Hello guys. I have a complex VE30 question. Well, actually it's quite simple, but I've found it difficult to dig up info on the subject.

Do the timing chains on VE engines EVER need to be replaced? I have heard some people (mechanics and non alike) that say the timing chains should be replaced or at least checked every 120,000 miles. I've heard others adamantly insist that they do not need replacing EVER except under unusual circumstances.

My question is, who's right? I am about to do some repairs to my 93 Max SE 5spd (with just over 107,000 on the odo), and if the timing chain needs replacement or will need it soon, I'd like to know so I can better determine what to do and how much money to set aside . The engine is not currently acting out of character or behaving poorly in any way, I am simply asking this question as a means of clarification.

 

usually the chains should last the life of the car, unless you ran it without oil or did something crazy to the car to cause them to go bad. the part that wears are the timing chain tensioners, since they're plastic and are always pressing on the chains while its running.

there are procedures in the FSM that show you how to check the chains for stretching and wear.

 

Probably last the car's lifetime, but maybe replaced in an older maxima, like at 180K or 200K if there is lots of wear or lots of noise. I think you are safe for 50K or more miles.

 

[QUOTE=Matt93SE]the part that wears are the timing chain tensioners, since they're plastic and are always pressing on the chains while its running.
[QUOTE]

so matt, how often do the tensioners wear out and need to be replaced? or do you just check the chain and chenage the tensioners if you need to change the chain?

 

Either way that could be costly, as the tensioners would be under th timing casings, and that really is the labor intensive part right there. I can't imagine the tensioners are made of plastic, as plastic would chaff so fast and be reduced to nothing.

I'm hearing more and more that I do not need to/should not change the chains, so I guess that is what I'll do.

 

just replaced mine at 150K but they were really ok there wasnt much wear on them at all.....(the tensioners)