It says the new Altima has a timing chain instead of a belt, what does the 2k - 2k1 max have? Timing belt or chain?

thanx

 

well, i took my max in for 36k maintenance and the guy told me that i've got a timing chain in there so i didn't have to do anything. but if i look in my engine bay i see a whole mess of belts, but i don't know what they're for so i took his word on it.

 

All VQ engines have a timing chain.

 

this is just what I remember ... and take into account that I have slept a few times since I read this, but ...


When I had my 4 wheel drive nissan truck, I used to go to a BBS that would talk about them. The V6 model had a timing chain. I remember reading that the truck was getting or had the same engine as the max. Now if that's the case I am pretty sure the max has a timing chain.

Now with that in mind, they also used to put heavy emphasis on replacing that chain every 60K. I am not talking like a suggestion on a couple of threads, but rather a hefty do it or die kinda attitude. I didn't take it THAT serious, but I do think I would change it. Don't have my owner's manual in here, but supposedly it states it in there. It's one of those things that is preventative maintenance that could save you big $$$ in the long run. If the chain breaks, big $$$

Don't know if this applies directly to the max, honestly forgot about the whole subject till reading this thread.

Maybe someone else could elaborate and enlighten me on this subject!

 

...interesting to know: even my old 92 Sentra had a timing chain. Used to surprise the hell out of all the Jiffy Lube mechanics (and other mechanics) who would try to tell me that it was time to change my timing belt. Don't think they expected that subcompact to have a chain! Go Nissan!

 

So far, all nissans I've seen have chains. Even infinitis. Does lexus have them noooooooooooo!!!

But replacing a timing chain every 60k...that doesn't sound right...

 

In my 2 years of maxima forums I have never heard of one timing chain breaking. They never have to be changed and as far as I can tell, they never have to changed.



BTW the 02 max has a new silent timing chain, the engine is quite a bit quiter then my 95 and 98 VQ's.

 

Do you mean Steel timeing chain belt?

 

my bad, just went and did some searchin' on those old boards and found this ... the v6's had a timing belt. the 4 banger's (like what I had) had the timing chain. It was suggested that those belts be changed every 60-100k depending on model year. They suggest changing b/c if they break the piston's hit the valves. Nasty stuff, so that is why eveyone made such a big deal about it.


Sorry for the confusion. Like I said ... slept a few times in that year and a half ...

 

Yes, the idea behind the timing chain is that it last longer than the timing belts and is more durable.

The timing belt/chain rotates the cams of the engine, lifting and lowering the valves as the pistons move back and forth.
If it breaks, and the pistonsand valves get out of sync, BAD THINGS HAPPEN.

Timing chains are thought to be superior to timing belts. And, yes, to be safe, it is a good idea to replace timing belts around 60K - 100K miles since they do wear out and break. This is for belts, not chains.

 

timing chain should be pretty much maintenance free....

 

The timing chain is integrated into the engine block, you are looking at accessory belts.

 

the chain should be inspected at 100K. at 150-200K, they usually need replacing. We have interference engines, but luckily a chain makes a helluva noise when it needs attention. I think thats why you dont hear of many chain horror stories. I think a worn/loose chain makes itself VERY known before damage occurs. I think that a failed chain is usually indicative of a lubrication problem and at that point, it's probably a 'result', not a 'cause' for a problem.

If you are offroading (pathfinder), then with dirt and water, you should have it inspected more often. Contamination will create wear and hence that whole replacement thing with them. BTW, the 3.3L truck and pf motor (pre-2001) are different beasts than ours.

 

my local Nissan (Not Infiniti) dealership said that the only US market producton vehicle they are selling that has a timing belt is the Xterra's he specifically said something about its 3.3 V6

 

Us 3rd Genners with VG30DEs have timing belts that must be changed every 60k.

 

Sounds like another real good reason not to drive around with the oil level low.

Norm