bvenvert

I have been noticing a noise at startup on my 03 Max and went to the TSBs to check my car. Apparently Nissan has had some problems with the Valve Timing Control sprockets on the VQ35 motor and it makes a rattling noise at startup when the vehicle is cold.

I was wondering if anyone has had this work done and if they were any side effects from having the repair? It appears that Nissan would have to remove the front of the motor and replace at least one of the sprockets that is making the noise, right or left, both of which are driven by the timing chain.

Anyway, the noise only occurs for a couple of seconds at startup, but it is kind of annoying whenever I start the vehicle cold. And with my warranty on the vehicle expiring in about 1600 miles or 3/23, whichever comes first, I wonder if I should have the dealership do the repair. Has anyone had this done? Has anyone just let it go and had more repairs that had to be done at a later date? Any thoughts?

03maxima1

iTrader: (13)

I had that part go bad. But it was not as you described. This noise is a rattle but does not go away and gets louder when you press the gas. Anyway it is part of the 5yr 60k warranty so get it checked if your under that mileage, because the technician told me it was a $1500 job. Maybe your is going bad slowly.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

TSB http://maxima.theowensfamily.com/tsb/NTB03-060.pdf

bvenvert

Thanks for the link to the TSB for the VTC Sprockets. If you read the TSB, it states exactly what I hear when I first start up my Max. A short rattling sound under a couple of seconds. I have 34K on my 03 Max and thought I should have it fixed before the 3 yr/36K warranty expires next month. Sounds like I could wait provided that it is covered on the 5 yr, 60K powertrain warranty.

SoonerFan

iTrader: (5)

yeah, its covered by the powertrain warranty

PoLo

iTrader: (7)

the problem with this TSB is that you need to let the car rest overnite, then 2 guys are needed. 1 to turn on, other to listen. if the guy doesn't hear it right, then it stays another nite (i think min. 6 hours) while they figure out which one it is. i'd rather just deal with it. that's my 2 cents.

krmaxima

iTrader: (13)

if i dont have warrenty then can i not get this done for free? im not sure arent all tsbs free

vsamoylov

i have a set of sprockets for sale if you want them. both of them are brand new and are the updaed version that doesnt let the oil drain out of them.

CoolMax

iTrader: (7)

Is worth it?

I've got the same issue, but I wonder if it's worth the risk of having the Nissan mechs. tear out your engine and screw something else up.