2004 - 200? Quest Timing Chain/Guide/Tensioner Debacle

[Quest2004]

As anyone who knows these vans can attest (unless you are one of the lucky ones), the Quests (and other Nissans and Infinitis) have an issue with the Timing chain guides on some of these V6 engines. There are numerous videos on Youtube to show you what it sounds and looks like. The chains and tensioners were generally fine, but the guides were designed poorly (using plastic) and would break and slide down or off. When you start the van, you would hear the timing chain rattling against the guide because it was now effectively loose because the tensioner could not do it's job with no guide to push on and tighten the chain. Sometimes the engine would quiet down after a few seconds - sometimes not. Mine did quiet down after a few seconds and I drove it this way for over a year.

There is a quick fix listed for the brave mechanic to fix the guide involving just one guide. It is doable...it is a pain in the behind to do..and it won't always fix it, but sometimes it will. Quotes to fix it the right way go from $1500-2500 ..and everything in between (it is a labor job - the parts aren't that bad). I had mine done professionally because I am keeping the car long-term - I had all of it replaced (guides, tensioners, chains, water pump, and all gaskets).

There are mentions of class-actions out there, but I wouldn't hold your breath. It's a question of whether you want to keep it or not. Shop around for mechanics. I found a Japanese Auto Repair specialty shop in Atlanta that did a GREAT job and was very reasonable - they have done a zillion of them and knew what to do and not to do so there was no wasted labor efforts. The dealer is obviously the most expensive approach. If you bought the car there and have a good relationship, they may give you a break. If it is noisy all the time, do not wait...that can really really mess the engine up in a big way.

The engine is great and rock-solid. The timing chain guides? Not so much..