reb

We've all read about this problem being common in '04-'05 model years. I'd like to know if Nissan has re-designed this part and solved the problem.

Anyone with an '06-'08 hearing the noise? or had to repair?

Strontium

http://forums.maxima.org/6th-generat...ine-noise.html

reb

I'm fully aware of that thread.

Question is still unanswered though...........

04MAX_ILLIN

iTrader: (3)

From what i understand all of the replacement tensioner parts for this problem have been made with a different material to avoid breaking like the oem 04s and 05s have been. Whether or not the parts in the 06-08 have changed im not sure.

mwh

Anyone else wondering where all that broken ceramic material ends up? Thinking it may clog oil lines and passages in the block if the filter does not stop it.

Strontium

The starter of that thread is an `06 max... I'm guessing you meant `07-`08?

Either way, I am not very optimistic about the `07's. I'll let you know, about that, in another 30k.

Proceedbob

Well it's more of a nylon/plastic material and it wears off at a very gradual rate (not enough though) so I would not be to alarmed about debris. As to the 07-08 I have no idea either, if you call your parts guy ask him to check the part numbers from an 04 and an 08 tensioner off the microfiche, the new parts will not be the same. Although one of the related service bulletins lists 04-09, so I would make the call.

reb

An issue like this that goes on and on (ala General Motors style) without being taken care of. Eventually spells the downward spiral death of a car company. I've already had enough stupid issues with my '08 to never buy Nissan again. Just thinking that this timing chain issue awaits me surely will trigger a sale just before 60k miles.

Proceedbob

Agreed, with the death of the manual transmission and the constant problems with the new models, I'm looking elsewhere also, this has been the most disappointing Nissan I've owned (reliability wise), and I have had six Nissan's since 1980.

brio_max

iTrader: (9)

So, there are two types of noises with the VQ35DE. The first one is a whistle, whining, buzzind(more constant than the other one) caused by a worn secondary timing chain tensioners. Nissan made a TSB for this issue - NTB07-042. The part numbers for the tensioners are different than before, so i believe that these parts are redesigned - more plastic is added
This issue have the folowing Nissan models with the exception of 08' Maxima:
2004-2007 Maxima (A34)
2004-2007 Quest (V42)
2004-2006 Altima (L31) VQ35 engine ONLY
2005-2007 Pathfinder (R51)
2005-2007 Xterra (N50)
2005-2007 Frontier (D40) VQ40 engine ON

Location

AscendantMax's pic


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The other one is a rattle, clicking, ticking etc noise caused by a broken plastic part of the chain guide/slide side for the main timing chain. Mostly it can be heard on cold start ups or if you leave your car parked for 1-1.5 hours and then start the engine again. Still no TSB even that many people on here are having this problem and not only here for sure. The old part number 13091-7Y000 was superseded by part number 13091-ZK00A. This updated chain guide has more plastic on the upper part, so it should be more solid.
The following models share the same part with build dates(not model years!):
Maxima (A34) 01/2003 - 06/2006 +
Frontier (D40) 10/2004 - 09/2006 + VQ40 engine ON
Altima (L31) 12/2002 - 08/2004 +
Xterra (N50) 01/2005 - 09/2005 +
Pathfinder (R51) 08/2004 - 09/2005 +
Quest (V42) 05/2003 - 05/2006 +

Location

gailofiowa@msn.com

I just brought my 05 maxima (with 85,000 miles) into the dealer for an air conditioning fix. With the inspection, they noted that there was a sound at start up with the timing chain and tensioners. I was advised this problem will only get worse and the repair would cost between $2,000 and $2,600, depending on how many parts had to be replaced. When I research this issue, it appears that timing chain problems are an issue with maximas. The tensioners are defective and it is a matter of time before they need to be replaced.

Should I make this repair? What are the consequences of waiting to make this repair? Is the cost estimate reasonable?

Thanks for your help!

bmckendr

Thanks. I have both of these problems. I went into the dealership to have my alternator replaced cause it died and told them I thought my tensioners were going out because of the whine. I was told my timing chain was making "a little noise but nothing out of the ordinary". In the few weeks since I now have the second rattling problem constantly upon startup. So I have taken a video of it and will now go back in. I'll let you know what happens. Here's the video too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AePyC...layer_embedded

gailofiowa@msn.com

I bought the car with 77,000 miles and so far I have had to replace the abs sensors and actuator for over $2,000, a headlight for $150, a new battery for $100, a wheel alignment, and the tires are feathered, so I get lot of noise. That's a lot of headache and expense for only 8,000 miles.

I'll be interested in hearing further.

2o4Max

Man I swear all this reading of issues with my first Nissan and one of my favorite cars, i'm getting hints of selling before I run into any of these issues... I do get the ticking, but nothing like I have seen in these videos. My mechanic hasn't even said anything about the slight ticking, because it sounds normal and resembles what my Camry sounded like. I guess the Maxima was just not designed for high reliability and low maintenance...

maxout!

if you still have it under warranty I would run to the dealer immediately before it expires. the giveaway is the whining sound when you decelerate especially on a hill. I initially thought it was just an annoying sound but the repairs can run you $1200+ if it's out of your pockets! I do wonder if you will suffer major engine damage if you ignore it till the tensioners break or something....

mang03

iTrader: (1)

yeah im really intrested in this because i have the clicking noise but its not as annoying as the video

now are the 07-08 tensioners better than the 04-06?

i see that one of the tensioner has more plastic than the other but is that actually better?

Talon05

I have this issue and will have to get it fixed. For those who have had this problem fixed what are your after repair problems. I have a major concern that once the seals are broken, that more repairs will be needed. Please reply soon before June 21 please.