With both sons owning 5th generation Maximas, both age and advancing mileage has provided me many "opportunities" to learn about these cars & engines. Members of the org have always been very helpful which I appreciate.

My son's 2000 Max suddenly had its exhaust sound change to motorcycle-like. Expecting to find a simple break in a pipe, I found the EGR valve blew out the quarter-sized pressed in cap at the bottom.

The part is ordered. I believe I understand how to proceed, but if anyone has any specific tips or tricks to know on replacing this part, I would be grateful to read them. Thank you!

 

If you're Doug Flutie then you will have small enough hands to work back there without being hurt.
J/k

Actually take your time. There isn't much space to work with back there. I believe there are a couple of write-ups on how to take the DE-K egr off in this section.

 

Got this job done yesterday. I could find surprisingly little posted info regarding this task and what to expect. I just was not sure of what I was getting into and do not like surprises (who does when it comes to cars?).

Took the posted advice of taking my time. Would like to mention 3 things in the hopes it could help someone else in the future.

Besides the obvious air box removal, there is a short length of coolant hose (about 3/4" inch diameter) that runs under the valve. Disconnecting that and pulling it over out of the way is likely essential to gain room.

The two small hoses connecting to the valve itself transport coolant. Be prepared to lose some. It's likely best to put a pan under the car. I was not aware if they were vaccuum or coolant lines. I found out fast. And had a little mess I could have prevented.

When reconnecting the pipe thread connection, get the treads started BEFORE the valve is fully bolted back up to the engine with the two nuts. I reversed every step I took getting the valve off. BUT, without a little play to square up the threads, that fitting would NOT go on until I loosened the valve nuts. Wasted a lot of time there.

Again, hope this helps someone else. Don't hurry. It's very tight quarters and easy to get frustrated.