A couple of weeks ago i changed the timing belt on my 93 maxima SOHC. i got it all changed and put back together but when i got it started up i realized the belt was to tight because it had a humming noise. Im going to go back in and loosen the belt, but while im at it i am wanting to change out the timing belt tensioner. im just wondering if i am able to change the timing belt tensioner WITHOUT removing the timing belt?

 

This does not compute. The DOHC engine comes with a timing chain. Do you mean you have the SOHC engine?

It's possible. Just remove the nut and slide the tensioner out.

While you're at it, you should also change the tensioner spring that goes with it.

 

yes. my bad it is a SOHC. thanks

 

before going all the way back into the timing cover...
try removing the 3 drive belts and run the motor briefly to make sure the noise is not drive belt or pulley related

 

I have done this job around 5 times now on my many maximas and out of the five I had two that developed a whine right after, in both cases it went away after about 500 miles or so, I agree that it could be the drive pully belts (alt,pws,wp) causing it as well.

and yes you can change the tensioner w/o removing the belt.

 

ok, ill make sure to check those out first

 

so turns out it was the timing belt, and i was able to change the tensioner without removing the timing belt. i zip tied the belt to the cam gears to make sure the teeth didn't move when i loosened the tension. I held my finger under the crank because it started to hang to low when as i loosened the tension.