The 1987 Nissan Maxima's timing belt normally lasts for 60,000 miles, after which it must be changed to ensure that your engine continues to run properly. The timing belt is mounted on pulleys and is responsible for keeping the camshaft and crankshaft synchronized. The timing belt can wear down over time, causing teeth to break off. This wear is noticeable by a crackling noise coming from the vehicle's engine compartment while driving. If you notice this, the timing belt must be replaced immediately to prevent engine damage.
Tools Used: Socket wrench, Wrench
Replace Timing Belt
Disconnect the negative battery terminal with a socket wrench. Locate the air intake assembly in the engine compartment -- the intake assembly has black plastic box on its side. Raise the clips on the top of this plastic box and then pull out the air filter from the plastic box. After removing the air filter, use a socket wrench to remove the three bolts that are located at the bottom of the air intake assembly. With the bolts removed, pull the air intake assembly out of the engine compartment and set it aside.
Locate the crankshaft pulley and (find the marker on the pulley that is shaped like a "V") and use a wrench to rotate the pulley in a clockwise direction until the crankshaft pulley marker is aligned with the zero mark on the timing scale.
Locate the timing belt cover bolts and use a socket wrench to remove them (six total bolts). With the bolts removed, pull the timing belt cover off, exposing the timing belt. Align the timing belt pulley marker ("V"-shaped) with the zero mark on the engine block, and then use a socket wrench to turn the timing belt tensioner in a clockwise direction until the timing belt is loose on its pulleys. Pull the timing belt off of the pulleys -- make sure not to move the crankshaft while removing the timing belt.
Slide the new timing belt onto its pulleys and turn the timing belt tensioner in a counterclockwise direction until the timing belt is tight on the pulleys. Replace the timing belt cover and secure it in place by reattaching its six bolts.
Reattach the bolts to the bottom of the air intake assembly, securing the assembly back into engine compartment. Slide the air filter back into the plastic box on the side of the air intake assembly and then push the clips down to secure the air filter in place. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
Tips & Warnings
Purchase a new timing belt at an auto parts store.
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