You have a Nissan pathfinder 2000 se the dealer told you this car had timing chain when you bought it now they told you need to change the timing belt can someone tell you the truth?

Answer 1

It really doesn't matter. Older cars had timimg "chains", newer cars have timing "belts". Older people tend to call both "timing chains". They both do the same job, they are located in the same place, they both wear out and need to be changed. The only difference is that one is metal (chain) and one is rubber (belt). If they suggest to change your timing belt, DO IT. If it wears to the point of breaking, you are OUT OF LUCK! The vehicle will not move another inch and on occassion can cause some damage. The idea is to us preventitive medicine and not wait until it breaks. Anytime after 60,000 or 80,000 miles it's good to change it. Listen to your mechanic and don't wait!!! GOOD LUCK!

AnswerThey are same? Really? So I was cheated by one of them. The dealer told me the timing chain would last 300,000 miles and it is common sense that timing belt needs to be changed on 100,000 miles, as you said as well. There is BIG difference. If that dealer was right, the car may break into parts before I need to change the timing chain. Now, the mechanics gave me an estimate of $995 to change Tbelt and water pump - nothing wrong yet, just for services. I don't believe it. I either bought a very bad car or I dealt with a very mean dealer/mechanics - whatever.

I'll chime in: Shop around. My shop priced me up a timing belt change, with water pump replacement, and belt tensioner type thingy for ~600$ (2000 Pathfinder SE 4x4). This is in Oregon, with a pretty pricey hourly shop rate.