The belt has to be tight, but not too tight because it will also squeel. The rule of thumb is to tug on the belt and it should feel snug.

This is what I will do:

Loosen the Idler bolt.

While the engine is running and squeeling, tighten your strut nut quarter turn and another and another, until the squeel goes away. Take your time.

Once done, no squeels, tighten the idler bolt.

Good luck.

I have to do it myself becasue once in a while, when I crnak the engine, it squeels for a second, that means, I still need to tighten the belt probably 1/2 a turn.

I use an extension to adjust the strut nut, be careful do not strip it.

Hi mandyfig,

I was just wondering if you could help me out a bit with regards to my 2001 Maxima alternator. Looks like you're the most knowledgeable one on this forum. Anyhow, I installed my alt just fine (took about 2 - 2.5 hrs) but I can't get the squeeling to go away. How did you fix yours? How much tension should there be on the belt? Please let me know. Thanks a gazillion!!

mervpipe