Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register ) | Resend Validation Email |
Bubs | Posted: Feb 19 2009, 03:50 PM |
Plep Group: Advanced Members Posts: 4,784 Member No.: 1,079 Joined: Dec 1st 2003 Location: Update Profile | I've found a '98 Altima for sale. Test drove it, everything seemed fine but I'm on edge since I need a car that will last. There's a squeaking noise at idle, but only at idle. Rev it up, it stops but as soon as it idles back down, there's a loud squeak-squeak-squeak that sounds like a loose belt, but that doesn't seem to be a case. I figured it might also be the alternator making some noise but I'm paranoid about jumping into a nightmare. Coming from a mechanic-in-training, I should know exactly what this is. It's a stupid question, but anyone have a clue if this is a belt tension, alternator or some other issue? More or less I just need to hear it from someone else, because I am very worried about what car I get this time. I've got burned pretty bad by two seemingly honest people on my last two purchases. While I was luckily able to get half or most of my money back, I've learned to trust nobody. This post has been edited by Bubs on Feb 19 2009, 03:55 PM |
backalleyracer | Posted: Feb 19 2009, 07:29 PM |
IDW Goldmember Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,770 Member No.: 7,122 Joined: May 1st 2005 Location: Las Vegas | record the sound most likely a loose belt as you suspect, but if we all can hear it, we all can know better |
Bubs | Posted: Feb 20 2009, 05:08 AM | ||
Plep Group: Advanced Members Posts: 4,784 Member No.: 1,079 Joined: Dec 1st 2003 Location: Update Profile |
I'd have to drive fifty miles down to go look at the car again. I haven't bought it yet. | ||
HorizontalMitsubishi | Posted: Feb 20 2009, 08:17 AM |
Part of the Tessou Signature Series Group: Advanced Members Posts: 2,439 Member No.: 2,022 Joined: Jun 16th 2004 Location: Torrance California | well Its most likely and idle pulley bearing or the belt itself. |
Ayako Watanabe | Posted: Feb 20 2009, 11:02 AM |
Living In A Amish Paradise Group: Advanced Members Posts: 6,076 Member No.: 2,415 Joined: Jul 30th 2004 Location: York, Pennsylvania | Get a can of WD40 with the little straw bit that lets you hook it up to the nozzle. Find the idler pulley and spray a bit of WD40 INTO the idler pulley with the engine off. If the noise goes away then you found the problem, and should then replace the idle pulley itself ( I'm not sure but I think if you buy a new idler pulley it also comes with the bearings right. I'm sick and I can't think straight for now. ) Same problem I had with my 1999 Buick Regal. Changed the idler pulley and all was well from that point on. |
Bubs | Posted: Feb 21 2009, 05:37 AM | ||
Plep Group: Advanced Members Posts: 4,784 Member No.: 1,079 Joined: Dec 1st 2003 Location: Update Profile |
I asked the guy if I could take the car to get inspected, at my expense, at a shop in his area before purchase. The inspection sticker runs out this month and I had a feeling he's selling it because it's a '96 and may not pass emissions. I call and ask, he says yes. Calls me back five minutes later and says "Hey, it's a fifteen hundred dollar car, take it or leave it!" I said, "I'm not dropping fifteen hundred on a car with hidden issues." He told me he doesn't want me to inspect it specifically because he doesn't want them to find certain things. Wrong answer, buddy! Keep your car, I'll keep my money! I once took a $700 car in to get inspected for a buyer, on my own time. An hour and a half later, it checks out but he decides he doesn't like it because it's a standard. Oh well, I had nothing to hide with the car and was actually interested in making a sale! | ||