1997 Maxima maintenance

[whoishoy]

Just bought used 97 maxima se 5-speed. 183,000 miles.
Having no knowledge of previous records, what maintenance, replacement, drain/fill would you suggest I do?

[vonscorpio]

Assuming the history to be poorly maintained, as it was with my 97 I30, if you are comfortable doing the work yourself, I would recommend manually changing the oil and checking for any debris. You're looking for anything relating to the timing chain guides falling apart-- I've never had an issue, but it's worth checking.
I would change the coolant and change and flush the brake fluid.
At that mileage it is likely it either has a new alternator, or will need one soon, so I would take it to Autozone and have them check the charging system.
I assume the transmission might need something, but I am unfamiliar with the 5 speed and what it needs. Shocks and struts might be in order, and I know from my car (with almost the exact miles as yours) that the bushings on the front end are failing, along with the CV boots. I'm told if you put new boots on before its run too long with the boot falling off, you can continue to use the OEM CV axle. Someone else from the forum could probably weight in on this, but I am told the aftermarket axles and CV joints don't hold up very well.
Other than that, its been a very solid, robust car. 10/10 would buy again.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Listen to your car when it starts from being cold (overnight)
If the timing chain is rattling you will hear it upon start up and as the engine warms the rattle goes away
I changed out the timing chain tensioner by removing the "hatch" and putting a new one in when I first heard the chain rattle
about 3 yr ago
it seems to have deferred a major timing chain overhaul and costed only $80

[vonscorpio]

it seems to have deferred a major timing chain overhaul and costed only $80

What was your mileage when you needed to replace the tensioner? I am bracing for the time I have to do this, but so far so good.
I can't figure out if I am just lucky or if the ONLY thing the previous owners did right was get the timing chain serviced before I bought it.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

about where you are at, 183K , for the tensioner
I think it helps reduce strain on the slackside guide and other components as well if you can keep
it tight
Clean off your engine really well (don't go to crazy with the magic water wand) and look for oil leaks
I will bet you the valve cover gaskets will need to be replaced
like vonscorpio said below check the cv axles and transaxle seals for problems
I have had good look with the cv axles from Oreilleys and they really don't cost too much
around 180k I put on new control arms, inner tie rods, outer tie rods and control rods for about $400

[whoishoy]

Thanks for the replies. I've done oil change and transmission fluid change. Will do coolant change and brake fluid change soon.
Do you suggest I do power steering fluid change too?

[NutriaforBreakfast]

It never hurts to change out the brake fluid or PS fluid
Especially the brake fluid since it absorbs water
Just change these out through the canisters-no need to bleed the systems