On my 2000 nissan maxima i just got the water pump replace and now sum1 says it sound like i need a timing chain did they have to take the timing chain off to replace the water pump???

Larry, normally engines do not have to be taken out to change timing tensioners, the bumper assy., A/C condenser,radiator,etc is removed to get access. Best if you get yourself a manual.
Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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DIY Video VQ35DE Timing Chain Tensioner and Water Pump Replacement

NISSAN MAXIMA Timing intro MP4

1995 2001 Nissan Maxima 1 3 Water pump replacement

How to fix timing chain rattle Maxima Forums

Hi just replaced water pump, timing chain and plugs. 1st initial test proved that timing was off. 2nd attempt re-aligned chain and now dashboard is displaying check engine and VOC. I have a 2004 Nissan Maxima

chain or timing belt ??

not for a novice person. pretty labor intensive repair. you need to remove the 2 access covers (black in color) on the front of the engine. left cover has timing chain tensioner behind it. the right has water pump behind it. you need to remove the tensioner forst and rotate engine counterclockwise to be able to take the pump out. the pump needs to be pulled out with (2) 8 mm bolts which will act like a puller. than you can take out the pump. its not for novice person. it takes me about 3 hours to do that job and i have been working on nissans for 15years.

Maybe you didnt tension the chain or mount it properly

Not necessarily. You should at least consider it if you are close to a major service milestone (90k, 120k, etc.). It is a lot of work to change the timing chain (belt), but you have to do some of the work anyway to replace the water pump.

your engine has a timing belt not a chain and the water pump is run by the timing belt,and when the pump is changed the belt should be too,it should run you about $300 if the job is done right with the pump,belt,idlers and tensioner if needed,hope this helps

The water pump is located behind the timing chain cover. There are two black plates on the front cover. The one near the front of the car has the water pump behind it. The other one has the timing chain tensioner behind it. First you must drain the coolant. Then support engine and remove engine mount. Then remove drive belts. Then remove the two black plates. Push the tensioner in and lock it with a paper clip. Then remove the two bolts holding the tensioner and remove tensioner. Then remove the water pump bolts. Rotate engine crankshaft the take tension off of water pump (about 20 degrees). Then install two bolts into water pump threaded flange (M8). Tighten M8 evenly as water pump will come without damaging it. Check for corrosion. Then replace with new one. Make sure you use new "O" rings. Lubricate with engine oil. Put the original three bolts back in the water pump. Then install timing chain tensioner and black covers. Replace belts and engine mounts. Add coolant and pressure test system.

Hello and thank you for using FixYa!

To replace the water pump, you will need to remove all the drive belts. Then there are 2 black covers on the front timing cover. One cover is for the chain tensioner, the other is for access to the water pump. I would recommend you replace the tensioner the same time you do the water pump. The reason is, you need to remove that tensioner so the chain has slack. When the chain has slack, you can then unbolt and pull the water pump out. It could get stuck, so there are bolts that you need that you would use to run in to pop the pump free.

Hope this helps , Thanks Jay!

all you need to do is just back up on the chain and it will give you the space you need to remove thw water pump you may all so need to first see is you have water in your oil if not then it not you pump can you tell what color your oil is ?