05 Xterra, Pathfinder and Frontier service info

[kram613]

Having both a 05 Xterra and Pathfinder with high millage, I wanted to share what the techs here aren't.

Belt Tensioner:If it hasn’t happened yet, before you flip 36K you need to bring your Nissan in and get the belt tensioner replaced! You see, there is a service alert on these tensioners which requires the dealership to replace them when you have your belt replaced - BUT seeing that belt replacement is recommended AFTER your bumper to bumper has expired, you will end up paying for this known defective part.

Front Drive Shaft:Both vehicles front drive shafts were defective and needed to be replaced. In fact this is a known issue which caused a redesign half way through 06! When I found the right parts manager to ask I was informed "they keep a huge inventory of them because they have to replace so many"!

Unfortunately for me and my Pathfinder, which had noise in the front since 15K that every service manager told me was in my head, included Nissan of Keene NH, I am out of warranty and now have to pay for the repair.

In fact, please let me know if my thinking is off, the Pathfinder was in for rear drive shaft replacement at 59,900 miles and even though Nissan of Keene NH was the dealership that informed me of the problem, and fixed the Xterra, they DID NOT check the front drive shaft to see if it needed replacement.

When I asked the service manager how they handle the situation where you bring you car in for a noise, they can't find it, and it ends up being a huge repair? And I also asked why they didn't check when the vehicle was in for the rear drive shaft, his reply "how do I know it didn't happen between then and now"?? Doesn't this show a lack of caring for the customer and bad support? If its a defective part doesn't that mean it was "bad" since it was made?

Anyway I hope this helps?

[mexterra]

I have a question about the belt tensioner. Was this making a whining noise? I currently have 62,000 miles on my X and now have a whining noise. However, I have heard that it could be the CAM tensioner. Did you have the BELT tensioner replaced? Did it take care of the issue? How much is it to do? Anyways, thanks for the info.

[AZhitman]

Here's a little something you should ALL review in order to be an INFORMED owner:

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/frontier/

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/pathfinder/

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/xterra/

[kram613]

I have a question about the belt tensioner. Was this making a whining noise? I currently have 62,000 miles on my X and now have a whining noise. However, I have heard that it could be the CAM tensioner. Did you have the BELT tensioner replaced? Did it take care of the issue? How much is it to do? Anyways, thanks for the info.

My pathfinder started whining at around 55K, my Xterra almost at the exact same millage. I took both in and was told that the "composite intakes make noise over time", and they told me there was nothing they could do.

The belt tensioner made a loud squealing noise, esp while raining or going through a puddle.

[northhoustonser]

so have these issues been corrected on the 07-08 exterra's/frontiers? i am thinking about buying a nismo frontier with the traction package and was wondering if they are good reliable trucks or if they are defective... any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[NM50]

The first post I read here is a whiner.The Frontier is a very worthy truck.The tensioner problems are just coming to light.The axle thing i,ve never heard about.Buy the truck,wheel the hell out of it and be happy!Nissan trucks if properly maintained(and Toyotas)may outlive thier owners.

[northhoustonser]

sweet... how many miles on yours? i went to test drive an 08 LE with leather and traction packages... 4x4 very nice truck. im just worried about the powertrain and quality overall since my 07 sentra se-r has been a headache and a daily visitor to the service shop.

[hsckris]

Just as a heads up, I had the pulley/belt recall done on my truck (2006 Se 4x4) awhile back. It started squeaking again. Took it in today and there is a second recall now, they've replaced the idler pulley and "realigned" the belt.