Questions and Answers

Nissan Frontier Timing Belt Q. Hi Vincent, I'm a first time e-mailer to you and I have a question and need your advice: I have a 2001 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab with V-6 and 4 X 4. Love it: no problems since day 1. It has approximately 79,000 miles on it. My dealer, and another mechanic I have spoken to, tell me I should have the Timing Belt replaced "now" before it breaks and ruins the engine.

The Owner's Manual calls for replacement at 105,000. I put about 350 miles a week on this vehicle and it's basically all highway driving. The dealer wants $800.00 to do the replacement because they include replacing the water pump too. I need your advice. Should I replace it now or wait? If it breaks will it ruin my engine?

If it breaks before the 105,000 miles recommended by Nissan shouldn't they be responsible for any damage?

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Jim

A. The service life of a timing belt is based, partially on how long a particular belt lasts out in the field. Nissan used to recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000 miles, but over time they have found the generally they last longer than that.

The 3.3 liter VG33E engine is an interference engine. That means that if the timing belt does break, it will cause internal engine damage, particularly bent valves and broken valve guides.

Personally, I still recommend a 60,000 mile replacement interval on this engine. And replacing the water pump with the timing belt is a wise precaution. It only adds about 30 minutes to the job and could save you having to replace the timing belt and water pump in a short time.