nikemike

Just wondering what the consensus is on the mileage to have your timing belt/chain replaced? Also, I've heard stories of it costing upwards of a grand so post any costs incurred if you've had it performed already.

Apologies in advance if this is

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

The belt usually goes before the chain. But it's way cheaper, so it's not that big of a deal.

schernov

I used to have a 86 honda CRX. Timing belt/waterpum was $300.

Lontar1

iTrader: (5)

It should run about $300 with factory parts... maybe cheaper with aftermarket parts

dmplus

Maxima's have a timing chain that should outlast the engine.

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

I don't know who would have told you that.

dmplus

Every single mechanic and dealer i have talked to in the 10 years i've owned maximas

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

Rrrrriight...



I had my mechanic change the belt in my VQ at the same time he swapped in new spark plug wires.

dmplus

going to assume you mean accessory belt and not timing belt, since vq's dont have timing belts. So yes, i've replaced several belts on my maximas. very inexpensive probably 20 bucks or less.

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

Well, then I got ripped off if he charged me $400 to do the regular belts when he told me it was the timing belt.

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

Ben stop messing with them, they are already confused, why make it worse

wngan9447

iTrader: (4)

Timing chains are to be changed at 200,000 miles or when the tension slowly starts to give... so many think that it should outlast the life of the car... i had an Altima before my max and that got up to 250,000 miles without a chain replacement... Nissan recommends checking the timing chain every 100,000 miles... whats this about a timing belt? We have serpentine belts that drive the water pump, A/C compressor, alternator, etc., but no timing belt.

mzmtg

iTrader: (11)

Quiet you!

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

Delete my post and have fun

wngan9447

iTrader: (4)

If your mechanic told you that he changed your timing belt...SMACK HIM!

maseo77

iTrader: (1)

I second that.

A few of my dumba$$ die hard chevy friends lost $100 bucks to me when they swore I had a timing belt, I had to drive them to the dealership and ask 2 mechanics b4 they stopped laughing at me for saying I had a timing CHAIN

Kevlo911

iTrader: (36)

I think you need new friends.

StillenMax80x20

iTrader: (3)

i second that kevlo, quite a few chains on cars these days, they're stuck in the carb age

SkoorbMax

There is no schedule for replacing a timing chain. If anybody disagrees with that I defy them to find an official recommendation from Nissan. Otherwise, do not change it unless it causes you problems.

wngan9447

iTrader: (4)

I agree... my buddy who is a Nissan mechanic said that he has seen them lose tension at around 200,000 mile... remember my Altima went pretty far before I got rid of it... I doubt it got resold, but if it's on the road today, i bet it still has the same original timing chain on it.

I30tMikeD

iTrader: (8)

I thought we had a chain driven timing belt

Robdog69

I was a Nissan technician, here in OH, for Buckeye Nissan, and for the 2 years I worked for them, I did not replace a timing chain on any maxima, I had replaced timing chains on altimas, 95 and below, other then that I did a lot of timing belts for pathfinders and xterras. Just keep fresh oil in there and you should be just fine for about 200-250k miles. I do rec: that people that have 95 altimas remove there plastic guides at the top of the motor under the valve cover where the cam sprockets are, due to the fact they end up breaking and causing noise and then getting trapped inbetween the sprckets and chain and causing more damage in the long run. Just some advise.

Progress

iTrader: (26)

But you have to replace the little gerbal the powers the radiator fans. I haven't replaced mine yet but I remember to feed him every 4k miles or so. Oh and don't forget that blinker fluid.

tofer85

Hey guys, old Mustang guy here. Never really have broke into too many Nissan motors, but my water pump went out a week or so ago, and I'll be danged if I can see how the pump comes out of that freaking inspection plate, so I pulled the front cover off...... The thing is, I'm not sure if I jumped a tooth or not before the cover came off, when I was working the crank back a bit to get slack on the water pump....I've seen in some of the timing chain posts that there are dark links that line up with the arrows on the cam gears, and a lighter link for the crank gear. Well my chain has two "yellow" colored links, and I cant see any that look darker, period. Anyone have any advice on this at all? I have decided to go ahead and replace the tensioner as well, which should be in the morning.....so somebody please help me out with this???

NisTech

They could have slack and cause incorrect timing- fail emissions. However that is like 1 in 100 at 200,000 miles. Like it has been said chains outlast engine life.

NisTech

read the ESM and follow it. Don't let someone give you advice on timing chains. Line up everything from the beginning and you should be fine.
And the pump does come off without having to re&re the sidecover.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

thanks for the bump of the old *** thread

NisTech

?? why would you thank me?

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

it was a joke.
the questions had been answered....thread dropped...you brought it back. why

NisTech

perhaps cause you can do the waterpump without taking the whole side cover off saving a good flat rate type tech with airtools at least 4-5 hours.... and a tube of gasketmaker that costs $15....

tofer85

Man I tried for hours to get the pump out of the inspection cover....seemed like I just couldnt get the chain out of the way enough. It would bind between the pump and timing cover when I tried to pull the pump out...anywho....got it in now...after removing the cover. Buttoning everything up now...Thanks Guys.