Hey Ncard.....sorry to hear you got some bad advice. Nissan does make the magnet inside the VTC cover but they are replaceable and I and many other folks have done the magnet replacement. As far as the solenoids on the outside of the covers, those can be replaced individually as required without VTC removal or replacement. In fact, as one of the first troubleshooting steps you should remove these solenoids, clean and bench test them. I'm curious why a timing chain would snap? Ah the joys of ownership. Good luck with your repairs and I would seriously look into finding a more reputable mechanic.

 

yeah i was told by the mechanic that Nissan didnt make the magnet replacement for the VTC covers they would only sell the VTC covers with the Magnetic replacement all in 1 for a total of $2600.
My mechanic didnt even check to see if the chain was broken; so does that mean he doesn't even know that the magnet retarder can be replaced without buying all new VTC covers, or is this not an option? He couldn't order the parts for cheaper so he had me hunt down the parts for 2 weeks and order them myself.

i was also curious why a timing chain snapped, i was also curious how a mechanic diagnosed a failing Clutch as a timing chain issue and replace the chain rather then the clutch. But his $30,000 computer said a bank was staying open soo cant be the clutch its the timing chain?
but its not the timing chain its the VTC covers..... but its not the VTC covers its the chain and a valve.
but it wouldn't be the valve if the chain didn't ever snap?---- do mechanics diagnose or do they guess on someone elses dollar?

 

I have a 08 g35 sedan. Will that maxima magnetic retarder fit my g35 ? Rather buy that than spend 1k on new valve cover. Please let me know

 

07 and 08 are pretty much identical. Still going strong in my 07. Hasn't thrown those codes since

 

yep, mine is going strong as well. I get quite a few questions about removing the magnet. Some come out easy and some are a pita but they all come out. Be patient and you’ll be successful. I sold my G so I’m out. Good luck!

 

I would guess the magnet retarder is the same as long as the engine type is the same HR or DE, the only real differences between the longitudinal and transverse engine is the motor mounts, intake manifold, throttle body, etc.

As long as it's from the same engine it shouldn't matter however I don't think the HR engine was ever used in a transverse configuration. I think the Maxima engine always used the DE engine.

 

just pull these from a local junk yard. they'll probably charge you $20 a pop or less (tell them it's a timing cover or something). are you getting p0014/p0024 codes?

 

I just replaced bank 2 cover which completely fixed the P0024 code. Now I have a P0014 code (which was showing up occasionally before). So this time, I've ordered just the magnetic retarder. Does the part come with the 0.075 mm paper shims (used to remove the retarder)? Is it in the nissan box or was it provided by the ebay seller?

Thanks for putting out such good info in this thread. It has helped a lot.

 

Mine came from a dealer and included the shims

 

Ok I've got a replacement magnetic retarder in hand. I've removed the 2 pulleys and the bolts holding the power steering pump.

The big problem now is how to remove the power steering bracket. There are two bolts on the side that are super difficult to get to. I have rotated the power steering pump out of the way (slightly) but there is a heat shield and a bracket in the way.

How did you get those 2 bolts out? What tools did you use?

 

Ok answering my own question - the bracket that was in the way is held by two small bolts on the back of the alternator. I had to go under the car to get to them. Once the bracket was loose, I was able to remove the right bolt.

I am unable to budge the left bolt as the ratchet (and breaker bar) - have no room to swing at all. This is all that is keeping me from removing the VTC cover. What a pain....

 

Finally figured it out. Loosen the left power steering pump bolt (through the pulley opening). Then swing the pump left and down, tighten the same bolt to hold it in place and then use a swivel head ratchet.

The replacement of the magnetic retarder took 30 minutes using the directions provided in this thread. Put it all back together and drove for several days. No codes! Passed inspection easily.

Thanks to this forum and the posters for all the help. I could not have done it otherwise.

 

i've been getting 0014/0024 for years now (with no loss in power). it comes and goes sometimes for days/weeks. i initially thought it was timing related, but a brand-new chain was put in a few months back and timing was spot-on, which leads me to believe it's either the stupid covers again (prior owner replaced them and was still having the codes pop up) or just some kind of an electrical gremlin. how much was the retarder by itself? keep us posted if the codes ever come back. i'll keep erasing mine lol

 

The retarder cost $174 (with shipping, handling, tax). I bought it new from an online nissan parts dealer - it took several weeks to get it. The retarder part number is 23795JK21A.

I had the P0024 code off and on for years. When it got cold, the code went away. But then it became persistent and stayed on and the car could not pass inspection. I replaced the driver side cover ($892 from a local infiniti parts dealer). That fixed the P0024 code.

I tested the old part and the solenoid was fine. The retarder had the correct resistance (10 ohms). My guess is the retarder loses some magnetism and just needs to be replaced after 15 years.

After fixing the P0024 code, I started getting the P0014 code. I replaced passenger side retarder and that fixed it completely. If you are seeing these codes, I would immediately buy two retarders before they are unavailable (not produced anymore).

 

just snagged both covers from a local jy today for $40 total. you don't even need to remove the p/s bracket, just loosen the bolts so the bracket can move, and you will be able to remove the pulley bracket and expose the bolt. will update once i get to putting them on the rig.

edit: also, for those that want to remove the magnets, but don't have the proper shims to release the spring, can utilize the good ol' shake and tap method. if you can't shake the magnets out, then simply tap the cover on a block of wood, and the magnet will fall out. don't go full tropic thunder on it and crack/bend the cover, tho.

update: replacing the covers fixed the 0014/0024 codes.