I have a '94 Maxima GXE VG30E engine, it has 125,000+ miles on it. I am considering getting the timing belt replaced along with the tensioner and thermostat. I believe they didn't do the 120K maintenance since the thermostat seems to be sticking (long warmup times). I have some questions that I need answers since I have not done this before(i.e. bought the maxima used). 1) Is the best place to have it replaced is at one of the Nissan dealers here? If not, who? 2) What all should I ask them to replace? i.e. get the water pump replaced as well? 3) What costs should I expect? i.e. how much more does water pump add to the final costs? 4) Lastly, is there a way for them to check if the timing belt was replaced recently since I bought the car with 118K miles on it? THANKS A LOT.

Other questions I need answers are:
1) What other common mechanical problems might I encounter? Tranny is being rebuilt as we speak.

2) The front left CV boot is torn and grease has left it. I heard that some might just wait on replacing it til the joint breaks down since it will only cost a little more to have the whole joint replaced. any other opinions? AND no, there are no clicking noise as wheel turn right now.

3) The rear drum brake shoe pads are worn. There's probably less than 5mm of pad left. Should I get those replaced soon? How much stopping does it actually provide for the whole car? Recently, I was involved in a slow accident (<35mph) where it was lightly drizzling and slamming on the brakes, left me skidding since it locked up. I have replaced the front disc brake pads, but are the rear pads extremely important?

WOW, that's a lot to ask in one post. Of course, you don't need to answer all, just those you feel comfortable in helping me with. I really appreciate all the help you all can provide. I'm just frustrated and want to really make a lot out of this car since I'm investing in big bucks to rebuild the transmission. All help is much appreciated. Thanks and best wishes to your car(s).

 

I recently did my belt, and I repalced the thermostat and the pump. The amount of labour isn't that much to do the pump, and it's easy preventive maintenance. Visual inspections of the belt may not be too accurate. Sometimes, they look o.k. before they break, and sometimes they show signs of wear. I'd suggest doing the belt now, the consequences are too heavy if the old one breaks on you, and then you have peace of mind. As far as where to go, The dealers are usually more expensive than independent garages (sometimes way more.), but they will likely know the care better, your call.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by stinga
I have a '94 Maxima GXE VG30E engine, it has 125,000+ miles on it. I am considering getting the timing belt replaced along with the tensioner and thermostat. I believe they didn't do the 120K maintenance since the thermostat seems to be sticking (long warmup times). I have some questions that I need answers since I have not done this before(i.e. bought the maxima used). 1) Is the best place to have it replaced is at one of the Nissan dealers here? If not, who? 2) What all should I ask them to replace? i.e. get the water pump replaced as well? 3) What costs should I expect? i.e. how much more does water pump add to the final costs? 4) Lastly, is there a way for them to check if the timing belt was replaced recently since I bought the car with 118K miles on it? THANKS A LOT.

Go to a deal you trust. Dealers are usually more expensive, but timing belt replacements are common so any decent shop can do it.

Water pump, drive belts, and thermostat are all goo ditems to replace with a timing belt. You shoul just have to pay for parts and maybe an extra 30 minutes of labor. The drive bentl though don't require anything extra since they need to be removed to access the timing belt


Other questions I need answers are:
1) What other common mechanical problems might I encounter? Tranny is being rebuilt as we speak.


Wheel bearings may go and you probably want a tune up since the 120K tune up may not have been done.
[B]
2) The front left CV boot is torn and grease has left it. I heard that some might just wait on replacing it til the joint breaks down since it will only cost a little more to have the whole joint replaced. any other opinions? AND no, there are no clicking noise as wheel turn right now.
[B]

I'd just do it now. if you want a new joint, just buy the new joint, don't wait. no real downside, but other than money, why.


3) The rear drum brake shoe pads are worn. There's probably less than 5mm of pad left. Should I get those replaced soon? How much stopping does it actually provide for the whole car? Recently, I was involved in a slow accident (<35mph) where it was lightly drizzling and slamming on the brakes, left me skidding since it locked up. I have replaced the front disc brake pads, but are the rear pads extremely important?


Replace em. The rears don't do as much of the stopping as the fronts, but pads are about $40 and that's cheaper than an insurance claim. new pads though won't help prevent skidding...that just driving experience. you can wait until you hear the wear indicators on the rears before replacing.

 

Yesterday, I just finished replacing my timing belt and water pump on my 91 SE. I bought it 5 years ago with 89,000 miles. Now it has 189,000. Two week ago I took this car to dealer for a computer check for occasional rough running. He said I needed to replace distributer head and spark plugs wires and (fear tactic) my timing belt was getting ready to go. His price for fixing was $450.00. So I would find a good mechanic and expect $250.00.

Replacing belt took me one week and cost me $50 for tools. The timing belt cost $16 from autozone. The only additional thing I replaced was water pump - cost $24.00 autozone. The water pump was leaking. (you should replace thermostat because it only cost less $10). I think tensioner cost $42. Of course all the little belts for power steering, alternator, and air conditioner can be replaced at any time (cost $4 each)

There is no way to check when timing belt was replace without knowing history. Five years ago I had belt replaced it looked good. This time belt looked good at 90,000 miles. What you are fighting is manufacture recommends replacing at 60,000. If belt breaks it get the valves. I have heard of more than one being replaced at 120,000.

My car did not start when I finished work. The battery cables had corroded! Once I cleaned them it started.

Looking back my belt or anything was not going to go like the dealer said. The belted look good especially the belt teeth. In summary, every 5 years just as a matter of maintenance the belt should be replace and the other stuff checked.

 

Im sorry but I didnt feel like reading through all of the rest of those replys cause theyre so long But along with that timing belt I would reccomend water pump, tensioner, thermostat, while they are doing the timing belt sinc they will have easy access to them. To answer your second question some common problems are cv boots like you mentioned window regulators, antenna, bose speakers blowing, and the trans that you are having rebuilt. Other than that you have a great car. Good luck with your car I know you'll injoy it

 

Thank you all for the generous advice. I really appreciate all suggestions provided here and sorry for the long questions. I'm just freaking out I guess THANKS FOR THE HELP ALL!

 

how much does a tranny rebuild normaly run.

 

well, i should be getting my car back tomorrow if i'm lucky, but the rebuild cost is around $1550 for me. best of luck to your maxima

 

Would I be able to just remove the cover on the timing belt to take a look at it on my vg30e or do other things need to be removed to get to it?

 

I got this timing belt kit off eBay for 100 bucks couple years ago. Might want to consider this...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Timin...spagenameZWD1V

 

Holy grave digger dude,just start a new thread instead of digging up 5 year old threads..