awsgrayrd

I just bought a 2003 Maxima as a commuter, already to know it was going to need a new radiator. Well, I ordered one just hoping this radiator gets in by today or tomorrow, so I can knock it out before the weekend is done. I have already bought the new hoses through Advance Auto and had to order new bushings through the dealer which should be here today.

The car is sitting at 135k. Wondering if I should replace the water pump and thermostat, while I'm at it? I still keep in contact with the seller who happens to be a friend of mine and someone who I serve with in the Navy, but he isn't sure if the water pump was replaced at 100k. He only put on a few thousand miles while here on shore duty and sold it because he was being transferred. The car wasn't over heating and the cooling system wasn't clogged. It just so happens it's the OEM radiator and it's leaking at the notorious Nissan stamp! Prior to purchasing, we had spoke about the leak and he said it hasn't been leaking long and he's rarely been driving it since he bought a 2012 Durango. So before driving it home to be parked until I can get parts, I topped off the reservoir. Popped the hood in the garage only to find the expected......green barf everywhere. Ha, no just coolant splash from the drive. Checked the reservoir again and it was just a little under the "ADD" line.

Let me know what I should do? If I should replace the thermostat and water pump, what brand should I stick with?

Thanks in advance like always!

V/r,
awsgrayrd.

Derision

I would. That's just general preventative maintenance I normally like to do when I get a used car... you don't really know the history of the vehicle, or what's been replaced, so I like to throw in new fluids and filters, a new thermostat, a new water pump, and new belt(s) and hoses, depending on what the old ones look like. I usually also disconnect the A/C compressor (and remove it if possible), but that's just me.

As for what to use... if it's just going to be your commuter, I'd probably just get OEM parts. No point in going all out if it's not your Jeep.

mentalbreakdown00

I'm not sure if your maxima has a belt or chain, but if it's a belt I would do the belt, and anything else with a bearing or seal under there so it will last another 100K without problems

BoostedAuto

It's chain driven...There's a 5 bolt access cover and pulley that needs removed to gain access to it. Just above and to the right of the crank. Not that hard to do, Just a little time consuming and cramped space.

awsgrayrd

x2 on the chain driven. Been reading up on the topic over the web and seems like the timing chain and water pump are time consuming and cramped space like you mentioned, but also a royal PITA. Definitely a sensitive job.

V/r,
awsgrayrd.

BoostedAuto

Yeah, Just want to make sure not to drop anything in the cover. I did one on my 95' Maxima years ago. You can get to it through the pass side wheel well. The space you have is limited, but with some time and patience you can get it done.

Check out www.maxima.org they might have a write-up on how to do it.

awsgrayrd

Yeah, within the hour after the purchase, I registered over there. I guess I'm just so used to how helpful people are here! It's like there are a lot more valuable techs and mechanics here. These forums are definitely a bit more moderated than there. They can get off topic quick there, so that's why I thought I'd shoot it here as well!

V/r,
awsgrayrd.