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Problem with Nissan 1997 Pathfinder

timing belt on 2003 nissan pathfinder

Dealership says it has a timing chain and is good for life of vehicle. true?

Posted by avatar on Apr 09, 2009

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timing belts and chains are 2 very diff things, belts are rubber and wear out in about 80,000, chains are well chains and made of very strong steel they will last the life of the engine in most cars and trucks but not all cases. there is no recommended change mileage by any manufacturer, if the engine is torn down for an overhaul then yes it is wise to replace the chain, but only then, otherwise it is a very expensive waste of money.

Timing chains can usually last for about 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Usually all timing belts or chains are recommened to be replaced at about 105,000 miles. If you are having problems with the timing or you want to do a overhaul I would recommend replacing the timing chain as a precaution more then anything. Nissans usually do not have timing belt problems. But you know anything not made by hand can g faulty so

If the "life of the vehicle" is 125K then they are correct. Every timing chain wears and stretches, regardless of manufacturer. by 125k most are ready for replacement. By 160k most will have a failure. (of course there are "lucky exceptions" but this is a good baseline to go from.) Even when worn, excessive slack can become great enough to change phasing between cam and crankshaft which alters performance (even with a tensioner in use)
I'm sure that someone will disagree with this answer but I base it upon what I've seen over many years, with all types of engines/vehicles!
Of course, at this point it's not an emergency, but it should be done at or near the miles I suggested.
good luck

    • By avatarRichard Scordino Apr 09, 2009

    • I miss - stated one point...I have never seen a chain break. What actually happens is that chain stretches to the point that it develops enough slack where it rides up on the timing gear and tears the teeth off the gear, or jumps over the gear teeth.
      I change the chain on every engine I replace. Most have relatively low miles (60-80K) on them. Even so, I've often found that cam phasing is off by as much as ten degrees (because of stretched chain) A 318 chrysler engine I worked on recently had 200K on it. Fuel mileage was low and it did not like going uphill...Chain was not broken, but had enough stretch that it was nearly hitting timing cover. Changed it and everything was back to normal. If chain , cam/crank phasing was unimportant no one who builds or maintains race engines would spend as much time as they do in setting and maintaining this item. A passenger car engine does not need the "perfection" of a raceemobile, but with modern precise settings on every system it is quite important!


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