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Nissan Altima: 2 Questions about my '97 Altima

  1. #1
    I
    Guest

    2 Questions about my '97 Altima

    I have a 1997 Altima with 115,000 miles (not really a lot). I do my own
    light maintenance (front brakes, oil and filter changes, spark plugs, cap
    and rotor, fuel and air filters, etc) and keep on top of it in that regard.

    First, it seems in the past 3 years to burn through exhausts once per year.
    I replaced the exhaust system (a $500 repair each time) two years in a row.
    Why would it do that? I don't take short trips generally (I realize that
    unburned condensation is the cause of much rust).

    Second, very recently it has developed a squeal at idle (around 800 rpm)
    from under the hood (I can't pin down exactly from where) that goes away
    with a slight increase in RPMs. As soon as it settles down to idle again,
    the squeal comes back.

    I want to keep this car running for another couple of years but can't really
    afford to dump a lot of money into it.



  2. #2
    loewent
    Guest

    Re: 2 Questions about my '97 Altima

    For your exhaust problem, where are you getting your exhaust replaced? Make
    sure they use high quality Stainless Steel parts! Most Midas jobs are just
    junk. OR make sure they offer the lifetime warranty.

    As an aside, extra stress could be applied to your exhaust system if your
    timing is retarded. It causes alot of extra heat on the pre-catalytic side
    of the exhaust system.

    As for the squeal, is it a squeal or a rattle? These cars are known for
    timing chain rattle at low RPMs, there is a TSB for it. The solution is to
    remove the upper timing chain guides. There is one on the top and one on the
    right side of the upper timing chain assembly. I took them off on my 93
    Altima and its like a brand new car.

    PLUS while your in there, change the S-belt (about $30) and make sure its
    tensioned properly, should address any other squeals that are there.

    Good luck.
    t

    I am I wrote: 

    --
    Message posted via http://www.carkb.com


  3. #3
    I
    Guest

    Re: 2 Questions about my '97 Altima

    It's definitely a squeal.

    "loewent via CarKB.com" <u10197@uwe> wrote in message
    news:.. 



  4. #4
    I
    Guest

    Re: 2 Questions about my '97 Altima

    Also, about the exhaust. Yes, one was from Midas and the other from
    Meinekee.

    Where should I go to get a quality stainless system and not get raped over
    it?


    "I am I" <net> wrote in message
    news:LfnNg.349$roc.ny... 



  5. #5
    loewent
    Guest

    Re: 2 Questions about my '97 Altima

    my other car is a honda, i go to the dealer for parts. They offer a
    Stainless Steel muffler for $120 lifetime warranty.

    Any good muffler shop should be able to get good parts for you. Just don't
    chince out and ask for the cheapest system. I think even Midas offers a
    lifetime warranty system.

    As far as the squeal goes, change the belt and tension correctly, that should
    take care of it.

    t

    I am I wrote: 

    --
    Message posted via CarKB.com
    http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/nissan-altima/200609/1


  6. #6
    I
    Guest

    Re: 2 Questions about my '97 Altima

    Someone else I asked said he thought it sounded like the bearing on the
    Alternator. I guess if I have the belt off I might as well replace it, too.
    What about the water pump? Is there anything else I should change while I'm
    in there as preventive maintenance?

    "loewent via CarKB.com" <u10197@uwe> wrote in message
    news:.. 



  7. #7
    loewent
    Guest

    Re: 2 Questions about my '97 Altima

    Perhaps before you do the belt, check the pulleys for excessive noise from
    the bearings. To do this you would need a mechanics stethoscope. I got mine
    from the local surplus store for less than $5.

    I am I wrote: 

    --
    Message posted via CarKB.com
    http://www.carkb.com/Uwe/Forums.aspx/nissan-altima/200609/1


  8. #8
    J4bs
    Guest

    Re: 2 Questions about my '97 Altima

    I just replaced my idler pulley, it was squeeling until I revved the engine
    as well. No visible sign until it actually backed off on the hwy.


    "loewent via CarKB.com" <u10197@uwe> wrote in message
    news:.. 




 

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