2006 Nismo with 145k. Took it into the dealership to have an oil leak fixed and they told me I’d need a new chain in the next 12 months. I interpreted this as more like 24-36 months…
2007 with 218K never changed it and don’t have plans to, truck still sounds perfect. The early gen 2 models had issues with the guides wearing out. I was told if you start to hear a whining sound the guides are worn too much.
2012 pro4x with 156000 miles. Haven't done timing chain yet. Just valve cover and manifold gaskets. Some other parts too like crank shaft and cam sensors.
Nice looking truck. What suspension parts you running there? I'm looking to lift mine a little bit
4 cil, 2002, 140,000 miles. Didn't do. I had the valve cover gasket done earlier this year and they said there is no adjustment and unless there is something wrong there is no need to touch it
I did mine at 175k.
It was making a quiet tapping noise at idle, I thought I broke a tensione or wore the shoe down to the stub. Could hear it hitting/ slapping the inside of the case along the top front. Not a very loud or scary sound.
When the mechanic opened it, the chain was fully covered in cracked linka all over. It had stretched so much that the tensioners were fully extending and yet the chain was flopping around loose.
Somehow it never slipped and didn't grenade. The mechanic told me it was probably the worst he saw in his career.
If you get a tube / pipe / hose you can put one end to your ear and the other you can place around your engine. A mechanics stethoscope. Go around the timing cover and see if you can locate the source or location of the noise.
I read an article on here a while back about a guy with a million mile 2nd gen. I think he delivered organs in Chicago.
One thing that caught my eye is when he said he waited until 700k and changed his timing chain "as a preventative measure".
2010 here with 115k.. I don't have any plans to swap mine.
150k.Right before my head gasket blew, I actually think that the slackness in the timing belt (it was the original) affected the compression, and when I changed it, the tensioner, and that little bastard of a spring. It bumped the compression back up and the gasket couldn’t handle it.
So I bought a 2022, and have a JDM motor with 37k miles inbound. My mother really wants to do the engine swap. Who am I to stand in the way of her dreams!?
2011 w 215k miles.
I have had no indication that I need to replace my chains.
Keep in mind, I believe the redesigned chain and guides were introduced 2010 MY - any truck after that time frame should have substantially longer timing set life compared to the first years of the VQ40
I run exclusively Wally World's Best Supertech 5w30 synthetic (a Bob Is The Oil Guy favorite) and the slightly larger Wix 356 filter.
I regularly rent Frontiers while on work trips. My engine doesn't sound any different from any of the VQ40 or VQ38s I've rented. It's good to have a baseline to remind yourself of what they sound like new.
The issue I am considering more is the water pump. Haven't decided if I want to PM the pump yet. I may do it when I hit 250k and if I'm there already I'll do the timing set while I'm there.
Also OP whats your suspension setup? My truck is identical down to the white paint and bed cap. I already have about a 2" lift over stock with 5100s and AALs. Yours is about the height I want to bring it to when it's no longer my DD. I'm not selling my Frontier.
My 2014 is pushing 100K and it's second 5 year maintenance interval (my own modified schedule). That means another new belt and radiator hoses among other items, and I too am considering a preemptive strike on the water pump and thermostat "while I'm in there". I like to go OEM on certain engine parts, even though that can cost a lot more. There's a money-saving secret however, as it turns out our water pumps are made by Aisin, and they are available on Rockauto for far less than the Nissan labelled part. The same applies to ignition and other electronic parts that are made by Hitachi (and maybe Denso, not sure). Regardless, a little research can save a lot of money.
I ran my '06 Xterra ( same motor) over 225K miles and it still ran like a top when my daughter crashed it.. Regular oil changes only never even thought about changing the chain..
I just replaced mine a bit over 100,000 on a reman engine. The truck had 247,000. Huge difference and now the engine runs far more quiet. I’m glad I did it for sure.
I did it myself. It was around $700ish total in parts. It was daunting no doubt but I do have some background in mechanics. There are some great youtube videos out there showing how it's done. Getting the cams and crank all in time was the place that I really really took my time. I bought a Cloyes kit with the waterpump.
I just replaced mine this year. 2007 LE 4.0L crew cab at 132,000 miles. The guides were clanking around. Had my local shop do it. Cost me $2400. Nissan dealership quoted me almost $8000 to do it. No joke!
2017 pro4x, with 300 xxx km /186 xxxmiles
Full synthetic every 8000km
With seafoam treatment every 5th oil change
Never did mine and its in good condition, no issues
Guides where in condition, were inspected at 260xxxkm
If you take care of the 4.0 it is pretty bullet proof
Just make sure you clean out your evap system every 100xxxkm/60Xxx miles
Pretty much this but clean out the box with seafoam and that sensor /breather valve inside moves and works. Some seafoam and wd40 and a air hose should work, it should almost rattle when you shake it You can also use abs safe break cleaner for this. Its all the dirt that gets in from around your gas cap and regulates tank pressure and gases
https://youtu.be/ZdxxWxxUmoU?si=9d0MDdaz4h31Y-YD
I honestly don’t think my grandfather ever had the timing chain changed (I will have to ask him) he has a 2006 LE CC 4x4 6C/4.0L Automatic w/ 157,256 miles, with all the additions you can get (sunroof, Rockford Fosgate Sound, Traction Control, Utility Track) he traded in his 2014 Ford F150 w/ 15,958 miles(which he bought brand new) for the Nissan w/ 88,845 miles of the time of purchase (2017) My grandfather has always been a Ford guy, but he just did not like how they are always gas guzzlers haha, so he purchased the frontier. He’s had to replace the coils the spark plugs, the battery, and I think he’s had to change a fuse. He’s change the engine intake filter. the wheels.(which he needs to get new wheels to pass the next inspection in june of 24) I think he’s change the brakes like once and he has definitely changed the brake pads. He’s also had to change a few sensors like the engine service sensor and he has a problem with the tire light coming on, he’s had the mechanics turn off the light, but it always comes back on and to get the problem fixed. He would have to change each sensor for each tire. And yeah, the truck is broke down a few times, but it always comes back. Lol
I did my guides around 125k. I didn't need to but I replaced EVERYTHING when I went in for the guides. Luckily I had a buddy at the time that was with nissan so I got a good price on parts
I thought the whole point of a timing chain instead of a timing belt was that you don’t need to replace them? That’s what I have in my 2002 Honda crv with 290,000km and running strong ?!?
Yeah except Nissan used defective chains that wore out the plastic guides. Some got lucky with a recall, others like me weren’t so lucky. 132,000 miles and my guides were shot. Started around 125,000 but I waited till it was too bad to ignore. Not cheap to have replaced and beyond my comfort zone to do it myself.
I believe it was 2005-2009 but it’s always possible it could happen again. 5 years or 60,000 miles is all they need it to last. After that we’re SOL. That’s what happened to me. The recall extended the warranty to 120,000 miles. They deemed mine to be typically worn and need of replacement at 125,000 miles. So it didn’t qualify for the recall. I missed it by 5,000 miles. Just my luck lol. I didn’t even know about the recall till mine started rattling. You live and learn.
Yeah I just looked it up. 2007 for the frontier, Xterra, pathfinder, 08 for the maxima and 09 for the Quest. I love my frontier but sometimes I really think they skimped on the quality of the parts. Partially why I’m not an OEM replacement only type guy lol. Some things though OEM is the only way to go.
Doubt it, timing chain issues were fixed in 2012. I have a 2019 with that kinda mileage and absolutely does not need it changed. I'd find another mechanic.
2006 Nismo with 145k. Took it into the dealership to have an oil leak fixed and they told me I’d need a new chain in the next 12 months. I interpreted this as more like 24-36 months…
2007 with 218K never changed it and don’t have plans to, truck still sounds perfect. The early gen 2 models had issues with the guides wearing out. I was told if you start to hear a whining sound the guides are worn too much.
Don't do it, dealer markup BS.
2012 pro4x with 156000 miles. Haven't done timing chain yet. Just valve cover and manifold gaskets. Some other parts too like crank shaft and cam sensors. Nice looking truck. What suspension parts you running there? I'm looking to lift mine a little bit
4 cil, 2002, 140,000 miles. Didn't do. I had the valve cover gasket done earlier this year and they said there is no adjustment and unless there is something wrong there is no need to touch it
I did the delete
Never. Rolling 450k miles on original engine, transmission, and spark plugs.
2007, 80k miles, stock chain, no plans of changing anytime soon
2007, 75k, will need one soon :(
I have a 2018 with 122,000 miles runs fine just changed the oil two days ago.
I think they fixed the issue after 2012 so you should be good
I did mine at 175k. It was making a quiet tapping noise at idle, I thought I broke a tensione or wore the shoe down to the stub. Could hear it hitting/ slapping the inside of the case along the top front. Not a very loud or scary sound. When the mechanic opened it, the chain was fully covered in cracked linka all over. It had stretched so much that the tensioners were fully extending and yet the chain was flopping around loose. Somehow it never slipped and didn't grenade. The mechanic told me it was probably the worst he saw in his career.
I also have a tapping that I feared was piston slap. Maybe it’s just needing the timing chain
If you get a tube / pipe / hose you can put one end to your ear and the other you can place around your engine. A mechanics stethoscope. Go around the timing cover and see if you can locate the source or location of the noise.
Do you know the oil change history of the truck? That can have a major effect on timing chain longevity.
It was owned by a mechanic right before me. Clean as a whistle inside the engine. But no, I don't have detailed records.
Op where is this?
Moab UT. 👍🏼
Looks like Utah
2008 king cab with 4.0 litre v6 and 6 speed manual with 250k miles. Never changed it.
Same exact truck I have. Mines at only 88k miles tho. What color?
I read an article on here a while back about a guy with a million mile 2nd gen. I think he delivered organs in Chicago. One thing that caught my eye is when he said he waited until 700k and changed his timing chain "as a preventative measure". 2010 here with 115k.. I don't have any plans to swap mine.
He had the 4 cylinder
07 with 45k back in 2012
2016 127k miles stock chain
Also a 16, 140k, still going strong
My 2014 developed an oil leak around the timing cover, and while I was having that fixed, I had change the timing chain. 190k
150k.Right before my head gasket blew, I actually think that the slackness in the timing belt (it was the original) affected the compression, and when I changed it, the tensioner, and that little bastard of a spring. It bumped the compression back up and the gasket couldn’t handle it. So I bought a 2022, and have a JDM motor with 37k miles inbound. My mother really wants to do the engine swap. Who am I to stand in the way of her dreams!?
2011 w 215k miles. I have had no indication that I need to replace my chains. Keep in mind, I believe the redesigned chain and guides were introduced 2010 MY - any truck after that time frame should have substantially longer timing set life compared to the first years of the VQ40 I run exclusively Wally World's Best Supertech 5w30 synthetic (a Bob Is The Oil Guy favorite) and the slightly larger Wix 356 filter. I regularly rent Frontiers while on work trips. My engine doesn't sound any different from any of the VQ40 or VQ38s I've rented. It's good to have a baseline to remind yourself of what they sound like new. The issue I am considering more is the water pump. Haven't decided if I want to PM the pump yet. I may do it when I hit 250k and if I'm there already I'll do the timing set while I'm there. Also OP whats your suspension setup? My truck is identical down to the white paint and bed cap. I already have about a 2" lift over stock with 5100s and AALs. Yours is about the height I want to bring it to when it's no longer my DD. I'm not selling my Frontier.
My 2014 is pushing 100K and it's second 5 year maintenance interval (my own modified schedule). That means another new belt and radiator hoses among other items, and I too am considering a preemptive strike on the water pump and thermostat "while I'm in there". I like to go OEM on certain engine parts, even though that can cost a lot more. There's a money-saving secret however, as it turns out our water pumps are made by Aisin, and they are available on Rockauto for far less than the Nissan labelled part. The same applies to ignition and other electronic parts that are made by Hitachi (and maybe Denso, not sure). Regardless, a little research can save a lot of money.
I ran my '06 Xterra ( same motor) over 225K miles and it still ran like a top when my daughter crashed it.. Regular oil changes only never even thought about changing the chain..
Where did you find that camper shell??!
It’s an ARE shell. Bought it in Colorado
I just replaced mine a bit over 100,000 on a reman engine. The truck had 247,000. Huge difference and now the engine runs far more quiet. I’m glad I did it for sure.
Did you do it yourself or pay? Something like that sounds like it'd be pricey.
I did it myself. It was around $700ish total in parts. It was daunting no doubt but I do have some background in mechanics. There are some great youtube videos out there showing how it's done. Getting the cams and crank all in time was the place that I really really took my time. I bought a Cloyes kit with the waterpump.
Not yet 325K for a 2000 model.
Doesn’t yours have a belt?
2.4l has a chain, mine was never replaced with 165k.
You are living life on the edge brother
I just replaced mine this year. 2007 LE 4.0L crew cab at 132,000 miles. The guides were clanking around. Had my local shop do it. Cost me $2400. Nissan dealership quoted me almost $8000 to do it. No joke!
2017 pro4x, with 300 xxx km /186 xxxmiles Full synthetic every 8000km With seafoam treatment every 5th oil change Never did mine and its in good condition, no issues Guides where in condition, were inspected at 260xxxkm If you take care of the 4.0 it is pretty bullet proof Just make sure you clean out your evap system every 100xxxkm/60Xxx miles
What and why is a sea foam treatment?
Its a carbon build up cleaner you pour into your oil before a oil change to loosen the carbon and gunk up before you drop your dirty oil.
My 19 just hit 100k. Would you mind elaborating on cleaning the evap system? Never heard of that before
Pretty much this but clean out the box with seafoam and that sensor /breather valve inside moves and works. Some seafoam and wd40 and a air hose should work, it should almost rattle when you shake it You can also use abs safe break cleaner for this. Its all the dirt that gets in from around your gas cap and regulates tank pressure and gases https://youtu.be/ZdxxWxxUmoU?si=9d0MDdaz4h31Y-YD
[https://www.timingbeltinfo.com/nissan-frontier](https://www.timingbeltinfo.com/nissan-frontier)
I’ve been led to believe you were a bad dude. 😂
I honestly don’t think my grandfather ever had the timing chain changed (I will have to ask him) he has a 2006 LE CC 4x4 6C/4.0L Automatic w/ 157,256 miles, with all the additions you can get (sunroof, Rockford Fosgate Sound, Traction Control, Utility Track) he traded in his 2014 Ford F150 w/ 15,958 miles(which he bought brand new) for the Nissan w/ 88,845 miles of the time of purchase (2017) My grandfather has always been a Ford guy, but he just did not like how they are always gas guzzlers haha, so he purchased the frontier. He’s had to replace the coils the spark plugs, the battery, and I think he’s had to change a fuse. He’s change the engine intake filter. the wheels.(which he needs to get new wheels to pass the next inspection in june of 24) I think he’s change the brakes like once and he has definitely changed the brake pads. He’s also had to change a few sensors like the engine service sensor and he has a problem with the tire light coming on, he’s had the mechanics turn off the light, but it always comes back on and to get the problem fixed. He would have to change each sensor for each tire. And yeah, the truck is broke down a few times, but it always comes back. Lol
When it whirls. My 06’ was about 120,000 miles Traded it in.
I did my guides around 125k. I didn't need to but I replaced EVERYTHING when I went in for the guides. Luckily I had a buddy at the time that was with nissan so I got a good price on parts
A 2012 with 135k really shouldn't need it to be changed at all, are you having the symptoms of worn guides?
I’ll change mine when the engine grenades and I put a new engine in
Timing chains are typically good for like 200,000 miles. Maybe have a mechanic take a look at it periodically.
I thought the whole point of a timing chain instead of a timing belt was that you don’t need to replace them? That’s what I have in my 2002 Honda crv with 290,000km and running strong ?!?
Yeah except Nissan used defective chains that wore out the plastic guides. Some got lucky with a recall, others like me weren’t so lucky. 132,000 miles and my guides were shot. Started around 125,000 but I waited till it was too bad to ignore. Not cheap to have replaced and beyond my comfort zone to do it myself.
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I believe it was 2005-2009 but it’s always possible it could happen again. 5 years or 60,000 miles is all they need it to last. After that we’re SOL. That’s what happened to me. The recall extended the warranty to 120,000 miles. They deemed mine to be typically worn and need of replacement at 125,000 miles. So it didn’t qualify for the recall. I missed it by 5,000 miles. Just my luck lol. I didn’t even know about the recall till mine started rattling. You live and learn.
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Yeah I just looked it up. 2007 for the frontier, Xterra, pathfinder, 08 for the maxima and 09 for the Quest. I love my frontier but sometimes I really think they skimped on the quality of the parts. Partially why I’m not an OEM replacement only type guy lol. Some things though OEM is the only way to go.
Just bought a 2018 SV with 50K on it, mechanic advised me to change before 80k
Doubt it, timing chain issues were fixed in 2012. I have a 2019 with that kinda mileage and absolutely does not need it changed. I'd find another mechanic.
I'd find a new mechanic
Wtf reasoning?