Hi guys, I don't know if I posted this or not (new to google usenet discussions) but I replaced my alternator today in a 98 maxima and kind of just moved the tensioner pulley down until the belt was pretty firm ......I drove about 80 miles fine with it and no problems, however after the trip, I noticed that for a second when in drive and from idle to putting my foot on the gas, I get a strange springy/ snapping sound for just a second...then it seems to be fine as I continue to drive, is my belt too tight or too loose? I just want this great car to stay reliable so all your help is greatly appreciated?
Replaced alternator, momentary noise? 98 maxima
May 27, 2007
3 Replies
Bump, please don't want something happening to my belt in the middle of the freeway!
For used belts, a deflection of 8 mm when applying a 20 pound force in the longest lenght between two pulleys is normal.
For new belts, the deflection is usually 5 mm
Use these values just as a guide.
snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:
Amateur mechanics (that's me too) routinely put serpentine belts on too tight. They don't like that. As far as the noise, I've never experienced it myself. Be sure you have some deflection, and I think the standard is more like 10 pounds (thumb pressure) not 20. If it is too loose, they'll squeak. Anything slightly tighter than squeaky is a pretty good place to be.
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