Nissan Maxima 1996 Whining noise

[massages]

Have just discovered a loud whining noise on my 96 maxima. Does anyone have a clue? I had a 92 Nissan Sentra and got that one time and it replaced the alternator on it and it stopped. But it did come back later on. Hope its not that. Thanks

[dariusfan]

Originally Posted by massages

Have just discovered a loud whining noise on my 96 maxima. Does anyone have a clue? I had a 92 Nissan Sentra and got that one time and it replaced the alternator on it and it stopped. But it did come back later on. Hope its not that. Thanks

A trick for isolating a sound in the engine compartment is to get some garden hose or any old hose of similar size and cut about 2 feet of it. While the car is making the noise hold one end of the hose to your ear and move the other end close to suspected sources of the noise - be careful not to get too close to moving belts or fans etc for obvious reasons. (The thermosatic fans start suddenly so beware). Some dealers recommend flushing and changing the power steering fluid if you find the sound is coming from there (check your fluid levels). To see if the fan is faulty maybe try unplugging its power plug for a short time - remember to plug it in again. Check your accessory belts as well - turn them over and look for cracks and if you are in doubt replace them. Make sure to recheck their tension again in a few weeks after they stretch a bit. If the sound is coming from your alternator you may be able to take it apart and get the number on the bearing and call a bearing supplier to see if you can get them. Also replace the carbon brushes (can sometimes get them from the dealer or an electric motor rebuild place - take them a sample.) I don't own a Maxima yet so I don't know if they use idler pulleys to tension the belt(s). If the sound is coming from an idler, try spraying WD40 or similar lube into it to see if it stops - if so you need to replace it.
Good luck with your noise.

[THT]

Front passenger side? Could be a loose belt.

~THT

[massages]

well guys I have replaced alternator 2 times ,by a mechanic, replaced belts and retightened them, and still have the whining noise. There's not a mechanic yet that can figure it out. The check engine light is always on, checked the codes and they are 0304, 0305. Knock sensor and egr sensor. Dont know if that has to do with anyof it. Jusyt drove it on a 1500 mile vacation and it drives fine ,just whines all the way LOL. Also doesnt want to stay cranked in the morning (cold).
any help from you specialist would be appreciated. I guess my nect move will be to take it to the nissan place. seeya