[Gray2006nismo]

OK I bit the bullet and set up an appointment with my local mechanic to replace the radiator on my 2006 Frontier NISMO with 75,000 miles on it. I live in Massachusets, so I can't do the bypass. We have frigid winters here. I am the original owner and love the truck and have always done all the required maintenance to it myself. So the new rad will eliminate the possibility of a leaky trains cooler destroying my transmission. Now about the plastic guides/tensioner on the timing chain: if it starts to go, will it give me enough of a warning so it can be fixed without damaging anything? So far, no problems. The trans cooler issue was pretty much no warning.
Anyone have any experience with the timing chain issue?

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Gray2006nismo]

It's very rare for the chain to fail after you hear the noise. It will sound like a supercharger is under the hood, you can't miss the sound.
I do not remember but nissan had extended the warranty on that item by a lot. If you google it you may find that info.
We drove the Pathfinder for weeks while waiting for parts and an appointment, dealer didn't say to not use the truck.


Clint

Thank you Clint. It sounds like it will be noticeable if (and I hope it doesn't) the timing chain on my truck ever becomes an issue. And It will give me time to react. Fingers crossed that it will not happen. But I know now what to listen for.

Bob

 

[Gray2006nismo]

Did your rad fail (indications of SMOD), or are you doing it as precaution?

Yes I am doing it as a precaution. From everything I read, it is like a silent killer, once you detect the problem, it is probably too late. I would rather gamble away $600 and have a new rad and coolant installed than $6000 and have to replace the transmission. I even considered just trading the truck in. But the sales tax alone on a new truck would be greater than the cost of the new radiator.