Nissan Repair: Noise in Bluebird CD20, harmonic balancer, cd20

Question
I have a 1997 Bluebird with the CD20 (non-turbo) engine. I have a noise coming from the alternator end of the engine. From experience, this kind of noise is usually caused by a faulty harmonic balancer. However, due to the way the car is constructed, I find it difficult to see anything at that end, at all. It would help a lot if I knew if the CD20 engine in 1997 came out with a harmonic balancer on the crank or not. Can you tell me?

Answer
Graeme,

Yes, this one has a harmonic balancer.  But, if the balancer was bad I would think the problem would be vibration and not noise.  I would remove the belts and spin the accessories by hand to see what is making the noise.  Usually, the power steering messes up after the alternator on the Bluebird.  Also, the idler and idler/tensioner pulleys mess up.