Input needed: 1997 Nissan Maxima SE

I have a 98se and it's been a super auto. I don't have the miles you'rs has but I don't see that as a real problem if it has been kept in good condition.

Frog, It's in great shape. the owners have kept it up well. I'm just coming from the BMW world and certain models are Lemons. Ya know?

-Deven

Well I really think you will like the 97 Maxima. IMHO the really last quality Maxima's were the 97/98/99 after that Carlos Ghosn took control on Nissan and the quality has dropped a lot.

Has the timing chain and spark plugs been replaced??

Hi, yes the plugs and chain and various other things were changed by the dealer about 9 months ago according to the scans of the dealer papers I saw.

-Deven

Why would anybody change the timing chain unless there was a major problem?

Unless the chain is broken you don't change it, there is no maintenance for it.

There is maintenance for it at 100k miles. All cars with either a timing chain or belt need to be replaced at certain times. Belts are replaced sooner but chains need to be changed too. Chains wear over time and become sloppy, timing can then skip. But hey screw changing it because a new engine or car is much cheaper than $800 for a timing chain. By the way if the chain is broken you are going to have a hell of a lot more to change than just a chain.

Deven sounds like a good car if all the work was done and done properly at the dealership

Nissan does not recommend changing the chain and I've never seen one fail even on cars with >300K miles on them.

-jim

Then I guess Nissan should come shut down the Nissan dealership I work for because we recommend chaning the chain at around 100k miles. and just because a chain has gone >300k miles does not mean it should have been replaced earlier. I have seen 60k miles belts last 100k miles does not mean it is ok.

Just because a dealership uses it to generate revenue doesn't mean it's recommended or required.

I guess they should. That chain is supposed to last the life of the vehicle. Sounds like a bunch of crooks to me.

Rubber cannot be designed to last forever. That's why timing belts need changed every 60-100k. (Funny, most cars with timing belts say

60k, except in Cali, where it's 100k - and yet the belts are the same). Timing chains are steel. They are designed to outlast the car, and they almost always do. If anything in the timing system is going to fail, the tensioner sometimes gets tired, but that's not a big deal.

Anyway, onto the car in question. I have a 97SE 5sp, and they are generally very reliable. Aside from changing the starter and alternator (alternator was done under recall, for free) the only persistent problem is that my steering is a bit loose/lively compared to my other cars. I think mine is an isolated case, but on your test drive look for smooth responsive steering, esp. on the highway going over bumps. I also am finally falling victim to the dreaded differential carrier bearing failure. This is apparently common in the 5 speeds. It's lasted 140k miles, so I'm not complaining. It is not out of the car yet (I'm rebuilding a core tranny so I can just to a quick swap), but it's leaking at the driver side axle seal. It also has noticeable play when you shake the inside end of that axle. If you're not comfortable lifting the front of the car to give it a shake (and use use a proper jack and jackstands), take it to a mechanic who can lift it and do other proper inspection.

Dave

So if you're changing the timing chain as a matter of maintenance, IMO it's a waste. If you're going down that road, it makes more sense to start with things that do fail in practice: CV boots, wheel bearings, a full transmission rebuild, a clutch job, steering components, etc. In fact, I don't think having a new timing chain adds ANY value to the car. Oh, and the owner's manual agrees. Any dealership claiming it needs done at 100k is lying to their customers. So Anthony, your service manager needs a punch in the gut, IMO.

Dave

What dealership would that be? I'd like to avoid them like the plague, they don't sound fit to work on a Nissan.

If they last forever then why replace one in a1976 small block 350? And if what you are saying is true that they do last forever then he should not buy this car because if must of had some problems if it was replaced. The repair manual for my car says to never change the fuel filter i guess that sounds good to me if its what the manual says even if it is an external fuel filter. It also says to replace the timing chain in my 1997 302 every 60K miles. Must just be ford trying to get me to spend more money. But if that was the case then why not the filter?? And if you are already replacing the tensioner why not the chain only a little more money for added security. You already paid the tech to go in that far why not do the job right. Also just because something is made of steel does not mean it can not break or wear and become loose. With this made of steel theory lasting forever then suspension springs should last forever and never break. Also what is the point of aligments? To help compensate for springs wearing. I was just trying to help the guy out as to not get screwed and have a shit load of problems come at him like I see what happens to people everyday right after they buy a car in good condition and told all repairs have been done at the dealership.

One last thing I dont know these guys but did find on the web please read before responding.

Because the SBC doesn't have a chain tensioner, the VQ30DE does.