1995 Maxima-Water Pump and Timing Chain Replacement

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Car has 180K so I am planning for above. After car is warmit quiets down. I think its the chain as it quiets when warm. No antifreeze leaks or wierd noises from water pump.

Already priced out $2000 total=$1400 Labor + $600 OEM parts whichincludes cam and crank chains and guides. I had to tell them the carhad three chains

Very little room to work this overhaul in the engine compartment.

I was told I could remove the front, 2 side, and just loosen themotor mounts on the crossmember to jack the engine up towardthe windshield to get clearance.

He said sometimes that car is different for that particular year andI may or may not need to remove the oil pan. The oil pan needs to have some wood put under it when jacking to disperse the weighteven though I would use a cherry picker too.

Anybody ever changed the water pump and timing chain? I figure Ibetter do both since I am there, even though I understand you reallyonly need to put the timing chain HATCH on the timing chain cover for the water pump.

If you can remember, let me know how you did it and how long it took.Any tips on how to get access or clearance are appreciated.

[mhc0421]

be ready for a day project. i was told, before i just about did the same thing, that the chain doesn't typically need to be replaced. Usually it is just the oil driven timing chain tensioner. you have to take out the tensioner when before removing the water pump anyways. it took me about 4 hours using the directions that someone posted on this site. I am sure if you check the archives that you will find the same instructions. replacing the tensioner alone should solve your problem. the purpose of the timing chain was to last the entire life of the car. mine is running perfectly at this time. I replaced the tensioner and water pump about 5,000 miles ago. I have 175,000 miles on mine and still running strong.

[loystock]

I was of the same opinion the first time I saw his 'other' posting but I just presumed 'nutria' has valid reason to replace the timing chain. Unlike timing belt, timing chain normally last for the lifetime of the car. Last month, I had the opportunity to look into the timing chain of my 97Q and it's still in very good condition.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Thanks for the responses. I assume if the chain has been slapping aroundagainst the metal cover, there would probably some damage to it. I am notsure if the chain hit the tensioner or wore into it if it would hurt the chain asI dont know what the tensioner is made of (I thought plastic). Chain replacement in my mind at this point is just for "insurance" or "just in case"

So mch0421, did you remove your engine to get clearance for the waterpump changeout? Or did you remove a motor mount and jack it up?Or did you not move the engine at all? Sounds like you didnt have to remove the chain to replace the tensioner? Just seems awful crowdedin there to do such exacting work. Sounds like you kept the old upperand lower guides for the timing chain? I understand you dont have to remove the chain TOTALLY to install the water pump?

I may be overly cautious. I used to run the drilling rigs for supplies duringthe 80's and sold a hell of a lot of roller chain. Some of the best guys couldchange out a link on the chain and keep going but often they would changeout the whole chain. It seemed like the more aggressive the driller, the more often they would change the chain

Any details would be appreciated.