JHM

2001 Maxima (Anniversary Edition)
Oiled faithfully. Well maintained. No rust. No accidents. 200K.

So, the car's in great shape. For sure, thinking about another five years. Took it to the mechanic yesterday for an oil change. He calls and tells me that I have to come see him. He'll pick me up in a few minutes.

The motor is hanging down a small amount on the drivers side in the centre. The support beam that runs side-to-side at the rad is completely rotted out. It's broken. Easily visible to the eye.

He tells me that he needs a day to think. (Mechanic for 30+ years). The support beam is worth $288, but it is a monster job to get the support beam in place. He tells me I need to find a buddy that can do the job "non-shop rates". (I trust my mechanic, he's a friend/honest guy). He insists I call some people. I made a couple calls.

Any advice?

I would like to continue with this car, as I know it has been very well maintained.

phatboislim

iTrader: (27)

you have rust if that support beam rotted man...IJS

as far as sparing it..do as he says.

AoD11

I found a guy that got the part and did it for me for 180$.

TallTom

JHM, where are you located?

JHM

I live in Arthur, Ontario. An hour west of Toronto.

cjandura

iTrader: (3)

Look in the 4th gen section there are a few write ups on lower support repair.i did the one on my 97 max it only cost me $40 in materal and it will never go bad again the oonly thing is i welded it myself but if you got a friend that can weld the 2 of you can do it in about 3 hours.

EuroDriver

iTrader: (21)

Glad you got it fixed without breaking th bank - just to add my own $0.02, make sure the rust has not spread to the frame where the the support brace bolts on to. Don't want that breaking off next!

ShocknAwe

iTrader: (3)

While your replacing it, I believe they updated the design to a lighter version and you should try to locate that one

JHM

Got a new after market part coming. I'll certainly be discussing 'other rust problems'. Bizarre, as this vehicle is clearly the best taken care of vehicle I've ever owned.

Rods03Max619

iTrader: (5)

Im surprised your mechanic can't just swap it out for a fee, but alot of good advice above, I never had a problem with mine so can't give advice on it, Good Luck Though....

anomaly117

iTrader: (3)

this happened to me a while back, not all the way through but well on it's way. clutch replacement turned into a beam replacement too.

anomaly117

iTrader: (3)

cuz ur in california no road salting

fishtale6spd

iTrader: (13)

Hey yea man 5.5 hour Job is what aldata says....

JHM

Thanks very much for the help guys!

5.5hrs. That would indicate I get in and out, with taxes, on about $1000. New part inserted, not a welding patch. Well worth the investment, as the car is in excellent condition. Way cheaper than buying a new car! I will make sure other structural pieces are looked over carefully, to make certain they are sound.

Hmmm. I've been oiling in the Autumn and 'Krown'-ing (Rust Check) in the spring. I got the car from my father, and I know he oiled every Autumn, and doesn't short cut in regard to maintenance. He's had a number of vehicles looking very sharp after 15 years (rebuilt a '63 Galaxy from the ground up). I'm hoping to get another five years from the car (drive about 30,000K annual) investing up to $2000 annually in repairs.

Again, thanks guys!

OIFJORDAN

iTrader: (2)

I threw a rod in my vq about one week ago. Went to a yard bought a newer engine...then discovered my engine was hanging down. My lower core support was 100% rotted out. I went to stealership and bought the lower core support for $150 and had it replaced for $200 dollars! Great deal I thought!