The front of my car is emitting a high pitched squealing/squeaking/grinding noise. I believe it is coming from the belt area. I have replaced the tensioner pulley with a brand new one. I have also changed the belt (which is at it's correct tightness) and do not have the A/C belt on the car at the moment.

The noise sounds like it's a bearing or something. The noise is erratic so it can happen anytime. Usually once I get into third gear the noise stops, but will continue at stop lights, in neutral, or even at a regular speed. The lower the temperature the more likely it will create the noise.

I have no idea what it is. Anyone else have this problem? I'm leaning towards an alternator bearing, so just seeing if anyone else has had any similar noises/problems.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

The sound you describe could be anything from worn drive belt to (like you
mentioned) alternator bearing or water pump. I could find what's making
the noise but I'd need a screw driver (long) and my right ear....
Gary

 

+1000

 

Well yeah, worn belt was my first thought.

Easy way to check; spray belt dressing on your belts and see if it goes away for bit.

 

The belt is brand new from the Infiniti dealer. I also had noise with my old worn belt, it wasn't as loud and could only hear it when at idle.

I was going to try that with my long screw driver, but I must be careful not to get it caught into the belt's rotation.

So you think the screw driver is my next best diagnostic?

 

The noise seems to happen more regularly when I have the HVAC on. Keep in mind I don't have the A/C belt connecting at the moment.

I was leaving for work this morning and the noise didn't stop for like 5 minutes.

 

im having the same issue. usually after cold starts in the morning below 40 degrees.. it goes away after the temp gauge reaches half.. but sounds like something not normal. I need mine looked at. let me know if u find what the problem is

 

might wanna check out ur water pump...might be time for a new one

 

I will look into it, it's tough to get under the car in this BRICK weather.

Is the water pump in any way connected to the HVAC system?

 

I have also noticed a weird smell sometimes as well...

 

More prominent when I start from a stop on a hill. Like when the engine is stressed it will squeak a little.

 

I don't think it is my water pump because the noise is coming from the other side of the pulleys.

 

Mine does this too. I've asked the dealer to fix it a few times, but they just seem to tighten the belts. Let me know if you figure it out.

 

Pretty sure it's the alternator.

The battery voltage is 14.3 when the engine is idling. With the HVAC on, there is a strain on the alternator causing the voltage to dip to around 13.2 when the noise is present. If I give it gas during the screeching, the voltage drops even lower.

And the noise is coming from the alternator side of the pulley system. I'm going to try to replace the alternator tomorrow and let you guys know what's up.

 

The dealer wants $350 for a new alternator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!