I have a 97 Gxe with about 68,000 miles. When should I change the timing belt. I had a buddy who's accord just died b/c he waited to long to change his timing belt.

 

Your engine doesn't have a timing belt. The VQ30DE has a timing chain, which generally lasts the life of the engine without adjustment.

Beat you to it, DBM!

 

BTW, please read the FAQs or your owners manual. This is clearly stated in the manual.

 

Thanks guys for the help. I should have looked at my owners manual before asking the question. First Maxima I've owned, just assumed it had a timing belt. Sorry about that.

 

less overall maintainance $$...
still running strong.

 

Timing chain is better than timing belt for sure. Was told chain is a little noisier than belt. I don't hear much difference between them, as I have RX300 (belt driven) to compare to.
When I was trying to find a coupon for timing belt replacement for my old 86 Sentra (about 90K plus miles on it), the belt broke. I had the engine replaced with a refurbished one. Stupid enough trying to save small $ but end up spending big $$$.
When I bought my first new 94 Altima, the dealer strongly recommended me to buy extended warranty saying what if your timing belt breaks after the basic warranty expires? I didn't buy saying I'd like to take chances on a reliable Jap's car. Later during service the supervisor said Altima does not have belt, it's a chain.
Sorry for the side track.

 

It's cool, I came from an Accord also and one of the first questions I ever asked on the board was "when do I change my timing belt?". Memories...

 

Actually the VQ30DE has 3 timing chains. It has what is called a two stage system. There is one chain that loops aound the crank and then around the two intake cams. Then there is one more chain in each head that drives the exhaust cam off of the intake cam.

 

Thanks for the nod. Everyone should get in on the fun!