Power steering belt issue

[mott6904]

I have a 98 pathfinder and 97 qx4 and i have a power steering belt issue with both trucks. I have to adjust the power steering belts about every other oil change becasue they will squeal. they only squeal for a second or two and only on start up. Everything is alligned properly and both have clean pulleys. I used napa belts on both trucks never had any issues with these belts on other cars. i Know how to adjust the belts properly, ive been an import mechanic for about 10 years. I was going to try a belt from nissan to see if that fixes it. Im getting tired of adjust the belt. Has anyone had this issue before.

[Pwnin O'Brien]

I've been having this same exact problem since the first day I owned my Pathfinder. I have searched and searched on this topic and I have talked to many Nissan techs and service managers about this issue. I have replaced my belts several times because I never wanted to accept that the belt should squeal, even with new belts and clean pulleys.

After many years of exhaustive research and countless dollars invested, I have found that it is a widespread epidemic that occurs on many Nissan models. There is no way to stop the squealing (without the use of belt conditioners, which should never be used) even with new belts. Most Nissan techs explained that this is just an issue that plagues Nissans and it must be some faulty engineering. I have even tried to convince a Nissan service manager that I absolutely needed a new belt, he exclaimed that I didn't and told me that my belts are in great condition and new belts would not fix the issue (which is a far cry from the usual "stealership" mantra).

It's just something I have come to accept.

[W O T]

GAAAAAAAAAATOR belts, got rid of my squeek on cold /damp days. There spendy @ 35 per belt, but damn do they ever last long, had mine for 25k miles I think now, not one issue or squeel

[W O T]

ps- over tightening can cause squeel to

[nissanjdm]

Same issue here, but now only squeals on start up. Belt dressing and tightening does the trick.. Quite a nuisance.My belt is not over tightened since there is some flex in it.

I am also using an aftermarket belt, thinking to switch back to OEM to see if it'll cure the problem.

Go figure!??

[QX4ME]

My QX4 only squeals when I put it in R and back out of the driveway, and it is not every time, nor loud (when windows are closed I could barely hear it).

I know belt conditioner is a temp fix, but I have good experience with it. My RX300 used to squeal a lot. After spraying on some conditioner, it stops completely for a long time up to almost a year.

[mott6904]

ps- over tightening can cause squeel to

yea this not my problem i tried it a little looser and it squeal randomly through out my trips but tight it only does it on start up.

[rydebynite]

I too have had this issue man oh man this was a pain in the @$$. Im not quite sure what brand they were it was some junk i ordered off of ebay. I went to the local shop down the street and got some gator belts on. Havent had a peep since then.we'll see how they stand up to the cold season coming up!