Changing the Timing Belt

[AM_2700]

Hello all!

I have purchased the Nissan Timing Belt Kit for my 2000 Nissan Xterra and I was going to attempt it witha buddy who has done them on Hondas and other vehicles.

Has anyone ever attempted this?

If so, can they share the info.

Thanks !!!

PS. the dealer charges way to much

[logixrat]

Never done the install, sorry I can't help. But I'm just curious, how much is your dealer charging? It was around $375 here, which was only slightly higher than a 3rd party shop. Also, how much for just the belt/parts?

As a side note, I found out the new 05's have timing chains. They indicate they do not required to be changed periodically as the belts. Obviously this doesn't apply to your 00 model, but thought I'd throw it out there anyhow.

[Hattrick]

about 250.00 for all the Parts. Belt, Tensioner, seals, waterpump, thermo, 3 crank belts, spring, gaskets. at x-terraparts. best price around for the package and its local to me. I picked up all of it 2 weeks ago and did it my self, in about 4 hours all up.

The belt alone is about 25-17$... smart money is on replacing it all when your there, no problems in the future.

and 2 FYI's
a. the only special tools you may need are a large strap wrench, gear puller, and a 27mm Socket

b. Mine had 171K and the belt looked fine for being 66k over the changeout. had a fit when I was told it had never been changed. ARRRGH!

[Speednis]

Do all 2000 xterras have timing belts, or just the 4 cylinder models? I haven't changed mine yet and it has 110,000 miles.

[OffroadX]

The 4-cylinder models have a chain, the V6 has a belt.

[FCDGMC]

I did the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, front oil seals, drive belts, etc. on my 2000 about a year ago. Hattrick is dead on, you want to do all this stuff while you're in there - all of the labor is in getting to it, kinda like doing the clutch any time you pull the transmission. Since you have to pull all of the spark plugs out when you do this procedure, you might as well replace them if they're at all worn. I will tell you though, getting to the number 6 plug hole (rear of engine - up against the firewall) was the second biggest pain in the ass of the whole procedure. Maybe Hattrick has some suggestions on that that will save you some frustration.

Price is about what I paid - maybe $260 for all the parts. I wish I could say it took me 4 hours - more like most of Memorial day weekend - but I had some struggles. I would say you'll want to allow yourself a full day. Dealers out here (CO) will charge you at least $600 to do it - I think the spec is 6-7 shop hours. I think that price includes all the stuff I did, but I'm not sure.

Hands down the hardest part to it was getting the crank pulley bolt off. Find the beefiest strap wrench you can to hold on to the crank pulley - the manual has a picture of one with a chain - I couldn't find one like that but something heavy duty that won't flex is ideal. Hattrick - any secrets here too? Other than that, following the manual was a pretty straight forward procedure.

I also found that having a compression gauge made finding TDC very easy, which is crucial to the operation.

Good luck!