My sentra needed a new alternator. The mechanic said that it was caused by an oil leak that happens to douch the alternator and cause it to malfunction. Im not sure where its leaking, but the new alternator is alredy starting to get wet at a few months old. Any suggestions on where it may be from or if its a valid problem? I have a feeling if I dont fix the leak I'll be replacing the alternator more than I want to. Thank you, Justin

That leak most probably is power steering fluid. CHeck your power steering fluid reservoir and see if there's any reduction in its level.If possible have the whole system inspected for leaks.

my 95 sentra is leaking oil too. the alternator, and water & power steering pumps are covered with oil. some oil drops on the ground. the mechanic said there is nothing alerting. my car has 135K miles. i have not changed the alternator yet.

When you turn sharply or just turn the wheel quickly (taking fast corners) the resulting pressure builds up in the steering lines. The squirting may be coming from loose or leaking power steering hoses

My sentra had an oil leak coming from a bad front crankshft seal. The oil would drip onto the belts and splash onto the alternator,water and power steering pump. I changed the seal and cleaned up the components and changed the belts as well. Even though I cleaned up the alternator (as best I could without taking it completely apart) Seems the oil that soaked into it internally has caused it to malfuntion. It starts and runs but every minute or so the lights dim for about 5 secs then it seems to surge back to normal. I guess I will be replacing the alternator today before it kills my battery.

Charlie