Timing chain replacement
#1
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Timing chain replacement
I have an 01 AE with 120k, I bought it with 90k and was thinking of doing it soon. Car runs very well but I don't know if it was done by previous owner.
My questions are,
1: At what mileage did you do it?
2: Have you replaced all 3 chains and all tensioners or just the main chain?
3: Any of you do this yourself? Please post regrets or tips to share.
My questions are,
1: At what mileage did you do it?
2: Have you replaced all 3 chains and all tensioners or just the main chain?
3: Any of you do this yourself? Please post regrets or tips to share.
#5
The chains on a vq is maintance free and should be good for the life of the car.
The only thing that you would change if you start to hear chain noise is the tensoner.
Trust me you dont want to change the chains unless you have to.
The only thing that you would change if you start to hear chain noise is the tensoner.
Trust me you dont want to change the chains unless you have to.
#7
In my case I hear chain noise but only when the engine is worm. i can even feel the vibration a little next to the valve cover. How many hours is it to change the tensioner cause the timing chain if I'm not mistaking is about 13hours without pulling the engine out. And that is a bit scarry if you think 60$/hour...
#9
In my case I hear chain noise but only when the engine is worm. i can even feel the vibration a little next to the valve cover. How many hours is it to change the tensioner cause the timing chain if I'm not mistaking is about 13hours without pulling the engine out. And that is a bit scarry if you think 60$/hour...
Book time is 1.1 hours to R&R the tensioner.
#11
I talked to my boy who used to be a Nissan tech but just got laid off and he told me that even though the tensioners will make noise sometimes, it is very rare for it to actually skip a link, so if you can deal with a little noise it should be fine.
I don't know how true this is though so don't quote me on it haha
I don't know how true this is though so don't quote me on it haha
#13
the whole point of a timing chain vs a timing belt is that you never have to replace it. now lets say you've been driving on low oil your whole life, it'll probably rattle its way off, but then you'll have bigger problems.
but no seriously, dont worry about it. if its not broken, dont fix it. its a chain, not a belt, so it doesn't wear.
but no seriously, dont worry about it. if its not broken, dont fix it. its a chain, not a belt, so it doesn't wear.
#14
the whole point of a timing chain vs a timing belt is that you never have to replace it. now lets say you've been driving on low oil your whole life, it'll probably rattle its way off, but then you'll have bigger problems.
but no seriously, dont worry about it. if its not broken, dont fix it. its a chain, not a belt, so it doesn't wear.
but no seriously, dont worry about it. if its not broken, dont fix it. its a chain, not a belt, so it doesn't wear.
I do remember hearing about an engine or two that calls for a timing chain replacement as part of regular maintenance, just can't remember what they were.
#15
I 'm impressed! You just a genius. If you can do all of this for 30 min...
Just to get there (requires removing the intake manifold, AC compressor, power steering pump, cross member, engine mount, oil pans and more):
Just to get there (requires removing the intake manifold, AC compressor, power steering pump, cross member, engine mount, oil pans and more):
#17
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Thanks for all the info guys, I see now there's no reason to change the chain as a maintainance item. I will be checking the tension soon as a precaution.
I do have another question though:
Can you replace the tensioners through the access covers or does the entire timing cover have to be removed.
Thanks again
I do have another question though:
Can you replace the tensioners through the access covers or does the entire timing cover have to be removed.
Thanks again
#18
Thanks for all the info guys, I see now there's no reason to change the chain as a maintainance item. I will be checking the tension soon as a precaution.
I do have another question though:
Can you replace the tensioners through the access covers or does the entire timing cover have to be removed.
Thanks again
I do have another question though:
Can you replace the tensioners through the access covers or does the entire timing cover have to be removed.
Thanks again
#19
Mine is the VQ30 SE 2000.
Would it still be as easy to replace that tensioner?
#20
#22
#23
Thanks, KRRZ350. Yeah, i checked for the water pump and it's much easier procedure, just 10 steps instead of 30. It is a good news! My apologize to pmohr.
Last edited by boris; 07-21-2009 at 11:35 AM.
#24
Thanks for all the info guys, I see now there's no reason to change the chain as a maintainance item. I will be checking the tension soon as a precaution.
I do have another question though:
Can you replace the tensioners through the access covers or does the entire timing cover have to be removed.
Thanks again
I do have another question though:
Can you replace the tensioners through the access covers or does the entire timing cover have to be removed.
Thanks again
#25
I've never quite figured out what can go wrong with the "tensioner"? Unless the oil supply gallery gets plugged, what can go haywire with a dead simple hydraulic piston? The slack side chain guide yes, or one of the other chain guides, maybe, but the "tensioner"......I'd be surprised.
#26
It does wear, but not an appreciable amount. The entire point of the automatic tensioner is to compensate for the wear.
I do remember hearing about an engine or two that calls for a timing chain replacement as part of regular maintenance, just can't remember what they were.
I do remember hearing about an engine or two that calls for a timing chain replacement as part of regular maintenance, just can't remember what they were.
but yeah i know, of course the chain wears, but not to the point where you have to replace it in fear it'll snap.
#27
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From the great responses I have gotten, I don't think I have anything to worry about. But I will keep an ear out for any chain noise in the future and check the tensioner for exessive wear periodically.
#28
yeah your tensioner should be fine if you dont hear any noise. but yeah, the timing chain isn't what they consider preventative. i mean hell change it why not, but if you don't, you're still good =)
which means less time in that hot awful garage! haha
which means less time in that hot awful garage! haha
#30
mine begin to make a litle noise at idle,,but last week i changed the oil of my engine for 5/30 synthetic and the sound apear suddenly
i will change the tensoner just to be safe,,a full timing chain job cost close to 600$here!!!
#33
#35
Hello All.... I Just Brought A 96 SE Maxima... The Seller Told Me That The timing belt needs to be adjusted.. I have no idea what he means but when i start the car, I hear a loud fast knocking noise coming from where he pointed out the timing belt is located.. The car has oil but definitely needs a oil change cuz of how black it is.. I'm trying to see if I should bother fixing this car up and making it my best or just getting rid of it... Please HElp Me out If u Can!!
#36
Hello All.... I Just Brought A 96 SE Maxima... The Seller Told Me That The timing belt needs to be adjusted.. I have no idea what he means but when i start the car, I hear a loud fast knocking noise coming from where he pointed out the timing belt is located.. The car has oil but definitely needs a oil change cuz of how black it is.. I'm trying to see if I should bother fixing this car up and making it my best or just getting rid of it... Please HElp Me out If u Can!!
#37
Hmmm
The mechanic came out and swore to me that sometimes the chains get worn or stretched, and that just replacing the tensioner won't fix the problem.
Can I get some expert opinions? Is my car unusual or am I being lied to?
#40
OK, sorry to jump in here, but either I have an unusual car, or my stealership is lying to my face. I have an '03 with 175K miles. I have had some timing chain rattle of late. I took it in and they're telling me that the chain, secondary chain, tensioner(s) need to be replaced. And it will cost me $2600, but that's throwing in a new water pump.
The mechanic came out and swore to me that sometimes the chains get worn or stretched, and that just replacing the tensioner won't fix the problem.
Can I get some expert opinions? Is my car unusual or am I being lied to?
The mechanic came out and swore to me that sometimes the chains get worn or stretched, and that just replacing the tensioner won't fix the problem.
Can I get some expert opinions? Is my car unusual or am I being lied to?