The Nissan Path

Just had my timing chain done. What a hit to the wallet! I called around to maybe 10 places in my area and got the lowest price at a DEALER of all places, lol. There is definitely a deficiency in the OEM equipment originally installed. I was getting a very prominent whiny noise from the top right of the block looking at it. Now where is Nissan with that recall for their negligence! I'm glad I got it done when I did, that post was rubbing nothing but chain.

It'll be recalled right after the radiator recall...but don't hold your breath in the meantime!

What year is your Pathfinder and how many miles did you get before chain replacement?

I currently have about 77000 miles on the ole pathy. I noticed the noise probably in 2011/2012 with about 60000+ miles. I am not sure if an issue like that would make a difference but the pathy feels like a whole new beast now! or maybe it's that I have more confidence in actually sticking the pedal to the floor now! I got the work done at Don Williamson Nissan in Jacksonville, NC total cost was $1492. Most other places were at least $2k.

When I got my 06 LE four years ago with 84,000 mi. on it, it appeared that the chains had been replaced as the front timing cover was resealed with Nissan red RTV silicone and I know the previous owner had the extended warranty. The must have overtightened the primary tensioner bolt, though, because at around 97,000 mi., one of the primary tensioner bolts broke and caused the guide to drop all the way back to the case, creating a loud knocking noise as the primary timing chain slapped against the fixed guides. Fortunately, the chain did not jump timing! When I took it apart and saw what was going on, I went ahead and replaced the upper chains and tensioner faces, anyway, along with a new primary tensioner, primary chain and the top chain guide. I made sure I torqued-to-spec all of the tensioner and guide bolts!
My 08 SE's was screaming at 145,000 miles! Upper chains were riding against the top of the tensioner plunger and the tensioner faces disintegrated when I removed them! Surprisingly, there was no damage to the upper tensioner plungers. I replaced all guides, three chains, upper tensioner faces, thermostat, primary tensioner and water pump, along with a new serpentine belt. I figured at that mileage, I mind as well go for it and hopefully prevent some future headaches.

valenburg wrote:I called around to maybe 10 places in my area and got the lowest price at a DEALER of all places, lol.

I've found the same thing! The independents just want to do oil changes. When I needed a tranny valve body and a set of timing chains (different cars), the independents either flat-out told me they didn't want to do it or quoted an insane price.

Is there a way to post short videos? I believe mine is making the same described noise, especially noticeable at idle in the morning before work. Took a short video just in case..

There are videos of the noise on YouTube.

Il be adding this to the list... Mine is starting to make the noise at 55k on the dash...

Aw Jesus..... 1500 bucks?

Pretty sure mine needs to be done. Started ticking pretty bad a while ago... I've been severely procrastinating because I really don't want to spend much more money on this vehicle.

I should really just trade the thing in ASAP but I can't afford to take on a car payment right now.

They usually make a whining noise, like a bad power steering pump, when they are in need of replacement, not a ticking noise.

smj999smj wrote:They usually make a whining noise, like a bad power steering pump, when they are in need of replacement, not a ticking noise.

Mine sounds like a bad bearing/ whine/ grainy almost but doesn't do it 100% of the time... In this spring weather it hardly ever does it... Scratching my head over that

Has there been a factory upgrade of the parts starting in a certain year? Mine is 2010, 85K, haven't had the problem [yet], wonder if I need to plan ahead.

Hello.

any chance you have a low oil pressure? or just noise?

Mine it's a 2005 I don't have the dummy gauge but the mechanic just put a analog gauge and it's below of 4lbs at idle (the oil light goes on) so decided to find the lack of pressure

there's no sing of wear at the oil pump, or any sign of wear at camshaft, also the "Y" shape seal seems good, the chain guides are worn but no noise so far (91,000 mi) all O ring seems fine too, the oil pump screen was clean....

I'm really out of ideas

What brand oil filter?