(VTC) Valve Timing Control Sprocket On 2002 Alitima 3.5L

[suded_35L]

My car when a start it it will rattle for a second then it will make a grinding noise it sound like the starter is sticking but when I go and look up the tsb's on the car is says that It could be the (VTC) sprocket. I can't find anything on the starter sticking is this a known problem (the starter sticking) our is it the vtc sprocket making the noise the tsb's says that the car has the sprockets on both sides of motor how hard are these to change.

[NISTECH]

I take it you car is out of warranty? That is a power train item and would be covered under 5/60. It is a very tricky job. something that should really be left to qualified techs. If you get even 2 teeth off the car will not start. You could end up with check engine lights for different sensors if you are off and the car does actually start. To do this job you pretty much have to remove all the engine covers to do it. Oil pan and pan skirt,valve covers and the front timing cover. Once all those are removed you can then remove the chain and the VTC sprokets.

[suded_35L]

thanks for the advise. do you think that it could be the starter??? What happens is when I start the car it makes a raddling noise then a grinding noise for only a second then it stops and runs fine but it does it only when i start the car it has been gettting worse what do you think it could be.

[NISTECH]

It is very likely its the VTC doing it. Its more like a racheting noise [how I would describe it] Starters are not to common to make that noise. Thing you could do is check your oil level. Have seen many come in low concerned with that noise and that ended up being the problem. Be aware though there is a tsb relating to that on some of the newer models. Being they are the same part used on your model I would be inclined to think thats what it is. Does it typically happen when starting a cold engine or after then engine has been off for a few hours?

[suded_35L]

Ya that is exactly what is happening. I think your right it probably is the VTC doing it my car warranty just expired about 3000km ago do u no what this cost to get fixed.

[NISTECH]

you are looking at about 12hrs labor so if you shop charges $100 an hr your looking at $1200 labor, and the VTC's are about $400 a peice. Your total job minus fluids and misclanious gaskets is gonna be around $2000.00. As a buffer I would put the realistic estimate closer to $2500.00

I noticed you posted Km so I am assuming your not in the US. The prices I quoted are based on US dollars and time and part prices are based on US estimates.

[sicks36]

Does anyone know if this will cause more damage or just make noise?