Performance Timing Chain Kit for Nissan Maxima (2004-2008) 3.5L

Heavy-Duty Performance Timing Chain Kit with Water Pump for 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima (A34)

What it Does: The Performance Timing Chain Kit restores valve-timing synchronization and prevents catastrophic interference failure on the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima by replacing stretched chains, worn composite guides, and tired tensioners.

The Stock Nissan Maxima VQ35DE Timing Chain & Guide Weakness

The factory VQ35DE in the A34 chassis is notorious for premature composite guide wear and primary tensioner slack. Over heat cycles, the factory nylon guide shoes score, crack, and delaminate, resulting in the characteristic primary chain "chainsaw buzz" on cold starts. Excessive slack causes camshaft retard, erratic cam/crank correlation fault codes (P0011, P0021), and valve-to-piston interference if a jump occurs. Additionally, servicing the buried internal water pump separately requires duplicating hours of labor.

The Engineering Solution

This comprehensive kit features high-tensile link-channel timing chains engineered to resist mechanical elongation under sustained high-RPM operation. Upgraded vulcanized friction pads on the primary and secondary guide rails offer superior thermal and friction resistance over factory plastics. Paired with updated hydraulic tensioners to maintain stable chain tension across all oil pressures, this kit includes a heavy-duty, flow-matched water pump to complete the front-timing overhaul in a single teardown service.

What's Included

• 1 Timing Chain Lower (196 link channel back)
• 2 Timing Chains Upper (1 left and 1 right)
• 1 Tensioner Lower
• 1 Tensioner Upper (secondary left side)
• 1 Tensioner Upper (secondary right side)
• 1 Guide Rail (smallest - left fixed, 2 bolt holes)
• 1 Guide Rail (new style - right tensioner rail)
• 1 Guide Rail (new style - top)
• 2 Cam Sprockets External (2 required secondary)
• 1 Crank Sprocket (26 teeth)
• 1 Water Pump

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima (3.5L V6 DOHC 24-Valve VQ35DE)

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the A34 Maxima?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima equipped with the VQ35DE engine. Internal cam sprockets (52/36 teeth) are not included and must be inspected and reused or purchased separately.

Are internal variable valve timing (VVT) sprockets included in this kit?

No, this kit includes only external secondary cam sprockets and the crank sprocket; internal cam phaser sprockets must be sourced separately if worn.

The Nissan VQ Platform Standard

The award-winning VQ35DE delivers responsive high-RPM power, but preserving valve timing accuracy is critical to keeping this performance V6 operating smoothly and reliably.