auto trans durability - timing belt interval - others?

[TRsix]

going to be looking at a couple 1996 pathfinders this weekend, one is 140K miles with new (maybe rebuilt?) transmission under warranty and one is 110K miles with 100K mile major service with new timing belt.

in general, how long/how many miles do the auto trans in a 96 pathfinder last? approx cost to replace?

how often is it recommended to change the timing belt, and how many hours does it take to do this job? basically what would it cost to do...

what are a few other things to look out for - sounds to listen for while test driving? other peculularities that pertain to these pre-1999.5 models? easy way to check out myself without having to have a mechanic pre-inspection, I'm decently mechanically inclined but i'm more familiar with 60's-70's british and german cars with carburators and no emissions crap...

cheersmike

[TRsix]

actually the one with the new trans is a 98, not a 96. any differences in the mechanicals of those years? i see that they did a few trim changes, deleted a lot of the chrome trim on the outside to flat black, like on the grill and bumpers...

also, with these 3.3L engines, would one normally replace the water pump when doing the timing belt change?

[KoukiS14]

Hey!! Welcome to NICO!!Not any differences that I can think of between 96 and 98.To have a timing belt change done, it's usually anywhere from 600-1100. Also, good idea to change water pump while it's being done.

Timing belt interval = 105k

I'm not sure how long the transmission lasts. . I haven't heard of any failures on 96+ (R50).

oh hell... there was some weird suspension issue with the earlier R50s. . could someone chime in here on that? I can't recall what it was, or if it's even a big deal. . something about the rear end sort of swaying a bit.

[TRsix]

thanks...i was just looking at edmunds.com consumer reviews & there are some comments about the rear suspension bushings needing replacing, $800 fix (probably $1200 here in the SF bay area). don't know if it's a chronic problem or just a once every 60K miles thing, or what. Most say they notice the rear end swaying at highway speeds,,, hmmm that doesnt sound too safe!Other things i saw mentioned were throttle position and O2 sensor replacements, starters failing, and exhaust manifold replacement.nearly everyone didnt like the MPG and that it was slightly underpowered.

that said, if i could afford it i'd probably go for the 2001-03 model with the 3.5L engine.but an early R50 will have to do to get the family around for now.

[KoukiS14]

The price difference was the main reason I went with the 3.3. . I love the idea of a VQ in a Pathfinder, I dig the upgraded dash, and the fact you can get all-mode in a Pathfinder LE. . or get a QX4 with HID, etc. . lots of nice upgrades.

With that said, I'm terrified of the power valve screws coming loose and getting sucked into the engine -- I know it's not THAT common, but we've seen it here. HOWEVER, I really hate the idea of a timing belt

And yes, that's it -- rear bushings. Seen it here a couple of times. I'd factor that sort of thing into your price. If it's any consolation, I don't have the problem on my 99.5 with 77k miles.

[timmack]

true the timing belt does suck compared to the chain in terms of reliability, not noise. but you cant change that. you can always get greasy and loctite those stupid power valve screws, which is the first thing that im gonna do when the weather gets warm, now that someone finally posted good instructions on here. and the 3.5 is a quick motor too, quicker than i anticipated when i test drove mine.

p.s. i owe kouki a beer for making that thread a sticky.

[timmack]

of beers!