Q: I have a 2006 Nissan Maxima and have been told the valve covers are plastic, so they have to be replaced. They cannot replace jus

asked by on May 07, 2017

My 2006 Maxima has an oil leak and I've been told by the repair shop who was told by their parts supplier that the valve covers are plastic and they can't replace only the gaskets, but both covers have to be replaced. Is that right? I've seen Maxima valve cover gaskets for sale online.

My car has 202000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Hi there. As far as I’m aware, the valve covers on a V6 3.5 Liter Nissan engine are made of steel and not plastic or a polymer. If the valve cover was a strong polymer (or plastic), the valve cover gasket would still be separate from the OEM valve cover and could be replaced. However, the spark plug O-rings inside the valve cover are not replaceable, so it is recommended to replace the valve cover and gasket at the same time. This video should explain what I’m talking about.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How does the front passenger occupant classification system work in a 2012 Toyota Camry?
The front passenger occupant classification system is designed to keep the driver and front passenger safe. Several features work together to accomplish this goal and to give you peace of mind. A seat belt reminder light will come on if...
Airbag light coming on
Hello, it sounds like you have a wiring problem with your seat. When you move the seat it's most likely causing an open or short in the wiring to the side air bag that is built into the seat. When...
why does my engine still stall after cleaning distributor cap, replacing air cleaner, fuel filter and spark plug.
Cleaning your distributor cap is not usually successful. The cap can have problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It should be replaced along with rotor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/distributor-rotor-and-cap-replacement), spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement), and spark plug wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ignition-cable-spark-plug-wires-replacement). The description of...
ABS + Brake + Traction Control Yellow Warning light
It depends on the nature of the faults. If there is a internal processing error or solenoid valve block assembly fault. Then it is likely the module will need to replaced and then programmed. A used module could be used...
Car shuts off when driving at a very low speed
This may be related to a dirty or failing idle air control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement). This is a unit in the intake system that monitors the air intake as it is mixed with fuel at idle or low speeds prior to...
Won't açcelerate and no power
Hi there: Anytime a vehicle strikes a very large object, like a deer, the chances for electrical connections throughout the vehicle to come loose is very high; and can cause issues you're experiencing. The issue may be a TPS or...
Front end bearing or trans-axle noise. Hear a grinding noise noticeable above 15 mph. exists going straight, turning right/left.
Hello. To answer your question, the best way to remove the axles it by disconnecting the ball joints. The noise you are hearing can be coming from a bearing, an axle or from the transmission. I usually check the bearings...
My AC compressor locked up and my steering wheel belt snapped and my car begin to overheat. What is the cause?
Either the air conditioning compressor or clutch has failed. Most of the time the clutch fails and locks to the compressor housing causing the compressor to not turn. If the air conditioning was off when the belt seized, then the...
My windshield wipers stopped working the motor seems to be working since when i turn them on you can hear a sound but they wont wi
Hi there. When the motor is working, but the windshield wipers do not move, the issue is typically caused by a broken wiper arm or perhaps one of the internal links inside the motor is broken. The best way to...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan Juke
The The 2012 Nissan Juke is part crossover, part sports car, and part radical looking car. It has five doors, folding rear seats, and a rear hatch for easy access to the cargo area. The seats fold flat offering extra...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Nissan GT-R
Sporty, Sporty, fast, aggressive – all those words apply to the 2012 Nissan GT-R. This track-inspired car manages to bring racecar-like performance to the street, and it does so in true Nissan style. Key Features It’s tough to choose specific...
2012 Toyota Tacoma vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier: Which One Should I Buy?
The smaller truck category includes those vehicles for men (and women!) who just want to scoot around town but who are opposed to driving a small car and just prefer a truck. These relatively fuel-efficient vehicles offer little in the...