mechanic here who knows what he's doing to tighten the belt, because there are no Infinity dealerships here. I don't think I have ever seen an Infinity car here, so I hope the mechanics know what they are doing. Thanks for all the help. Take care.

[EZcheese15]

Definatly sounds like a drive belt issue, not a timing belt issue.

Any mechanic that has half a head should be able to tighten them up for you. Even a Jiffy Lube can do that for you You don't need to spend the money at an Infiniti dealer.