Nissan Repair: 2000 Maxima SE , Belt Bearing ?, air conditioner compressor, repair estimates

Question
Hello ,

I have a 2000 Maxima SE that has been diagnosed by two different shops , with drastically differing repair estimates. One shop , which had previously replaced the serpentine belt said it was the air conditioner compressor and it should be replaced.I was told "it may go out today , it may go out two years from now".They also tightened the belt at that time. While trying to come up with the money for that repair I went elsewhere for an oil change...within minutes of pulling it into the bay the mechanics brought me in to hear a noise.They told me the idler bearing was bad and pulling the belt oblong , causing the noise that the other shop had diagnosed differently just weeks beforehand.The repair bill was also far different.Now the car is parked while I hope to figure out which way to turn next.Would going to Nissan be the best bet ? For better or worse I need to know what is really wrong with my Maxima.Any help will be much appreciated.

Thanks

Mary

Answer
Mary,

If the oil change place said the idler bearing was bad that would be much less to replace than a compressor.  I would go with the idler bearing first and if that corrected the problem you are money ahead.  Now, if you had a long screwdriver the mechanic could place the tip on the pulley and show you that was where the noise was coming from and then you would know for sure.  I would hesitate on Nissan as the labor is a factor where an independent is cheaper.  Ask the guys that did the oil change and see if they are willing to do the repair.  If it is the bearing the worst thing is the pulley will lock up and the belt will be thrown.  Since the waterpump is internal and not belt driven you will not overheat the car but the power steering will fail so it would be hard to steer, like manual steering.  So, it is not unsafe to drive but just so you know if the belt breaks and the bearing locks up that is the worst that will happen.