2005 Altima 3.5 SL 134k mi
HOW LONG:
this has been going on for a month and i cant figure out what the problem is exactly. The A/C compressor is one year old, the original one seized last year, i believe the belt is also one year old.
POSSIBLE CAUSE:
there was a bad accident about a month ago and i was stuck in standstill traffic for about 3 hours and i needed to get back to base, the only other route was taking this car off-roading on poorly maintained sand roads (AWD&4x4's were getting stuck) i was able to make it thru but in the process i ripped off my skidplate and accumulated 1/2"-1" of sand practically everywhere in my engine bay. i thought i did a good job of cleaning out every nook and cranny i could of sand. where could sand be stuck in the belt that could cause the squeak/squeal, can i get it out with a socket wrench?
SYMPTOMS
- I will start the car- 1/5 times it will squeal immediately on startup- stops squeaking for 30sec to a minute- then starts chirping for a solid 30 seconds
- the other 4/5 times it will be fine on start then start squealing for less than 15 seconds- then it will stop for about 30sec to a minute- then will either chirp or squeal for another 30 seconds
- it will squeal if the AC is on and im accelerating.
- the RPM's do noticeably dip when this happens, maybe 100rpm
I know i shouldnt have gone offroading but my COC told me to get back on base asap because i was already 1hr late to be secured for the weekend. it was a really bad situation, but i heard that the road didnt get re-opened for another 12-15 hours later, and it was the only paved road in-out from that direction.
