My 93 Max SE just turned 100,000 miles - do I change timing belt now? If not what mileagew interval is recommended. How much should I expect to pay and can a good mechanic do it or is it a trip to the Nissan dealer? Thanks!

 

If you do, you have chain(s) not a belt. Chains don't really have a service interval. If the chains aren't making noise then they are PROBABLY okay. The only way to know is to take the front cover off and inspect the chain and tensioners.

If you have a 93 maxima non-se, then you do have a belt. And if you haven't changed it at 100k, you had better change it+the water pump ASAP!

 

I've had my car for about 4 years. When I bought it there were 70,000 miles on it. Now it just turned over 100,000. I assume the timing belt was changed at some point by someone before me. Is it time to replace the timing belt, tensioner, etc right away? You replyed before saying 93 SE had a timing chain, not a belt - not according to my service manual. You also said the water pump should be replaced with the chain - What's up there? Anyone that can help and tell me what needs to be done to the car at this juncture and how much to expect it to cost would be very helpful. Thanks GT1@worldnet.att.net

 

All pre-95 Maxima's have belts that should be changed every 60k miles. Don't just expect that the previous owner changed it, because most people don't really follow it too closely. It should cost you around 300-400 depending where you go, if you let it break, it will definetly bend your valves and then you need a new engine and that's $2000+
get it changed right away.

 

92-94 SE's have a chain,89-94 GXE's have a belt.
seriously.