'98 Max with Engine Timing Chain noise...Help!!!

[imports_only1]

Any body out there with a 97+ Max with an engine timing chain whine? .....happens when the car is parked. my 98 maxima SE is whining like crazy. any ideas on how to fix this and how much would something like this cost? thanks...

[robb1138]

I have the same problem with my 98 Maxima as well...I was wondering if there's a "campaign" out there from Nissan(Canada) for a fix to this problem.I've also been told that replacing the chain is a big & expensive job...Any advice would be appreciated

Robby

[imports_only1]

I'm not sure how to decode the VIN number listed in this TSB...whether mine was built before or after it, but this might be what we are looking for?

Make : NISSAN Model : MAXIMA Year : 1998
Service Bulletin Num : NTB00054 Date of Bulletin: JUN 19, 2000
NHTSA Item Number: 613977
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Summary:
VEHICLES BUILT BEFORE JN1CA31D1YT746029 MAY EXHIBIT A ENGINE TIMING CHAIN NOISE. *TT

[robb1138]

I just went over to my Dealer (Scarboro Nissan) in Toronto here and he told me that there were NO recalls/bulletins for my 98 and he's been there for 8 years...I found it VERY hard to believe since the new 2004 Used car guide states that 97 & 98 Maximas had T/chain guides & tensioner repairs...I will have to call the head office to get it straightened out I guess ...thanx for the info though

Robby

[wunfstmax]

yeah its very expensive....the nissan dealership i took my max to told me around 3700...i found a shop that dealt only with nissan to do it for 500, and i havent had a that noise since i got it done in october

[ogparjay]

I had the same problem with my 97 max but I had a warranty on it so it was free, luckily.

[robb1138]

Originally Posted by wunfstmax

yeah its very expensive....the nissan dealership i took my max to told me around 3700...i found a shop that dealt only with nissan to do it for 500, and i havent had a that noise since i got it done in october

Hmmm....Can u tell me where u had that $500 repair done?

[imports_only1]

If indeed it is my timing chain that is making the noise, do I just take it to a Nissan dealer and they'll fix/replace whatever is needed for free? Or is there a charge for this? How long do those TSB remain effective anyways? Thanks.

[wunfstmax]

its called alternate nissan repair in colorado

[robb1138]

Originally Posted by wunfstmax

its called alternate nissan repair in colorado

DOH!!!! ...I live in Toronto, Canada....Do u know what they did exactly???....maybe I can find a shop here that can do the same repair....The dealer here wants to remove the engine and replace the timing belt....its like 20 hours work and alot of $$$ so a want a cheaper & effective alternative....let me know..thanx;-)

Rob
,

[mishmosh]

You just have to replace the timing chain tensioner and maybe the guide. I think they are some $40 each or so. You can actually do this yourself but it isn't easy just because there isn't a whole lot of room there.

[robb1138]

Originally Posted by mishmosh

You just have to replace the timing chain tensioner and maybe the guide. I think they are some $40 each or so. You can actually do this yourself but it isn't easy just because there isn't a whole lot of room there.

Funny thing is that a couple of weekends ago I re-adjusted my alternator belt because it was very noisey especially when I would first start the car.I replaced the belt 6 months ago & I knew I would have to re-adjust it after it had stretched abit...Anywho...once I did that then the "timing chain" noise went away.I was TOTALLY fooled because the loose belt also sounded like a loose/rattling chain.I guess the loose belt also rattled the belt tensioner.

So now the car sounds nice & quiet