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Squealing Noise from Engine Bay on 2017 QX80 - Serpentine Belt?

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Rachel A. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:08 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2017 Infiniti QX80

Hi everyone,

I own a 2017 Infiniti QX80 with about 70,000 miles on it. For the past few weeks, I've been hearing a distinct squealing noise coming from the engine bay, especially when I first start the car in the morning or when it's damp outside. It sometimes goes away after the engine warms up, but it's becoming more frequent.

I suspect it might be the serpentine belt. What's the typical lifespan for a serpentine belt on a 2017 Infiniti QX80? Is this something I can inspect myself, and how difficult is it to replace? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 5:08 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

The squealing noise you're hearing from your 2017 Infiniti QX80, especially during cold starts or in damp conditions, is a classic symptom of a worn or loose serpentine belt. This belt is crucial as it drives multiple accessories like the alternator, power steering pump, AC compressor, and water pump.

  1. Causes of Squealing:
    • Worn Belt: Over time, the rubber belt can harden, crack, or become glazed, losing its grip on the pulleys.
    • Loose Belt: The tensioner might be failing, leading to insufficient tension on the belt.
    • Misaligned Pulleys: Less common, but pulleys can become misaligned, causing friction and noise.
    • Failing Accessory: A failing bearing in one of the accessories driven by the belt (e.g., alternator, AC compressor) can also cause squealing.
  2. Lifespan & Inspection: For your 2017 Infiniti QX80, serpentine belts typically last between 60,000 to 100,000 miles. At 70,000 miles, it's definitely within the range for inspection or replacement.
    • DIY Inspection: You can visually inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, missing ribs, or a glazed (shiny) appearance. Also, check the tensioner for proper operation and ensure all pulleys spin freely without excessive wobble or noise.
  3. Replacement Difficulty: Replacing the serpentine belt on a QX80 can be a moderate DIY task. You'll need to identify the belt routing diagram (often under the hood), release tension from the automatic tensioner, remove the old belt, and install the new one. Ensure the new belt is routed correctly and the tensioner applies proper pressure.
  4. Tools Needed: Typically, a wrench or socket to release the tensioner, and potentially a pry bar for leverage. It's also a good idea to have a diagram of the belt routing handy.
  5. When to See a Shop: If the squealing persists after replacing the belt, or if you suspect a failing accessory bearing or a faulty tensioner, it's best to take your QX80 to a professional technician. A complete failure of the serpentine belt can lead to loss of power steering, AC, charging system, and potentially engine overheating, so addressing it promptly is important.
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