Belts and water pump

[crazyboy3012]

Friends,

Some days i'd see a little bit of coolant leaking and on other days i'd see a trail of coolant. Finally the pressure test showed that the leak is from the water pump and i've decided to replace it.

My 1995 Maxima SE has 185 K miles on it and i have no records of previous maintenance. Whether or not it is required, is it a good time to change all the drive belts including the timing chain? Should i replace the head gasket as well?

I think the mechanic mentioned that he may have to get the belts out to get to the water pump or something to that effect. I might be wrong but i wanna ensure i replace any worn out belts/parts before it gets too late.

Just to let you guys know that there's no squeaking sound as of today.

Thanks in advance.

[maxhopper]

It wouldn't be a bad idea to go ahead and replace the belts. I don't know that I would do the timing chain and tensioners unless there is some sort of problem or depending on how long you plan on keeping the car.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

I have not replaced the water pump before so you probably needto find someone on the website who has before you take this advice.I have worked on a head gasket before as a helper and I really dontthink you need to go that far unless you have special problems there,(and your car would be running REAL bad)

From looking at the FSM, you have to remove the timing chain and theexhaust and intake chain before you can remove the water pump (page17 of 72 of the EM section of FSM). You might even have to removethe camshaft chain? Do you get a lot of noise at startup and warmup?A worn chain or some worn parts below be causing it.

If you are going to keep the car for a while, you might consider changing all the chains as long as you are "there" along with the following;

Internal chain guideslackside chain guidelower chain guideupper chain guidebut you better READ READ so you don't mess the timing or bend a valve etc.

I would put on a new regular belt and PS belt too and put in a new thermostat.

IF you are experienced with valves, it would be a good time to do avalve job (I have never done this)

[NutriaforBreakfast]

I think I found the correct answer.

It is in the FSM - Section LC (Liquid cooling)

These directions do not state for you to remove any chain

You will have to work with the chain tension assembly andcover.