Nissan Repair: 98 Nissan Pathfinder timing belt, groove belts, nissan pathfinder

Question
I just had my timing belt and external belts replaced by a local auto repair shop. I noticed a howling sound like a bearing my be bad. My mechanic said the new timing belt would make that noise until it is broken-in. Could it be he may have the timing belt or the external belts too tight? I noticed the tension pulleys are not spring loaded. How do you if know they are too tight?

Answer
Hi Dan -

Never heard of that one where the timing belts made that noise . . .

Anyway, yes, there is a good chance that the regular drive belts are too tight. If you have regular V-Groove belts, there should be one inch of play when you press down on them with little effort. On the splined belts, you should be able to turn the belt 90 degrees at the farthest distance between 2 pulleys without effort.

If this does not solve the problem, check the pulleys, or even the water pump (did you replace that too?). I usually get a long screwdriver and put the end of the blade against the pulley bracket or bolt, my ear against the handle. That way you can "hear" which pulley is making that noise.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin