Maxima Forums - Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement

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Ianmark

12-15-2018 08:59 AM

Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement

My friend has a 2004 Maxima that makes a noise on startup, but goes away after a couple of minutes. A mechanic diagnosed the problem as the Timing chain tensioner. I saw a video of someone removing the tensioner through the outer plate, but the engine was removed from the car. I am not removing the engine, but I want to know can the tensioner be replaced this way? I will do it by removing the chain cover, but only if I have to. He removed the cover plate and then removed the tensioner, easy peasy.

The car only has 120,000 kms, so he doesn't want to replace the chains as they will last a lot longer than 120K.

Any help would be great.

Thanks,
Ian

Ianmark

12-16-2018 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by User1 (Post 9190365)

Sounds like you got it figured out. It's called a slack guide. Apparently notorious for failing in 6th gen year VQ's. May as well replace the front main seal while you have the front cover off.

Is it the slack guide that makes the noise, or the tensioner? When the engine makes noise at start up then the noise goes away, what is causing the noise and what part/s have to be replaced?

Thanks,
Ian

Ianmark

12-16-2018 06:38 PM

Thanks @User1 for the info. Does the tensioner also have to be replaced when I replace the chain guide? Do the engine covers have permanent gaskets or do I need a gasket set?

Many Thanks,
Ian

Ianmark

12-16-2018 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by User1 (Post 9190429)

You're in for a hell of a ride if this is indeed your problem. You have my sympathies! I just finished messing with all that stuff during oil gallery gasket upgrade behind my 2014 swap motor timing cover. But my engine is sitting on an engine stand! I would recommend downloading the FSM and starting there.

Great link to the manuals, thanks. I'll pull off the tensioner cover and see if guide has indeed slipped down. I have a garage to work in and no time limit. I've done quite a lot of work on engines that are still in the car, so this doesn't scare me. If anyone has ever done head gaskets on a Northstar engine in a Cadillac, that is a nightmare that I am proud to say I survived.

Thanks all for the help and info,
Ian

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