# Car trouble

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-trouble/29733>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [April 28, 2009, 5:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-trouble/29733 "2009-04-28T05:42:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![killer6986](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7cd45c/32.png) [@killer6986](https://community.cartalk.com/u/killer6986)\
**Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 5:42am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-trouble/29733/1 "2009-04-28T05:42:02Z")

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I am having trouble with my nissan sentra 2003. it is making a loud noise around the alternator.its a loud noise which sounds like the alternator belt is scraping or scratching on something.

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 10:55am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-trouble/29733/2 "2009-04-28T10:55:53Z")

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If the belt is loose it can make a squealing noise. If the alternator bearings are bad they can make a noise such as you describe. I think it’s time to have the alternator checked.

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**Author:** ![edb1961](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/edb1961/32/122_2.png) [@edb1961](https://community.cartalk.com/u/edb1961)\
**Post date:** [April 28, 2009, 1:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-trouble/29733/3 "2009-04-28T13:01:50Z")

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When was the last time the serpentine belt was changed? A worn out belt can make all sorts of nasty noises. I change mine every 3 or 4 years. If it’s the original belt it’s due to be changed. Hopefully it’s the belt and not the alternator.

Ed B.

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**Author:** ![Beadsandbeads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c57346/32.png) [@Beadsandbeads](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Beadsandbeads)\
**Post date:** [April 29, 2009, 12:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/car-trouble/29733/4 "2009-04-29T00:08:43Z")

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Take off the belt and check all the pulleys. It might be as simple as an idler or tensioner pulley. They only cost a few bucks. You seem to think it is the alternator, however, so it probably is. My FEAD belt is 10 years old with 100k+ miles on it. I think I will replace it though it looks good. I know that the idler and tensioner pulleys will be replaced too. They are identical and the bearings on one feel a little gritty.