Squeeking noise from the alternator belt 03 Nissan Altima.

Could be alternator or belt too tight or too loose!

Be aware the A/C belt is more than likely the Serpentine Belt for your Altima. This belt powers multiple functions of the car including the Alternator, Idler, Power Steering, etc. as well as the Air Conditioning Compressor. Attached is an image for what the A/C compressor on your car should look like, as well as a diagram of the belt and pulleys. (Ignore the RED arrows in the diagram) You will know the belt should be replaced if you can see 3 or more visible little cracks/frays within a one-inch segment. Any one crack that penetrates nearly halfway through the belt is also considered high risk. Also when a serpentine belt begins to go bad, people tend to hear a squeeking or squealing noise when they car starts up. I once had a mechanic tell me to keep an eye on my belt, and that it was looking sort of worn but nothing too terribly bad. I decided after i made the drive home for the holidays I would have it replaced. I did not make it more than 15 miles from the shop before it snapped, threw out my alternator which was not cheap to have replaced, and got stranded for over an hour. If you're questioning the condition of your belts, its best to play it safe!

This that would be the correct fix. The bad mounts can lead to axle shaft wear, and linkages etc. to bind up. Not good for the driveline either.

older model altima need drive belt tension adjustment at 7500 miles intervals, the new models altimas has a automatic belt tensioner.i you hear noises belt tensioner could be failing.or could have leaking coolant getting on drive belt due to water pump gasket leaking or pump leaking.or alternator power steering pump could be failing many things will cause drive belt to make high squeak noises.

drive belts.lights increase your alternator's turning resistance a loose belt will slip and squeal

you call it the serpentine belt, we call it the fanbelt.it,needs tightening,slightly loosen the alternator, then pull away from engine and tighten belt, tight enough when you can move longest part of the belt, between pulleys, 1/2 inch in/out.
if squeel re occurs fit new belt.

Hi Sandy

Sounds like the belt is loose, the belt for your ac will be connected to the tensioner. If they have had to change the tensioner then they may have not correctly aligned the belts or even left an engine mount loose. it sounds like a simple fix but get it check at the garage that done the work. at the end of the day you have paid them so make sure they have done the job correctly.

regards

Dan

IF THIS IS NOT A SURPENTINE BELT,TRY THE P/S BELT TO SEE IF ITS LOOSE

1st check the the oil level and the vehicle's oil type.(owners manuel) 5w30-10w30
10w 30 is a thicker oil and could possibly be causing this.(Moves more freely through the engine heats the oil)

check your alternator belt it is probably a little loose it will do that when it is loose tighten belt