Help Changing Timing Belt on QX4

[AlabamaDan]

Hey guys I need some help. I'm trying do decide if I can change the timing belt on my 1998 QX4. I'm intimidated. I've never changed a timing belt, or really gotten that far into an engine before. I've done lots of bolt on bolt off stuff, i.e. brakes, struts, shocks, alternators, plugs, oil, etc.

Let's see what else is important? I'm a pretty smart guy, but I'm not a mechanic by trade. I sit behind the desk at a bank most of the time. I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and actually enjoy it.

I don't have a FSM for the QX4 yet, but I'll get one. I do have one for a 1996 Pathy and in reading it things seem ok. I'm a little concerned about rotating things to the right place and setting everything just so and this and that...so one and so one.

[GTSTWINCAM]

i have a 99 QX4 and Im planning to change my timing belt myself also. I already bought all of the Nissan Parts (belts, water pump, etc).

Im kinda afraid to start something I cant finish

[goody90q45]

.....I don't have a FSM for the QX4 yet, but I'll get one. I do have one for a 1996 Pathy and in reading it things seem ok.

Here's the FSM. No excuses now.

http://phatg20.net/modules.php...id=63

I'm in the same boat as you. Never done a timing chain, hope I never have to. I'm pretty good with the righty tighty, lefty loosey stuff though. Hopefully the FSM has good instructions. Good luck.

[AlabamaDan]

Thanks! Those files are type .rar and I'm unfamiliar with that. What do you need to open and read them?

[goody90q45]

It's a zipped file. I believe the program Winrar should uncompress it. You should be able to download it for free.

Email me. I've got a power antenna if you haven't found one yet.

[AlabamaDan]

Thanks so much! I've been a printing fool for the past few hours. I believe this FSM is longer than than the Q45. Got something to read this weekend.

[AlabamaDan]

OK. I'm gonna do it. I found a friend who's gonna come hold my hand. I'm going to replace the timing belt, cam seals, front main seal, water pump, drive belts, thermostat, spark plugs, tensioner, tensioner spring, upper radiator hose, and lower radiator hose.

I've been reading about two other hoses that I should change, but the dealer didn't know what I was talking about. Anyone know the specific name of those parts or better yet - part numbers?

Also, somewhere I read about replacing some little key thing or something. They said it's a 50 cent part goes behind a gear to keep it spaced out or something. Again, dealer didn't know what I was talking about. Do y'all?

Do y'all think I should replace the idler pullies for the drive belts while I'm doing all this?

Thanks for the inspiration and help so far.

[AlabamaDan]

I think they're called woodruff keys...maybe?

[Q451990]

I apologize in advance for my bad netiquette in posting links to other forums...

http://www.4x4parts.com/ubbthr...&vc=1

Older engine but some good pics...http://www.sadik.net/nissan/howto/tbelt.htm

Picture of a woodruff keyhttp://www.scomo.net/product_i.../2865

Definition of a woodruff keyhttp://www.factmonster.com/ipd/A0741043.html

Good luck!

Heath

[AlabamaDan]

Thanks!