Hey guys...
OK … Timing belt or not…I’m not a mechanic but I’m pretty sure that ’97-’99’s have timing belts. But I was also wondering if ’95-’96 did also…. I heard a rumor that they had chains. I thought that was kinda intresting….

Thanks 4 you time...

 

All Maximas built after 1995 have a timing chain.

 

All Maximas built after 1994 have a timing chain.

 

alot people here say chain belt, but my mechanic says timing.

 

From 1995 onwards ALL maximas have a TIMING CHAIN. They do this to reduce matanience costs. Belts stretch and periodically need to be replaced while a timing CHAIN will last the life of the vehicle. Once again, it is a timing CHAIN, NOT a belt.

K

 

Actually, I believe that 92-94 SE's have timing chains as well. And yes, all VQ based V6's (95+) have timing chains. It's nice that the timing chain doesn't have to be replaced, but it does make the engine a little noisier. At idle, I can hear my engine. In my mom's 99 Camry XLEV6, you don't hear anything. Toyota's engine is super quiet due to the timing belt (among other things, like better engine mounts). I believe the new VQ in the Altima/Maxima will have something called a "silent chain drive" which may quiet the engine down.

 

D'oh!