Timing chain/belt help?

I have a 1998 Nissan Altima four cylinder. My first question I guess is does this motor have a timing chain or a timing belt? How hard is it to change and do I need any special tools to change it?

Any iput would be great.

Thanks.

Altimas have timing chains.

I would strongly encourage against meddling with that unless you are very comfortable and have worked with timing chains -- its underneath the valve cover and alot of other stuff has to come off before you can really get the chain off.

Altima's are all Chain motors. Being that they are chain they reqire no matance . So i would not recommend doing anything with the chain.. :)

Altima's are all Chain motors. Being that they are chain they reqire no matance . So i would not recommend doing anything with the chain.. :)
at what time does the Timinig belt need to get changed. how will I know if it is already changed???? as a college student I am going for a used car.. it is excellently maintained (3 months service). a 98 model. .... battery, tires and axles are new... I only doubt the TIMING CHAIN..nething else I need to check......

just to add to this .....113000 miles..clean miles.. and car is in superb condition... i am shelling out $3500 max...is this okie...

at what time does the Timinig belt need to get changed. how will I know if it is already changed???? as a college student I am going for a used car.. it is excellently maintained (3 months service). a 98 model. .... battery, tires and axles are new... I only doubt the TIMING CHAIN..nething else I need to check......

Well they said Altimas all have chains, so you aregoing for another car? If it has that many miles, probably the belts been changed once but you have no way of knowing...also most belts say change at 60,000. So i would just change it. Its one of the first things i did on every car of mine i bought used.

If you are sure this engine has timing chain, you can just forget all about it. They are one of the most dependable parts in the engine; on most cars they timing chain is well-made and durable and the engineers as a rule design in more than adequate provision for lubrication of the chain and gears. So if you change the oil often, chances are good that you will not have any problem with it ever.

I had a 96 altima the engine must be removed to replace chain, so dont worry about it. The year model I had were bad for slack to develope and the chain would rap againts the guide. Dealer told me they just trash the guides when they find them still on the cat. The altimas are great cars, just keep them serviced especially the auto trannys.

I had a 96 altima the engine must be removed to replace chain, so dont worry about it. The year model I had were bad for slack to develope and the chain would rap againts the guide. Dealer told me they just trash the guides when they find them still on the cat. The altimas are great cars, just keep them serviced especially the auto trannys.