Brudaddy

iTrader: (2)

I am a newb when it comes to the timing of the Max.
I know that we have timing chains and they supposedly don't need replacing for the life of the car.
However, I was wondering if there was a time interval that would be good to change the tensioners or not? I mean, is there a mileage count that you guys change your tensioners, or do you just keep the stock ones, and they are good for life?
Just trying to stay ahead on the preventative maintenance on my Maxima.
Thanks ahead of time for any comments.

Brudaddy

iTrader: (2)

Bump........
.....ttt....

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

The tensioner probs were on high mile 95-97(Very early 97's).

maximabebe

iTrader: (24)

You would want to change it when the chain tells you to change it. Depending on how the vehicle was driven for example....if it was beat up a little bit more than it should have been, then chances are that your chain can be stretched a tad. However, the tensioner itself is a relatively easy process and if yours is in fact original, and you have no "rattle" emitted from the timing cover area, then you are good as gold. I changed mine this morning (45 min), and it made a world of difference. My Max was pretty noisy at startup during spring this past year. Eventually it became noiser and really irritated me. I got the tensioner and chain guide for $60 here in CT from a reputable Nissan dealer. In all seriousness, listen to the timing chain via chain cover at startup, fully warm stage, and while cruising around in gear. If you can hear a rattle (similar to injector sound but significantly louder) from inside the car, then I would say go ahead and change the tensioner. There are various recent write-up going around. If you feel nervous but still want to save the cash and do it yourself, I suggest subscribing to ALLDATADIY.COM...........Good luck!

BTW I have a chain guide for sale.

Shift_my vq

where can i get this write up i looked. Mine rattles in the morning as you described.

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

Look in hte 4th gen How-To's

Brudaddy

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the info.
That is all I was really needing to find out.
I mean, I didn't know if there was a certain point in mileage that you ought to just do this.
Mine does not seem to be making any noise presently, so I would assume that everything is all right.

rx7racr

i just bought a 95 (89k mi) and its the first car I've ever owned with a chain. Do these engines make any noises that are different from engines with timing belts? My car seems to be in great shape, but I can hear a very slight constant WHIRRING that goes with the engine RPM (not with the drivetrain)...

should i check anything or is this whirring normal?

MDeezy

iTrader: (27)

is it a 5-speed?

rx7racr

yes it is... ...and I've already had the thought about it being the tranny ('cause i know those trannies are prone to failure), but the noise seems to fluctuate with the Engine RPM and not the tranny RPM (i.e. when i hit the clutch, the noise changes as the engine winds down - but the tranny components are still turning at the same speed)