2026-10-08 · 5 min read
Nissan Grand Livina Timing Chain Malaysia — HR16DE
HR16DE uses a timing chain, not a belt — no replacement interval required. However, oil change neglect causes the chain tensioner to wear and the chain to stretch, leading to cold start rattle at 100,000+ km. Prevention: use quality synthetic oil and change every 10,000 km. If cold start rattle is present, have the tensioner and chain inspected — early intervention is much cheaper than a full chain kit. MR18DE also uses a timing chain.
Grand Livina Timing Chain
The MR20DE and HR16DE both use timing chains. Both are durable with regular oil maintenance. The MR20DE chain has been reported to rattle on early cold starts in higher-mileage examples — typically a tensioner issue. Always warm up the engine briefly before driving hard, and maintain 10,000 km oil change intervals.