The Nissan Path

I just bought a used 2012 PF with 7,400 miles and I was wondering did Nissan ever make some V6 improvements to the timing chain system or do I have to look forward to the timing chain being replaced when I get up there in millage?

From what I understand, that problem was only on '05/'06 (i think). I'm over 110k on my '08 and no issues.

skinny2 wrote:From what I understand, that problem was only on '05/'06 (i think). I'm over 110k on my '08 and no issues.

What's the recommended mileage/years in replacing the timing chain?

It should theoretically last the life of the vehicle. I have a 95 Maxima with a VQ30 and 247k on the clock and have not done any TC work of any sort.

I also have an 03 Maxima with the VQ35 and it has 147k and I don't plan on doing any TC work on it either.

approaching 200K miles on my 05 and no issues

can anyone venture a guess as to why some fail and some don't?
chains are usually made by the mile, and gears are gears, so quality control does not seem to be the issue
apparently the design of the chain has been changed in order to eliminate the problem
but the question still remains: what causes some to fail while others do not?
low oil level, crap oil, excessively high rpm's, stomping on the gas, rabbit starts, WHAT?

eieio wrote:can anyone venture a guess as to why some fail and some don't?
chains are usually made by the mile, and gears are gears, so quality control does not seem to be the issue
apparently the design of the chain has been changed in order to eliminate the problem
but the question still remains: what causes some to fail while others do not?
low oil level, crap oil, excessively high rpm's, stomping on the gas, rabbit starts, WHAT?

Timing chain issues usually stem from a secondary failure such as a faulty guide or tensioner. VW and Toyota both had massive issues with this between '05 and '08 and both manufacturers suggest three factors are at play: frequency/quality of maintenance, use (driving style, terrain, etc.) and luck. While timing chains do stretch, they very rarely (almost never) break or stretch enough to cause problems on their own. The problem is usually a plastic guide breaking, a sprocket stripping or a tensioner not tensioning and allowing the chain to jump.

We bought a used Jetta with timing chain problems and I did a ton of research.

it's my understanding that the portion of the chain that rides on the surface of the tensioner/guide wears into the guide excessively, resulting in the guide wearing away and eventually, the chain sawing away at the tensioner itself
(mouthful, sorry )
that said, why some and not others?
and why the variance in mileages at the time of failure?
other than affecting (so far) the first couple of model years of production, what else is there in common?

For the Pathfinder, a poorly designed cam chain tensioner...

Friend of the wife has an "08" PF with 80k and she had to have chain replaced her PF was dealer serviced from day one. I would have figured by "08" it would have the updated chain and guides? In what year did the PF get the updates?

1. Maintenance history
2. Style of driving (includes terrain)
3. Luck

Probably more the last two than the first.

Issues like this is why I never buy the first three years of any make/model of car.

Per Nissan TSB # NTB09-128A, the problem occurs on 2005 through 2010 Pathfinders/Xterras/Frontiers with the VQ40DE. Mine had been done on my 06 Pathy and my friend's 08 SE is currently making the noise and I've replaced one on an 06 Frontier. From what I've heard, the teeth on the secondary (or upper) timing chains have sharp edges on the links that cut into the plastic tensioner "feet" of the upper chain tensioners. The "feet" are apparently made by Borg-Warner. The new secondary chains supposedly have been updated, but I couldn't see any noticeable difference when I compared the two. As to when and why some fail and others do not, is anybody's guess. Mine was replaced prior to me purchasing it with 84000 miles. The Frontier was making noise at around 105000 miles and I started noticing the noise on the 08 at around 118000 miles. I use synthetic on the 06 and 08 Pathys, but there's no way of telling what was used prior and if it makes any difference.

smj999smj wrote:Per Nissan TSB # NTB09-128A, the problem occurs on 2005 through 2010 Pathfinders/Xterras/Frontiers with the VQ40DE.

Thanks for that info. I didn't realize this problem was clear into 2010. I have a very quick buzz noise on cold start up, particularly if it's been sitting a day or two. I really noticed it this morning as the PF has been sitting at the airport for two days and when I hit the remote start while walking up, it made a quite obvious sound. Kind of like sticking something plastic into a chain for about a second.

I assume the noise gets worse or more constant as the problem gets worse? Beyond that initial quick sound, mine doesn't make any noises after that, even if immediately restarting. I'm just wondering how long I have before it really becomes a problem. I'm well over 110k miles at the moment.

Our 2008 S had about 63,000 miles on it when we had the secondary timing chain tensioner problem. I had changed the oil myself since 15,000 miles. We had to pull the valve covers to prove the engine was clean for the extended warranty to pay and it looked like new in there. No gunk whatsoever.

Apparently, it just randomly happens. I take pride in maintaining all my vehicles and in this case it didn't matter.