I have 120k miles on my 02 maxima and I'm wondering if I should replace the timing chain?

 

if it aint broke dont fix it

 

That chain is good for the life of the car. I sold my Max with 175k miles with the original timing chain without ever any issues. It will probably go another 100k miles or more on the original chain without any issues or complications. Keep up on oil changes, use a synthetic oil for "extended" drain intervals and cleaning capability and you should be good to go.

 

No.... This is not a timing belt.

 

In the maxima, the timing chain's functionality is mainly determined by the health of the timing chain tensioners.
The tensioners depend on oil pressure to do their job properly.
Therefore, keeping your oil changed regularly will be the best thing you can do to make your timing chain last.

 

chain is made of metal and therefore holds its shape over the life of the vehicle, the heat generated by the engine is not enough to make it expand or contract, the VQ30 motor is a bulletproof motor if you take care of it , change the oil and coolant regularly and you should be good

 

Had 195k on my first Maxima when it was totaled, zero issues with the timing chain, tensioners or the water pump.

 

Exactly. Only replace working parts with upgrades.

 

See my mileage?
Original timing chain.

 

GTFU outta here! Really?.....that gives me hope...I'm at 172k and no issues with it...doing regular motor oil every 3500 miles

 

Honestly, that's about the single best thing you can do for these motors. Regular oil and filter changes. I go about every 6,000 miles, myself.

 

Well.... I was gonna say almost 300k til I saw thorzdad!

 

is there any noise difference between the chain and a belt?

 

Yes, from what I understand the chain will start rattling a bit when cold if theres a problem. I've also heard that there can be a "whirring" noise that goes along with that as well...

 

A chain is steel, small links connected together...


A belt is a thin piece of rubber (usually fabric reinforced)...

 

My VQ30 rattled when it was cold only at start-up. (245k miles). My VQ35's chain rattles when it's cold and needs an oil change (130k), but the VQ35's is far less in duration(1 second max) whereas the VQ30 was about 5-7 seconds.

Either one is not a cause for concern, unless we are dealing with an 04-06 VQ35.

Tensioners can be changed, albeit very tight while the engine is in the car. Either way, I wouldn't plan on changing either of them anytime soon.

 

My Nissan Van's timing chain broke at 225,000 miles and my 1996 Maxima GXE just passed 200,000 miles. Should I get the timing chain replaced?

 

Year and engine of van? Was it a VQ? Terribly uncommon in VQ's.

 

There's a video on YouTube of a guy changing the water pump and timing chain tensioner. It's doable but tedious. He takes out motor mount and from there only uses a 10mm socket and a paperclip basically. ( paperclip to hold tensioner compressed). There's a small access cover and then only 2 bolts holding the tensioner in.

 

Thanks I will check it out.

 

I believe the year was 1984 or 86, 2ltr 4 speed manual. Vannette?
We bought it new and turned it over to charity in about 2002.
It was a great vehicle. Every time something went wrong it was recalled to fix it.
Gaskets, cooling system, starter, alternator.....

 

Confused as to why you change oil every 3500 miles.. if using synthetic can go up to 10k. But 7500 is recommended. If using regular than yeah def change every 3500. Had to comment. Because I did same thing when I first got my maxima. Mechanic told me I'm wasting money. Can go 2x as long with no problems. He told me it says it right on the oil container.. I usually change at 6500 or 7k oil is never black or anything.. could probably go 10k.. just can't bring myself to do it.. hope this helps.. stop wasting money as my mechanic said to me..

 

I took apart my timing cover to replace tensioners and guides at 175,000 miles. I bought the entire chain kit but I decided not to replace the chain. As others noted, chain is good for the life of the car; unless, of course you abuse your car. If you replace your chain, you need to replace the sprockets and the list goes on and on. Know when to quit IMO.

 

I think mine is on its way out.. getting some ticking noise.. sometimes its bad.. sometimes it doesn't do it all.. when I give it gas sometimes it goes away.. never ticks once im driving.. but at idle... I'm not even gonna bother.. gonna get rid of it asap

 

I'm coming up on 290,00 miles and my maxima has had a 1-second chain rattle at startup since I got it at 175,000 miles. I drive my car pretty hard too.

I also drain and fill my coolant every year to prolong water pump life. from what I was told years ago antifreeze has a lubricant for the water pump bearings. once the bearing goes bad and has play coolant starts leaking past the shaft seal. on cars with external water pumps that's what causes fluid to drip out of the weep hole.

I'll be draining and filling my coolant tomorrow as well as changing my driver door inner door handle.