I have an 04 maxima se with the six speed 145,000 miles. The car has a rattle noise on startup lasts from a fraction of a second to almost a min at times. The noise gets faster with engine rpm increase. I have a feeling that it is the timing chain problem I have been reading about but sounds like there is two different problems with them? Guess my question is how can you tell what it is? Almost sounds like a marble rollin around or something lol not funny tho. Also could a shade tree mech do the timing chain and tensioner job or is it seriouly a nissan job at almost $2000. Also any info from someone that has had this problem and drove it how long could I possibly expect it to be ok or a way to nurse it out maybe. Any ideas what else it might be too would be great but somehow it would be just to good to be true. Thanks for any info

 

It is probably the famous timing chain guide failure. The slack side plastic breaks and slides down, requiring the tensioner to fully extend in attempt to maintain tension on the guide.

Don't let anyone mislead you- it will eventually fail and require major bucks to fix. Also, a competent mechanic can fix this. No need for a dealer shop. But be warned, it is a very tedious job with lots of room for error.

If you have never been inside an engine, I don't recommend you start with this one. Find a good Nissan mechanic that works on the side at home.

 

Is there anything I need to know about when it comes to taking timing cover off and replacing tensioner? Any special tools? Chain can stay on when replacing tensioner right? Watched a guy kinda show how it comes apart on u tube... Looked to easy! 10 hours according to nissan... Some how I doubt that... That must be them pullin motor out for it to take that long? Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated

 

I said the same thing, until i went and done it. Mind you i did it on an engine which was out of the car, and that was fairly not fun. You plan to do this while the engine is in the car which is **** hard.

That over confidence is going to cost you much rage, be sure you can chew on the big slice of a job you're about to bite. Remember, you mess up, its new valves. Also, 10 hours is a lie.

 

Don't get me wrong I know it won't be much fun at all but it is doable? The real questions I have are, 1. When pulling crank pulley do I need a puller or do they come of ok?
2.how man bolts are in cover any hiding?
3.after timing cover is out, do I need to hold the timing chain in place at all? If so where?
4.is there a trick or anything with taking the timing chain tensioner off and replacing it?
5.anything else I might need or want to know?

Like I said I can in no way afford to take my car to nissan to fix so its up to me and my brother. We both have a fairly good amount of experence when it comes to cars. Just never touched nissan...
Thanks again for any info or advice i'm probably going to need it

 

Everyone has a different skill level - it is impossible to say just how difficult this job will be for you or anyone else. I can tell you I have been a Nissan tech for over 20 yrs and this is definitely one of the most frustrating and tedious jobs I have performed. The first one I did though started right up had zero issues, so I must have done my homework I suppose.

The factory service manual is your friend. Get an electronic or paper copy, study it carefully and do not deviate from the instructions.

 

Where can I get a factory service manual for doing this? Would love to have a procedure to follow.thanks

 

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/

 

Wow alot of pdf files do ya happen to know which ones I need for job?

 

Now here you go...
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/2004/EM.pdf

 

Hey man thanks a bunch