Nissan Repair: Nissan timing belt, timing belt tensioner, nissan maxima

Question
When the timing belt starts to go bad, does it produce a high pitch whining sound all the time?  I have a 2000 Nissan Maxima with 135,000 miles.

Answer
Hi Lee -

Normally when the timing belt is worn, there is kind of a chafing noise, however the high pitched sound could be coming from either the tensioner or idler pulley (water pump or oil pump).

A good test is to remove all the drive belts and start the engine (just run it for a few seconds). If you still hear the noise, then go ahead and replace the timing belt, tensioner,  and even the water pump while you are in there.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin