Timing chain replacement interval

General discussion area for the L31-chassis Altima, including the 05-06 SE-R models.
ras_oscar
Posts: 177
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 10:09 am
Car: 2012 Nissan Rogue AWD

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I know the manual says the timing chain is permanent. I also know that the 2.5L is an interference engine, and that if the chain becomes stretched beyond the limits of trhe tensioner and ju mps, the engine is basically toast. So, at 200K (original owner) should I be looking fror any particular signs that the chain may need to be replaced? I've given the car to my 2 children and don't want to be in a position of needing to give them the use of my Rogue.


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t.mcginley.jr
Posts: 1547
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2012 5:50 am
Car: 2002 Nissan Altima SE 3.5
1990 Nissan 300ZX NA 2+0
1966 Ford Mustang
Location: New Jersey, USA

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All car manufacturers say the chain is good for "the life of the car", but I've found that ~200k is when you should start looking into replacing it. I can't say for certain that this is true of the 2.5L QR engine, but on my 99 Altima with the 2.4L KA engine the timing chain set was just about toast at 224k miles. If you go to Rockauto.com and search your year/make/model, select the 2.5L option and go to the engine section -> timing set, it looks like a whole new chain setup is $142.99 + shipping. Not sure how mechanically inclined you are but it shouldn't be overly complicated on the 2.5L

ras_oscar
Posts: 177
Joined: Wed Sep 26, 2012 10:09 am
Car: 2012 Nissan Rogue AWD

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What signs indicated to you that the chain was toast? Did you remove the cover and examine it directly or were there external indications?


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