| Gialdy |
All:
I just posted a complaint at the NHSTA. I was hearing a noise around the engine area and it was the idle pulley. After reading some threads here. it seems to be a common problem. I decided to change the parts myself.
After taking the pulley and bracket apart I noticed a serious design flaw in the bracket. It cannot support the bending moments applied by the idle pulley shaft.
The noises I heard were from the pulley rotating off axis and rubbing (cutting) the metal from the bracket, the adjusting nut and some of the main crank shaft pulley.
I will post some images tomorrow. I forgot my camera at work. I would also try to take some pictures of the fatigue marks in the cracks using a microscope (might be hard to take the pictures).
Here is my complain to the NHSTA:
Heard noise from engine compartment. Upon investigation noticed idle pulley was vibrating and make the sound. I investigated online at www.nissanmurano.org for similar problems. I found a series of reports that the braket that holds the idle pulley was broken.
I disassemble the pulley and found the bracket broken. Upon examination of how the bracket broke seem that the bracket is under-designed. The crack seems to indicate that the bracket broke by bending fatigue. I saved all the bracket pieces and I going to evaluate under a microscope.
The failure to this idle pulley could lead to an alternator not providing energy to the car and a more serious consequences.
Sorry for my bad English and poor grammar, i'm just typing too fast and not reading back for mistakes. |
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| njjoe |
Gialdy-
There are quite a few VQ-series engines out on the road. I wonder if this bracket is unique to the MO or is it on other vehicles as well.
-njjoe |
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| Gialdy |
The pulley was riding in this adjustment screw and actually cut it. I have more pictures if anyone else is interested.
I plan to change this bracket every 20K miles until Nissan upgrades this part. It's only $16 and it is really hard to see if it broken unless you take it apart. Changing the braket is not all that hard, if you have the right tools(universal joint). |
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| njjoe |
Gialdy-
In the photo below, is the circled feature a break or a cut? Was it cut by the pulley? Is it broken/cut clear through?
Thanx.
-njjoe |
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| Gialdy |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Gialdy-
In the photo below, is the circled feature a break or a cut? Was it cut by the pulley? Is it broken/cut clear through?
Thanx.
-njjoe
Njjoe:
Since the bracket broke, the pulley was rotating off axis and it started to cut that screw. I change the part before it finished cutting that screw or damaging the pulley or braking the belt. |
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| Eric L. |
| Great pictures! This is definitely something I will keep an eye on. As has been the case, many common Murano problems have been identified first on this forum, then months or years later, Nissan issues a recall or TSB. |
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| Gonzo |
| Where is the bracket? How can I look at it if I open the hood? Would I be able to see an issue? |
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| jimb |
| I had this replaced last week along with the oil fliter shaft that came out. I too complained of a vibrating sound when cold -- sounded like a vibrating cat. convertor... this is what they found and replaced. |
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| hfelknor |
We are starting to gather several stories along this line.
Seems to me, that a busted bracket has been happening forever, but certainly not in large numbers.
As we accumulate more Muranos there seem to be more bad brackets........or is it a mileage thing?
I have 30K and no strange sounds.
I assume that the only way to see this is from the bottom...........and I doubt that it is all that easy then......
Might have to join Gialdy and report every one of these to NHSTA.
He is right.
If the bad Alternator was worth a recall, so is the bad alternator bracket (If there is enough of them.....) |
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| muranolover |
I have a 2003 Murano SL 47K Mi, and recently noticed a puddle of coolant on the floor of my garage. Turns out that the Idler Pulley Bracket (also called Belt Tensioner Bracket) had completely failed (see attached photo). When the bracket failed, it pierced one of the coolant hoses.
I was surprised to learn that the Idler Pulley Bracket is not considered part of the engine & drive train, and is excluded from the Engine & Drive Train Warranty.
I'm in the process of escalating through Nissan, since this part failure seems to be experienced by other owners as well.
Any suggestions are appreciated!
Thanks.... |
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| Gialdy |
Muranolover:
Your picture confirms my assumtion. Look at the line of fracture. It is identical to mine. This is a desing flaw of the pulley. The bracket needs to be thicker or a stronger material. As the engine accelerate, it adds more tension to the pulley (more than the normal tension when the engine is off). This tension is translated thru the shaft and bolt to the bracket. The braket is seeing a bending moment . The line of fracture seems to be exactly were the stress concentration should be at.
I used to have access to a high power microscope (at Eng lab). It would be very nice to look at the fracture for see the propagation of the crack. It will give define evidence that this is a design flaw.
It would also be interesting to perform some FEA (Finite Element Analysis) on a computer model. Something that the Nissan's engineers should be doing.
If anyone experience this same scenario, I'll suggust theat you save the bracket. It might come handy if/when they do a recall to get some cash back.
Also, when I had thi failure, it started by a wierd noise. The car was running fine for more than 2 months. I found the problem. when I finally took to time to investigate the source of the noise. The most problable indicator of a problem is a lost in MPG or a loss in power. The easiest way to see the bracket is from the passenger side wheel. I think it is easier to feel the broken bracket than to see it. It's being a while since I change this stuff. |
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| bruno |
I had this exact problem with my '04 Murano at about 12,000 miles. I diagnosed the problem as a bad idler pulley and the servuice tech agreed. We waited a weeks for the part, then he discovered the pulley was OK, the bracket was the culprit, so another wait of a couple of days.
No problems since.
For those that listen, the engine noise resembled a bad water pump bushing/bearing. Fairly obvious at idle, tended to disappear at speed. |
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| GripperDon |
Makes me shudder at the lack of quality: In design, manufacture and obivious lack of care.
It really bugs me to see such a piece of junk on the car. |
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| mgthe3 |
what is more dumbfounding is the fact that it is easily replaced by a spring loaded tensioner design.
who oh why does Nissan have to stick to 50's belt tensioning design is beyond me. Like I said, chevy has had this design for decades and my wife's hyundai has it as well.
The only reason to have it is to make folks go to Nissan to change belts.
:rolleyes: |
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| herewego |
Hi All,
I just joined, just first want to say that over the last year or so you have all given me great tips every time something was wrong with my 2004 Murano. Your expertise and tips are SOOOO much appreciated. Especially by me, ain't easy being a woman with a car that has so many problems! I always think they are scamming me so I come here to find out.
That being said, I just took my car in after an all of the sudden clanging noise - at 35,000 miles. New Idler Pulley AND Bracket. I just got back from the 30K service TWO days before. So here I'm thinking my car is like new and the clanging starts. $99 for labor, $69.50 for the pulley, and $25 for the bracket. Authorized Nissan Dealership. I'm gonna kill somebody.
NOW, a day after getting my car back, I have a kind of humming noise that sounds like a groan when the car is in 15 mph and accelerates... also, on the highway it gets quite loud even when i'm going 50 and accelerate. sounds like it's coming from the same area.
going back tomorrow morning to see what this is.
I agree that this broken pulley is ridiculous, especially at 35,000 miles. If there is something I can do for you to join the effort to get Nissan to address this issue please tell me.
any ideas on the humming or whether women get taken for rides at the dealership!???
Thanks in advance! |
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| Lightninrod |
quote:
Originally posted by herewego
Hi All,
I just joined, just first want to say that over the last year or so you have all given me great tips every time something was wrong with my 2004 Murano. Your expertise and tips are SOOOO much appreciated. Especially by me, ain't easy being a woman with a car that has so many problems! I always think they are scamming me so I come here to find out.
That being said, I just took my car in after an all of the sudden clanging noise - at 35,000 miles. New Idler Pulley AND Bracket. I just got back from the 30K service TWO days before. So here I'm thinking my car is like new and the clanging starts. $99 for labor, $69.50 for the pulley, and $25 for the bracket. Authorized Nissan Dealership. I'm gonna kill somebody.
NOW, a day after getting my car back, I have a kind of humming noise that sounds like a groan when the car is in 15 mph and accelerates... also, on the highway it gets quite loud even when i'm going 50 and accelerate. sounds like it's coming from the same area.
going back tomorrow morning to see what this is.
I agree that this broken pulley is ridiculous, especially at 35,000 miles. If there is something I can do for you to join the effort to get Nissan to address this issue please tell me.
any ideas on the humming or whether women get taken for rides at the dealership!???
Thanks in advance!
Welcome Ms herewego!
I think the noise you're hearing is a mis-aligned idler pulley or the belt they put on is too loose?
Please let us know what happened.;)
Dan |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by herewego
That being said, I just took my car in after an all of the sudden clanging noise - at 35,000 miles. New Idler Pulley AND Bracket. I just got back from the 30K service TWO days before. So here I'm thinking my car is like new and the clanging starts. $99 for labor, $69.50 for the pulley, and $25 for the bracket. Authorized Nissan Dealership. I'm gonna kill somebody.
Herewego-
30,000 mile service followed two days later with a failed idler pulley bracket? Coincidence? Maybe not.
There is a very good possibility that the mechanic may have improperly tightened the idler pulley during the 30,000 mile service, which then caused the idler pulley to fail two days later. I would definitely bring that up during your next visit.
-njjoe |
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| herewego |
Dan and NjJoe,
Thank you! Well I checked this morning before heading out and was so pleased to hear your ideas. I'm back with a fixed car and didn't pay anything.
The noise was a bolt on the gasket near the muffler or something totally unrelated to the idler pulley thank god. so they fixed it for free and the noise is gone.
As for the idler pulley, I asked the mech when I got in about whether it was possible that the mechanic may have improperly tightened the idler pulley during the 30,000 mile service, and he said that they don't even touch the idler pulley during the 30,000 mile service. "we don't go anywhere near it" is what he said.
I'm happy the problems are fixed, but I'm not going to this dealership again. I've had numerous problems (did i mention i've had my bose 5 disc radio replaced twice!!??) and each time this place handled it like a bunch of jerks. I won't go into detail (like the time i got my car back after an oil change and it stalled on the way home, the guy forgot to put something back on, they told me)
I think it definately helped to walk in there with some terminology, knowledge is power, right?
So thank you so much Dan and NjJoe, you guys are the best. Really truly appreciate it.
~Suzanne |
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| Corin |
OK, we're getting enough stories about this happening that I feel I need to check mine out. No strange noises or anything, just want to watch for fatigue.
Can anyone explain to me exactly how to see this without taking my MO apart? Where exactly is it located? What should I be looking for in terms of wear? |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by herewego
As for the idler pulley, I asked the mech when I got in about whether it was possible that the mechanic may have improperly tightened the idler pulley during the 30,000 mile service, and he said that they don't even touch the idler pulley during the 30,000 mile service. "we don't go anywhere near it" is what he said.
That's funny. If you called them and asked what services they perform on the 30,000 mile service I bet all the money in my pockets they would say they inspect and tighten all of the belts.
-njjoe |
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| Lightninrod |
Suzanne: It was my pleasure though I wasn't much help. Sometimes it's just good to know someone else is 'listening';).
Hope you continue enjoying your Mo for "many moons" .:cool:
Dan |
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| muranolover |
Hi herewego,
Sorry that you had a similar problem with the premature failure of the idler pulley & bracket that a lot of us have had.
It would be helpful in order to get an investigation going (and potentially a recall by Nissan) if folks post complaints to the NHSTA website, Office of Defect Investigation. It should take about 10 minutes.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
Thanks much!! |
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| red_devil99 |
Just purchased an 04 MO about 30 days ago, only to experience the noise mentioned by Gialdy.
Took it into the dealer and it was diagnosed as a broken Idler Pulley Bracket. Both Bracket and Pulley were replaced under warranty. The service advisor also informed me that my 'belts' were cracked and worn and that they should be replaced. I did so. Now though, when I perform a cold start, I hear a sharp squeal from the engine compartment, like the sound of the belt slipping.
Can anyone comment on this issue? I do plan to take it into the dealer to have it checked out.
Thanks! |
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| Gonzo |
| Sounds like a loose belt, which is possible after they just replaced all the belts. When you bring it back they will tighten up some of the belts. Not so odd as with installation of new belts this can happen sometimes. |
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| Kris |
Just read this thread. I do not know how did I miss it before....
As you guys (and gals ;) ) have said - the bracket design is a joke! I hope someone Nissan wakes up and does something about it....
Dealers - I lost confidence in them long time ago......I do not know how stupid you have to be to not understand that the key to success is a good service. Then again what do we expect from them.....service? Quality service? Technical expertise? They do not even know how to spell those words not to mention their meaning.....
Thanks God (and...........Al Gore..:D ) for Internet! And thanks to boards like this one and all the contributors we are much better informed, better than dealers in many cases, and can talk to "certified Nissan technicians" (I have no idea what this certificate mean, but I know for fact they are not worth the paper they are written on!) well informed and do not have to take all the BS they usually feed us....
So folks keep the good work!:) |
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| red_devil99 |
Someone previously mentioned logging a complaint on the NHTSA website for this design issue. Being from Canada, I don't believe they are the governing body for this kind of stuff. Does anyone know of the Canadian equivalent of the NHTSA, where one could log such a complaint. I replaced my Pulley and Bracket after only 43K KM, I hope I don't have to do this every 40K or so :(
I am fairly new to this forum having previously owned GM only cars. I am hoping my experience with Japanese made cars will be better than the one I had with GM.
So far the, given the issues I have had in the first 30 days alone, I'll reserve judgement on that one :)
But in all honesty, I am pretty impressed with the sheer knowledge on this forum and the people who contribute to it!
So great job everyone!! Keep up the good work. |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by red_devil99
Someone previously mentioned logging a complaint on the NHTSA website for this design issue. Being from Canada, I don't believe they are the governing body for this kind of stuff. Does anyone know of the Canadian equivalent of the NHTSA, where one could log such a complaint. I replaced my Pulley and Bracket after only 43K KM, I hope I don't have to do this every 40K or so :(
I am fairly new to this forum having previously owned GM only cars. I am hoping my experience with Japanese made cars will be better than the one I had with GM.
So far the, given the issues I have had in the first 30 days alone, I'll reserve judgement on that one :)
But in all honesty, I am pretty impressed with the sheer knowledge on this forum and the people who contribute to it!
So great job everyone!! Keep up the good work.
Thanks and welcome. Even though NHTSA does not serve Canada, often recalls that NHTSA mandates will also involve Canadian vehicles as well (especially since all Muranos are made in Japan anyways) so it would be worthwhile to check NHTSA every so often to see if there are any recalls/complaints for your vehicle. |
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| Gonzo |
| Wouldn't this bracket be in use on ALL VQ engines? If so I can't image its a big issue to warrant a recall given the numbers of VQ engines out there. |
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| Tech_Guy |
Hey all - I am at my favorite local auto shop because of an engine rattle that I thought might be due to the idler pulley issue. Well, when they pulled the pulley to replace it, they came and showed me the bracket. I took this photo of it with my camera phone.
Mine's at about 56,000 mi. What a b*tch. I brought it to the shop after I looked at changing it myself on Saturday. On mine, there's an oil return hose that's so close to the adjusting nut I couldn't get a socket on it. Glad I didn't try it myself after all. |
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| Eric L. |
| WOW. I'd better check out my MO this weekend to see if it has the same issue. |
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| njjoe |
Tech_Guy-
That same problem has been reported here numerous times. Obviously the bracket should be redesigned, but after five production years I would say the chances of that happening are slim to none.
What were the $$ damages?
-njjoe |
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| GripperDon |
Add it to the alternator, initial undersized battery, Poor use of fasteners for panels, sun roof that open partially, even poorly desined key fob ( a bit of a streatch here) but all the same set of symptoms of the design it quick, cheap, distribute it via a poor dealer origanization that replaces things that can be fixed to make money from the factory and you have the Car market in general. No body wants quality, just the mos bling for the least buck that pays the big bucks to the CEO's with not enough engineering time or QC and workers. Profit Profit Profit and oh oh we need more profit.
I wonder if it is worth while to have this part duplicated and installed. Buy one from parts, trace the design, mic the thickness and hole placement and dia and have one made of good stuff and then installed. |
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| mgthe3 |
quote:
Originally posted by GripperDon
I wonder if it is worth while to have this part duplicated and installed. Buy one from parts, trace the design, mic the thickness and hole placement and dia and have one made of good stuff and then installed.
You read my mind. 3/16ths cold rolled sheet oughta do it.
Of course.... if they made a dam spring tensioner arm for the thing like every other car mfg..... Geeze. (old rant of mine) |
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| Tech_Guy |
njjoe-
The $$ damage was about $65 for the new pulley assy and around $160 for the shop to weld and reinstall the bracket and new pulley and new belts. The head mechanic did the weld himself and fashioned it in a way that will hopefully help the bracket resist the stress better. I'm ordering a new bracket to keep in the car just in case because I couldn't be without the car waiting for them to get a replacement bracket at the time. |
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| GripperDon |
| These are really dumb stunts being pulled by know it all engineers and bosses who overload and have the wrong attitude. |
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| trakster |
I have 2004 SL and experienced the same problem. My car had approximately 18K miles at the time. I first noticed it when I started the car on a cold morning, engine sounded very rough, like an older engine. After a while it sounded better so I drove to work. Next morning same thing. This time I stayed home and took it into the dealer. The dealer was actually pretty good. I got a call a couple of hours later, told me the idler pulley had to be replaced. They had it fixed the next day. Pretty impressive.
By looking at the other threads, this is definitely another problem the Murano has, just like the alternator. |
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| jimb |
Extended warranty - still have another 40K left on it! They've already replaced the T-Case - no problem. That "paid" for the warranty.
When this craps out, they can take care of that too. |
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| wfl_murano |
Relating to another member's post concerning rattling/click noise at low RPM, my 2003 Murano SE with 34K miles also had it. It turned out to be a cracked idler pulley, cutting into the pulley adjustment screw (half way cut).
Anyways, I would like all Murano owners to closely look at their idler pulley that tensions the AC and alternator belt. The only way to tell it is going bad is that the pulley is off axis to the crank, alternator pulleys (Also reference the top of the bracket, parallel to block). Attached is the picture of mine before it is taken apart. |
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| symbolscape |
Just got my 04 MO back from the dealership today. Had the rattling at low rpm's problem as well. Service advisor and mechanic explained that the problem was a "cracked exhaust pipe support gusset" and a "broken ac/alternator bracket." The latter apparently was cutting into an AC hose which was also replaced. Wondering if anyone can fill me in on whether or not that is a feasible scenario or was I the victim of a "service advisor special?"
I asked that they keep all the parts for me and I will post pics soon.
Happy to report that the rattle is gone although I still hear something not quite right when idling. also, MO seems a bit sluggish, but these could both be my imagination. But the rattle is definitely gone.
Are these parts at all related to the idler pulley issue? |
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| sikefla |
| Mine failed a few years back at 38k.. Of course, the dealer refused to repair under warranty. Got the bracket for $12 at courtesy nissan. |
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| Corin |
quote:
Originally posted by sikefla
Mine failed a few years back at 38k.. Of course, the dealer refused to repair under warranty. Got the bracket for $12 at courtesy nissan.
Threads like this make me very happy that I got the extended warranty. What will make me even happier is if that ends up being wasted money. |
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| hfelknor |
"Threads like this make me very happy that I got the extended warranty. What will make me even happier is if that ends up being wasted money."
Can we have an "amen" to that!
Homer
Living on his extended warranty |
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| zebelkhan |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
Can we have an "amen" to that!
Amen....:) |
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| Pops |
quote:
Originally posted by sikefla
Mine failed a few years back at 38k.. Of course, the dealer refused to repair under warranty. Got the bracket for $12 at courtesy nissan.
Wouldn't that be covered under the powertrain warranty?? |
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| Enforcer |
quote:
Originally posted by sikefla
the dealer refused to repair under warranty
What was the excuse? |
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| Salden |
| I've just discovered this defect on my '03 Mo. I'll call the dealer and see if they'll cover me, otherwise, I'll grab the parts and do it next weekend. I hope drivetrain covers this. |
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| Gonzo |
| Keep us posted. Any chance you can post pictures so we can check ourself? |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Salden
I'll call the dealer and see if they'll cover me, otherwise, I'll grab the parts and do it next weekend. I hope drivetrain covers this.
S-
Unfortunately, I think you are out of luck with regards to warranty coverage. Nissan does not consider the bracket to be part of the powertrain.
-njjoe |
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| Salden |
| If that is the case, how much of a pain is it to replace that thing from up top? It's very tight on that side. |
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| Salden |
Well, $327 later, it's fixed. It was not under warranty. I called nissan anyway to see if they'd do anything for me. We'll see how it goes. This was replacing the bracket, belt, hose and I think maybe the pulley itself but I'm not sure.
P.S. I love how the dealership charged me $17 for water. WATER! I think they may deduct it later in the "discount" line but still, why even put it there? |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Salden
I love how the dealership charged me $17 for water. WATER! I think they may deduct it later in the "discount" line but still, why even put it there?
They charged you for water? :eek: What's next, an "air charge" to inflate the tires? An "electricity charge" to power the tools? A "donut charge" for their hour-long break while you are waiting in the customer lounge for them to change your oil?
-njjoe |
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| hfelknor |
"............ $17 for water. WATER! I think they may deduct it later in the "discount" line but still, why even put it there?"
To neutralize the so called "discount".
Homer |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
They charged you for water? :eek: What's next, an "air charge" to inflate the tires? An "electricity charge" to power the tools? A "donut charge" for their hour-long break while you are waiting in the customer lounge for them to change your oil?
-njjoe
:D :D :D
As we've also read here many times, the $tealer is also pretty good at charging for the act of breaking something, versus repairing it, on vehicles. |
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| biggun |
I just had my 45K check up and the dealer said that I my drive belts were cracked and I needed new ones. They wanted $151 to replace the two belts. I was thinking of doing it myself and I'm now a lttle nervous with all this pulley bracket talk.
Has anyone changed the belts themselves? Should I have them replace the pulley bracket as a precaution when they do the belts?
Thanks,
Biggun |
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| pob312 |
quote:
Originally posted by biggun
Has anyone changed the belts themselves?
I just had both belts replaced by an independent mechanic at 46k ODO. I provided the belts (18USD for both) and he provided the scraped knuckles (60USD).
He inspected the tensioner and gave it two thumbs up. |
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| SUNSPOT |
Is this something that carries over to the '07???
Do I need to be worried about future occurrences? |
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| RonB |
Next victim please step forward...thank you very much.
I've been bitten by the broken bracket. The other day I started hearing a growl when the engine was around 1100 rmps. First thought was oh crud, I know what that is. So into the dealer I go. I wasnt sure if my extended warranty covered it so I wanted to find out and to test my dealer to see if they could diagnose it without much trouble.
Took the tech all of 2 minutes to pin it down. nice
I was told my extended warranty would cover the pulley. sweet
I would be out the door in 30 mins. you guys rock
10 minutes later....uuuhh excuse me sir......can I talk to you for a minute. I had him stop the work. Im sorry only gold or the gold pref. extended warranty cover this problem. So sorry......aaahhh crud. Also can you please come with me I need to show you something....double crud
Lo and behold my bracket is broken clean through. Not covered either. Although the tech did tell me something useful. He said most of the brackets he has seen are snapped in the same place because of a faulty installation of the pulley. He proceeded to show how the pulley fit into the notch on the bracket. Then showed me when the pulley notch was turned at the wrong angle ( the piece was kind of like crossing a t). He said if it is sitting like that when it is tightend down....snap...bye bye bracket and you have to buy buy a new one. He said he has seen alot of them after alternator work.
Now the good news is Im getting a deal here. The supervisor was the one who told me it was covered then had to back pedal.
Im only getting charged for 1/2 hour labor and cost of parts. For a whopping $158 total including a new belt, Im out the door. Thank god for that.
Moral of the story is to make sure your pulley is seated properly before any tightening is done. Hope some one finds this useful. |
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| hfelknor |
NO,NO,NO,NO!
I would pay for this repair AFTER Hell froze over.
The Dealership told you the part was installed wrong.
He SHOWED you how the part was installed wrong.
Who did the install?
You?
I think not.
Nissan needs to cover this if they screwed up.......and the dealership's crack technical man said they did.
You could not lose this in small claims court.
Homer |
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| RonB |
Well I'll take the discount I'm getting for the moment.
It sounds more like a case of class action if it can be proven in court that it is a dealer related failure. The key is to prove it in court. All anyone has to say is no I didnt say that. Oh well. The end.
I guess I will be filing a NHSTA complaint. |
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| njjoe |
RonB-
What year is your MO? Was it involved in the alternator recall?
-njjoe |
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| SUNSPOT |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
RonB-
What year is your MO? Was it involved in the alternator recall?
-njjoe
I believe he indicated he had an '03. |
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| RonB |
SUNSPOT is correct. I have an 03. It had the alternator done in late 05.
BTW My bracket snapped in the exact same place as all the rest. |
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| njjoe |
RonB-
I would definitely contact Nissan Consumer Affairs and let them know what the tech said about the bracket failing like others that had been incorrectly installed during the recall. Not only did Nissan inconvenience you with the 2005 recall, but it appears that their incompetence is costing you $158 not to mention the inconvenience and down-time.
-njjoe |
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| nissanlove |
| hmm... this is getting sketchy. i've seen a murano come in for this idler pulley issue and it was to the point where you looked down at the tensioner from the top and could see sparks from the pulley rubbing on the bracket. pretty pricey to replace. it takes a bit of time since you have to tackle it from the passenger front wheel well and the bracket is situated slightly behind the splash gaurd. i'm going to start checking these when i have murano's in for service. hopefully i can save the owners some money... |
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| Gonzo |
| Can it be seen if the braket is installed correctly? If so where and can someone post some pictures. |
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| RonB |
Nissanlove I hope you can save someone the headache. It is really hard to see the break when the pulley is still mounted but I imagine if you can get a good angle to look in you should be able to spot it.
Also do you know what Im saying about the mounting of the pulley to the bracket? The pulley has that part that is supposed to fit into the elongated opening within the bracket.
Gonzo, My understanding of what was said is that if the pulley wasn't lined up right it would have to be loosened and seated properly to be tightened all the way down. It won't line up with the belt track otherwise. So if the belt track is true its mounted ok. Unfortunately you will never know if the pulley was tightened when it wasnt lined up unless you do the work yourself. I dont believe it has ever been an issue of the bracket being properly mounted but who know.
The tech I talked to didnt even say he had ever done it but he gave me the impression that he had by saying "I always use a screwdriver now to keep it lined up right." |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by RonB
Well I'll take the discount I'm getting for the moment.
It sounds more like a case of class action if it can be proven in court that it is a dealer related failure. The key is to prove it in court. All anyone has to say is no I didnt say that. Oh well. The end.
I guess I will be filing a NHSTA complaint.
THE NHTSA complaint is a great idea - this was how the alternator recall happened - enough complaints and NHTSA opens an investigation. |
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| Jonnee |
Question:
Does anyone know if this problem is happening more with the SE or SL models? |
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| Gonzo |
| I would guess the same... as it is the same power plant and accessories. |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Jonnee
Question:
Does anyone know if this problem is happening more with the SE or SL models?
J-
All three models are virtually identical under the hood. I doubt there is any difference in the frequency of failures.
-njjoe |
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| nissanlove |
the entire belt system is just a pain to work on because of the increadible lack of space. that's why i don't like transversly mounted engines. basically to tighten the belt, you have to pull the passenger front wheel off and have an air ratchet with an extension
and reach over the fender to use it while your looking and feeling the belt tightness through the fender well. |
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| njjoe |
There is good news on the horizon. Nissan has abandoned the poorly-designed bracket in favor of an "auto-tensioner" on the 2009 MO. They got rid of the twin-belt design and went with a single serpentine belt and a spring tensioner.
It doesn't help us, but at least the new guys don't have to deal with it.
-njjoe |
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