Timing chain?

[vicki240sx]

I am aware that nissans have timing chains as opposed to belts. How often are they recommended to be changed? where to get the parts to change it myself? has anyone ever attempted to do it yourself?

[SR20Fastback]

I believe the chains last longer than belts but its reccomended that you change them around 100k miles. Im not sure how accurate that is but hey, better safe than sorry. Im sure you can pick up any necessary parts at your local nissan dealership.

[blink0r]

You don't replace them at a certain mileage, you replace them when they need replacing. My car just hit 263,000kms and i replaced them about 1,000kms ago.

Also, don't buy the parts from a nissan dealership. They quoted me at $1,800 for the job, and i got it done for under $600 privately. Do some research, you'll save money.

[SR20Fastback]

damn 1800 thats insane!

[initial s14]

would that mean that my 1997 s14  is timing chain too?  im a newbie nissan.  yeah i know im dumb about my car right now.

[camppain]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (initial s14 @ June 10 2002,2:36)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">would that mean that my 1997 s14 is timing chain too? im a newbie nissan. yeah i know im dumb about my car right now.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
yes to both of your questions and comment <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

and no vickie like already stated a timing chain isnt a maintenance item. there is no service interval

[JeffNJ]

It is my understanding that the timing chain on an S13 is a chain instead of a belt so that it never needs replacing - ever.

However, although Nissan had the foresight to think of that, they didn't do as good a job with the guide rails for the chain itself, which are made of made of plastic. &nbsp;Because this, around 100k or so, the plastic has worn away enough that slack develops in the chain which produces a noticablable clacking sound as the actual chain slaps into the rails and whatnot.

At this point - no sooner, and certainly no later - it is time to replace your guide rails with metal ones instead of plastic, thus alleviating both the problem and your need to worry about it ever again.

If I'm not mistaken, this job should cost $600-$900, but I imagine that varies greatly based on mechanic and other stuff that might be required on a per vehicle basis.

Or, at least, that's what I've come to understand.