Do i need to change my timing chain when i change my water pump on a 96 nissan maxima?

If you have the timing compartement open, replace the chain assembly. You are already in that far. This is alot of work and may require the oil pan to be removed to do the job properly. I would seriously listen with a mechanics stethiscope to the timing chain cover to listen for signs of a loose chain. Have a friend with a mechanical aptitude give you a second oppinion after they listen to the engine. This can be a very big task! 150K is half way to replacing the chain. If you have the timing compartement open, replace the chain assembly. You are already in that far. This is alot of work and may require the oil pan to be removed to do the job properly. I would seriously listen with a mechanics stethiscope to the timing chain cover to listen for signs of a loose chain. Have a friend with a mechanical aptitude give you a second oppinion after they listen to the engine. This can be a very big task! 150K is half way to replacing the chain.

it has a timing chain not belt thanks for your help it has a timing chain not belt thanks for your help

As a chain wears, it gets longer. That is why engine manufacturers install tensioner guides - to take up the slack in a worn chain. If the tensioner has no more room to take up slack, then you definitely need to replace the chain and tensioner. Otherwise, it is a judgment call.

If you want to do the job, then go ahead. If it will give you piece of mind, great. If you don't hear the chain "slap" when the engine is idling, you will probably be ok to skip this job. Just replace the water pump. A new timing chain is certainly not going to add any value to your car, and it will not necessarily add any life to it. Very few people spend the money to rebuild or replace engines in cars because the cars simply aren't worth it. It is cheaper to buy another car. If you simply love the car, on the other hand, it may be worth it to you to put some extra time and money into it.

It comes down to this. Do you want to do the work? Do you want to have the experience and the end product? If yes, go ahead and do it. If not, you can drive the car a long time before you have to change the timing chain. As a chain wears, it gets longer. That is why engine manufacturers install tensioner guides - to take up the slack in a worn chain. If the tensioner has no more room to take up slack, then you definitely need to replace the chain and tensioner. Otherwise, it is a judgment call.

If you want to do the job, then go ahead. If it will give you piece of mind, great. If you don't hear the chain "slap" when the engine is idling, you will probably be ok to skip this job. Just replace the water pump. A new timing chain is certainly not going to add any value to your car, and it will not necessarily add any life to it. Very few people spend the money to rebuild or replace engines in cars because the cars simply aren't worth it. It is cheaper to buy another car. If you simply love the car, on the other hand, it may be worth it to you to put some extra time and money into it.

It comes down to this. Do you want to do the work? Do you want to have the experience and the end product? If yes, go ahead and do it. If not, you can drive the car a long time before you have to change the timing chain.