Xterra timing chain
Asked by Vestabuell14 Dec 15, 2015 at 11:01 PM about the Nissan Xterra
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I was recently told by the dealership that the tech can hear a "squeal" on start
up and that we should get our timing chain replaced in the next couple of
months. I don't hear anything different at all, even though it has 107,000 miles
on it could it really be ready to go. We have heard that we should be able to
hear a definite loud high pitched noise if it's going bad. Which is true and
what should we do. I'm tempted to try another Nissan dealership to see if
they hear the same thing.
13 Answers
Now you didn't mention the size motor, so I could verify, but if there is a timing chain in the engine, it will last the life of the motor 98% of the time. If it is a timing belt, then Yes, it would be overdue to be changed.
Vestabuell14 answered 8 years ago
It's the 4 liter v-6 and I'm not sure if it's a chain or belt
A timing chain would not squeal, maybe rattle when getting stretched. A timing belt can't squeal as it would be slipping and jumping time and would not start. The only way a timing belt would start making noise is if it ran a water pump that was leaking on the belt. On a timing belt there may be a idler pulley that goes bad, but you can't wait for that to go to change the timing belt, in most cases that would be too late.
From what I see there is a timing chain, I think that dealer was pulling your chain...
Don't confuse timing belt with serpentine belt. The timing belt has 'teeth' and will never squeal. The serpentine belt, the one exposed on outside of engine has ribs and a flat side for tensioner
I came up with same thing. It has a timing chain
Timing chain and belts don't squeal but an idler wheel bearing going bad might.
The squeal he heard must have ben the serpentine belt, which may need replacing & check any idler pulleys and tensioner.
An idler wheel on my old Subaru started squealing a tiny bit and it blew up after a couple of days so don't put it off!
Its known to be a whine and it is an inherent problem with the tensioners wearing out prematurely. There is a bulletin on it, and a class action lawsuit I believe.
David is correct. The problem is the tensioner shoes wearing out and you have metal on metal which causes the whine and will eventually lead to timing chain failure and engine damage. Having mine replaced for $1,850.00 today and then will just wait for Nissan to cave on this known defect as the class action lawsuit approaches conclusion. Just like they did on the defective radiators that cross contaminate the cooling and transmission fluids.
Its April 2018, any update on the class action suit on the timing chain problem? Sons extra is starting to whine when rpm increase, was told that this happens when the chain tensioner are starting to wear. If this is the case should everything be replaced while u r in their, not just the tensioners?? Thanks Jeff B.
