Forum Discussion

lincoln30's avatar
lincoln30
Explorer
Aug 09, 2013

Timing chain failure

Does anyone know if there are any issues with timing chains on 2006 Pathfinders.

My friend had one give out at 39,500. He tows a 3500 lb Koala.
  • Do a search, "nissan timing chain problems". Seems there are some issues.
  • From the posts HERE seems to be a common problem with tensioner resulting in $$$$ repairs ($1000--$1600)

    YIKES!
  • FWIW, towing wouldn't put any more strain on a timing chain than just normal driving.
  • ScottG wrote:
    FWIW, towing wouldn't put any more strain on a timing chain than just normal driving.


    Agree. The timing chain is just going along for the ride and doesn't know the trailer is back there.

    Our G35 has 225,000klm's on it. No timing chain issues. Note 200 hrs of towing the 23'.
  • Old-Biscuit wrote:
    From the posts HERE seems to be a common problem with tensioner resulting in $$$$ repairs ($1000--$1600)

    YIKES!


    With a repair cost like that, it must be an interference engine. (Valves contact pistons, when timing chain or belt fail). Seems like it is a design issue that could be avoided with all the modern computer aided design programs.
  • Water-Bug wrote:
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    From the posts HERE seems to be a common problem with tensioner resulting in $$$$ repairs ($1000--$1600)

    YIKES!


    With a repair cost like that, it must be an interference engine. (Valves contact pistons, when timing chain or belt fail). Seems like it is a design issue that could be avoided with all the modern computer aided design programs.

    From the posts....that pricing was dealer AND is only for timing chain replacement (chain, tensioner, coolant, seals, oil).
    Apparently it's the tensioner that gives out and wipes rest of assembly out.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    lincoln30 wrote:
    Does anyone know if there are any issues with timing chains on 2006 Pathfinders.

    My friend had one give out at 39,500. He tows a 3500 lb Koala.


    Unusual for any timing belt or chain to give out at 39K. You'll probably get more specific answers on a Nissan/Pathfinder specific forum.

    Don't know which motor you've got, but I can tell you this; If it's the same V6 (if you have a V6) that they put in the Infiniti SUVs, it's one of the best motors ever built. In the past, many times on the Wards Top 10 list.
  • Water-Bug wrote:
    With a repair cost like that, it must be an interference engine. (Valves contact pistons, when timing chain or belt fail). Seems like it is a design issue that could be avoided with all the modern computer aided design programs.


    It's easy to make a non-interference engine. But just about everything needed for this (notched pistons, reduced valve lift, etc) isn't ideal for performance. Real easy to make it happen with the low-compression, high polluting, inefficient engines of yesteryear.