Dealer says I need a new timing chain at 53k???

[TomD88]

I brought my 2005 Xterra SE in to the dealer the other day for some recalls. Next day they call me and tell me that there is a slight squeek in the motor (that I had never here in my life before) and that the timing chain needs to be replaced. The truck only has 53k on it so I am thinking he is full of it. When I get to the dealer he clues me in on the tiny squeal or sound the chain is making. He diagnoses it as the timing chain guide being worn down and the whole timing chain thing needs to be replaced before the whole car brakes down.

How urgent is this problem really? My car is out of warranty by 5 months so I really don't want to go to the dealer if I don't have too? How much should I expect to pay for a new timing chain?

Thanks

[Hooked on 240]

How much should I expect to pay for a new timing chain?

Thanks

From a dealer? LOL idk how to answer that without telling you to take out a personal loan.

Id get a second opinion from a local garage or 2. Dealership told me my 240 my rear pads needed to be replaced. i had hawk ceramics, and they squeal bc there ceramic. lol Sometimes dealership just get money outta ppl

[RT22]

If the guides are worn it will rattle on first cold start up. Let it sit over night open hood and crank it up. if guide needs replacing it will rattle on start up until oil pressure builds. 53k seems real fast for timing chain issues they usually go 100k plus before needing guides. if it is quite at start up then drive NOW and while engine is still not fully warm go through the gears with window down and radio off and listen for rattle. My hardbody rattles on start up and above 2 grand rpm until warm

[Rev_D21]

I thought the X's ran belts. :donno

[KA24ET_D21]

I thought the X's ran belts. :donno

Some of the x's had Duel cam KA24's in them.

[TomD88]

So, I brought my rig into an independent, who told me that the guides are beginning to ware down some but there is now immediate threat. He said once the rattle begins, like RT22 said, and there is a high pitch squeal then come see them. Plus, he was going to be $500 less than the dealer. I swear that the recalls are just to get you in to give them an opportunity to up sell you on other things.

[mrecoolgar]

And if that engine is like the KA24E it will wear thru the back of the timing chain cover.
Right behind the water pump, thus filling the oil with coolant.

[mdawg4x4]

I just spent $1800 to have mine fixed, but I went ahead and had the water pump, idler pulley, belts, and plugs all changed, plus an oil leak fixed from behind the rear timing chain cover that was there when it was new that the dealers never could find.