[nicetruck]

when do i change out the timing chain my 06 frontier with a 4 liter has 99075 miles on it and i bought it second hand so the service history is unknown it runs smooth and quiet but in the back of my mind i am worried and it isn't a cheap job to do.:serious:

 

[explorerman]

Almost 280,000 miles on my '05 and still on the original timing chain if that helps you.

 

[nicetruck]

thanks that helps but i will start saving the money to do the job.

 

[HippiLettuce]

I've always been told a timing chain generally would outlive the vehicle. But I can't confirm due to having a belt and not being a nissan tech

 

[Abmobil]

thanks that helps but i will start saving the money to do the job.

Always good to keep money on the side for the unexpected, but absolutely no reason to change the chain unless it starts making noise. The chains are supposed to be maintenance free. Nissan used to state this on their website. Unfortunately many of the earlier 2nd gen Frontiers had defective components installed from the factory so that is why more than a few 2nd gen owners had to change theirs. Chances are you will never need to touch it.

If you have some of the defective components, the chain, and it's components will make noise, and give you plenty of warning.

 

[OJMX]

I´m with Abmobil ... had 220K on mine when I refurbished the entire engine top to bottom. One of the two secondary chain tensioners was almost gone (chain running on metal). Engine runs like in the old days, love my ´06 4L. To me a very reliable engine! By the time your timing chain is due you´ll be warned by a whining noise coming from the front of the engine.
But most important: Never change a running system!

 

[AndysLog]

im at 167k and mine need done pretty damn bad, its well past the whining stage lol.
but i seriously wouldnt worry at all if its not making noise, like others have said.

 

[glamisdude]

Just listen for the supercharger whine. As said, once it starts to make noise, its time to change it. For me this occurred at 54k miles as I had one of the poorly made chains.

 

[frontiermane03]

Does the 2013 frontier 6 cylinder 4 Litre have a belt or chain?

 

[Nissan4Life]

Does the 2013 frontier 6 cylinder 4 Litre have a belt or chain?

Chain.

The whinning issue was with the guides or the chain wearing through the guides and not the chain itself.

 

[smj999smj]

Does the 2013 frontier 6 cylinder 4 Litre have a belt or chain?

Nissan VQ-V6's have three timing chains, one primary that connects the crank to the cams and two secondary chains, each connects a respective bank's camshafts.

 

[smj999smj]

Chain.

The whinning issue was with the guides or the chain wearing through the guides and not the chain itself.

Well, yes and no. Borg-Warner, who makes the timing chains for the VQ engines made in the US, had some issues with the chain link stampings on the secondary chains as the dies started to wear. The links would get a sharp edge because of the worn die and this would lead to the secondary chain cutting through the plastic tensioner face. The amount of wear on the dies varied depending on how many stampings they made, so some links had sharper edges than those made on dies with less stampings made on them. This is why some timing chains have worn through the tensioner faces in under 50,000 miles and some don't wear through at all or well over 100,000 miles...and everywhere in between. This issue occurs on some VQ40DE engines produced in the US for the 2005-2010 model years. Once the new chains are installed, it should no longer be an issue for the vehicle.

 

[frontiermane03]

Would you guys recommend lubing it? Is there any ways to help maintain the chains and extend their use?

 

[EricM]

Would you guys recommend lubing it? Is there any ways to help maintain the chains and extend their use?

The Timing system is lubed via the engine's oiling system coming out of the oil pan. There is no need to lube it "externally". In order to keep it properly maintained just change out your oil and filter with the correct oil and filter regularly and that's just about all you need to do.

 

[frontiermane03]

The Timing system is lubed via the engine's oiling system coming out of the oil pan. There is no need to lube it "externally". In order to keep it properly maintained just change out your oil and filter with the correct oil and filter regularly and that's just about all you need to do.

glad you replied that. thanks

 

[frontiermane03]

Can the chain be lubricated to extend its use? Has anyone done this to their timing chain or heard of it being suggested?

 

[FrontierTCB]

Can the chain be lubricated to extend its use? Has anyone done this to their timing chain or heard of it being suggested?

See post #14

 

[frontiermane03]

Thanks again