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Have a 2004 nissan sentra, which I bought used in 2006.
In the last few months, I have noticed that when I start it, there is a squealing noise from the front of the car. It lasts in the minute or so it takes for me to drive out of my apt building garage -- the squeals continue when I make turns. After I hit the highway and the car warms up, the squealing stops.
I'm guessing it's a pretty basic problem; what is it? Thank you.
I think Trevor is right that it is probably a slipping belt you are hearing.
Tightening may be possible, or it may not.
Some cars have tensioners to control the tightness of serpentine belts, and further tightening may not be an option.
If the belt is wet with oil or water, or if the contact surface is shiny and/or cracked, you will need to replace it.
In some cases, the tensioners lose their strength and they may have to be replaced.
Sounds like a bad belt or the tensioner assembly is going bad.
Look at my earlier post "Presea camshaft lubrication". I had exactly the same squealing noise problem on my Nissan Presea (this may have a different model name in the US). Like you, I assumed it was a minor belt problem, although my attempt to tighten the belt didn't have any effect. Luckily my wife by chance encountered a mechanic who heard the noise and told her it was a serious engine problem. I was very sceptical but he turned out to be right. Removing the valve cover (a 5 minute job) showed the extreme wear occurring on one camshaft, as a result of inadequate lubrication. I suggest you do this, because leaving it unattended could have serious consequences. As part of the repair the mechanic flushed the engine to get rid of all the metal particles. He also changed over to semi-synthetic oil (10w40).
I've been running _only_ synthetic (either Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum 5W-20) and my engine is happy. Because I live where it is sub-zero Farenheit, I don't like the idea of gelled motor oil in my engine until it heats up. For the couple of extra dollars, I can't think of a better way to prevent unnecessary engine wear.
For people who live in warmer climates, I guess it isn't an issue, but I live *up North,* and it -definitely- is an issue. It goes below zero here quite often.
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