How-to on Timing Belt replacement...has anyone done this?

[truckmen]

Hello all, and thank you for opening this message.

I am preparing to do a timing belt replacement on a '99 Pathfinder with 100k miles on it. Is there, or are there, any pitfalls, special requirements, etc, I should be aware of before attempting this labor-intensive job?

I have been doing mechanics on and off for 30+ years and do almost all of my own work on my 1966 Dodge Charger. It would be an understatement to say that automotive technology has improved greatly since the 60s and this is my only concern. Nevertheles, I want to have the bragging rights to say I did the belt replacement myself. I have the money so if there re special tools needed, so be it.

Please help with information if you can :-)

Ralph M Bohm

[Big-Bird]

The biggest thing to be aware of is the TDC position of the cam shafts and the crank.

Line up the cam shaft sprockets and crank to TDC before you remove the old belt because you don't want to try and move these into position later. (I have been told the 3.3 and 3.5L engines are both interference motors but I haven't tested that myself.)

A timing belt can be done in around 4-6 hours. You can either remove the rad to give yourself more room or leave it in if you can maneuver in the tight confines.

Many experienced Nissan mechanics suggest you change the water pump too since you have remove most the parts to change the Timing Belt anyway

Check your belts and hoses too but since you worked on old Mopar iron you already know that!

[truckmen]

Big-Bird!

Thank you very kindly for the response.

So, it sounds like a fairly straight-forward procedure. Do you know if there are any specialized tools required by Nissan or tools to use which would make the job go easier?

And, I picked right up on the water pump replacement. Of course, just like all of the American iron V-8s. Same thing, when we go that far into the engine, it was (actually IS) a common practice to R & R the water pump while we are "at it".

Cool, my fiancee was about to spend $800.00 by taking it to the Nissan dealer.

By the way, anyone here have the procedure as per the Nissan repair (shop) manual that I could take a peek at for this job?

Thnak you again for taking the time in reading and answering my questions.

[Big-Bird]

I have the whole R&R procedure for the Xterra which is identical to the Pathfinder.

And there are no special tools, except maybe a metric socket for the crank pully bolt ( I can't recall the size ).

But as I type this respsonse I am on my out to a Road Rally of which I perform recovery duty so I'll have to email it to you on Monday.

Yikes it's gettnig late! I better go!!!!!!!

[truckmen]

Thank you very kindly, Big Bird. I see that you are in Calgary. I used to haul Bananas up there from Donna, TX for you MacDonald's Distribution centre, (not to be confused with MacDonald's restaurants).

Have a great time at the rally. I will ask you mre about your rally when you get back. Perhaps, you all would have room for one more rookie? :-)

Ralph

[nissandoms47]

crank bolt is a 27mm.

[Big-Bird]

Big-Bird!

Thank you very kindly for the response.

So, it sounds like a fairly straight-forward procedure. Do you know if there are any specialized tools required by Nissan or tools to use which would make the job go easier?

And, I picked right up on the water pump replacement. Of course, just like all of the American iron V-8s. Same thing, when we go that far into the engine, it was (actually IS) a common practice to R & R the water pump while we are "at it".

Cool, my fiancee was about to spend $800.00 by taking it to the Nissan dealer.

By the way, anyone here have the procedure as per the Nissan repair (shop) manual that I could take a peek at for this job?

Thnak you again for taking the time in reading and answering my questions.

Email sent Your Yahoo address better be able to handle 2.5MB files because that's how big that section was. If you don't see it you will need to get me an email address that can handle larger files.