timing belt?

[95pathyoffroad]

i keep hearing people talk about a timing belt wat is it, where is it, how do i know when to replace it, what happens if i dont, how much will it set me back (cost that is) and can i change it myself

[GhostPath]

i keep hearing people talk about a timing belt wat is it, where is it, how do i know when to replace it, what happens if i dont, how much will it set me back (cost that is) and can i change it myself

 

 

Timing belt definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timing_belt

 

The timing belt is on the front of the engine under a cover.

 

Depending on your year model, you either have to replace it every 60K or 105K.

 

If you don't *KNOW* or have records that show your truck's belt has been done in the last interval period, you need to do it now.

 

If you don't, the timing belt snaps and you will have to either buy a new engine or have the old one rebuilt because the pistons will slam into the valves and bend them. Nissan is NOT kidding about those intervals, the belt WILL go not long after that period.

 

It sounds like you are a novice. I would NOT recommend that you do this until you gain more experience because doing it wrong means you have to buy another engine.

[unccpathfinder]

buying an engine isnt always the result...but a rebuild of the heads at a minimum unless you are lucky enough to not bend anything (this has occured a couple times from what I've heard)

 

I've broken one and I ate 3 valves and doing the work myself set me back like $300...when you do it or have it done change the water pump and cam seals and theres a couple of other things you can have done to make sure you dont have to pay for the labor again on that...search around and you will find lots of information on this...

[95pathyoffroad]

its a 95 and i dont know if it has been changed...

 

how much do you think getting this done will cost

[feloniousmonk]

its a 95 and i dont know if it has been changed...

 

how much do you think getting this done will cost

 

You're better off calling a few shops in your area. The parts themelves aren't expensive, but labor rates vary from city to city. As for parts, belts and water pump can be had under $100 total.

[95shakinPF]

Hey 95, what part of lousyana are you from? I live in Carriere, MS. I drive back n forth to Slidell,LA. every day to work. Maybe if your not too far away, I could save you some money on that job! I'm a machinist by day and turn wrenches(ever since I was 15) by night and weekend!

p.s. finish filling out your profile, it helps us help you!!

Edited October 21, 2007 by 95shakinPF

[95pathyoffroad]

Hey 95, what part of lousyana are you from? I live in Carriere, MS. I drive back n forth to Slidell,LA. every day to work. Maybe if your not too far away, I could save you some money on that job! I'm a machinist by day and turn wrenches(ever since I was 15) by night and weekend!

p.s. finish filling out your profile, it helps us help you!!

 

im in lake charles, a few hours from slidell

[unccpathfinder]

I think a shop would charge about $600-$800 to do it

[95pathyoffroad]

do i need just a timing belt or should i buy a timing belt kit that comes with a tensioner, also wats a reliable brand

[95shakinPF]

If you can afford it, go nissan on the t-belt and t-tensioner(factory parts are usually better than aftermarket)! as far as the water pump, just get a lifetime warranty part from most anywhere. I know exactly where Lake Charles is located, its about 4 hours from where I live. I would be happy to help you some weekend with that project if you wanted to drive this way(sorry cant go there family reasons). I know its a bit far but it'll save you from paying a shop if you choose. I have just replaced my water pump about 1 month ago.The pump was fine,but the mount gasket was actually leaking. I didnt know that until I tore it down and already had the new pump in hand! Oh well, at least I know its been done and has a lifetime warranty!

[adamzan]

Nissan is NOT kidding about those intervals, the belt WILL go not long after that period.

 

A guy at nissan told my dad that even though he's at 197k on his 2000, and the interval is at 160k, that the belts are "pretty tough". We'll see how tough they are when it breaks and i get another free truck!

 

But yeah, get it done asap, had one break on our old mazda 929, luckily didn't break anything.