I’m a long-time, still-very-satisfied owner of a 2001 Nissan Xterra SE 4x4 SUV that’s served me extremely well as a second vehicle for the 20-plus years and 165,000 miles (265,000 kilometres) since I bought it slightly used in 2003.
Other than regular maintenance, I’ve been fortunate in not having to spend much on it over the years and it’s not yet – finger’s crossed – required any major repairs or parts replacement.
However, according to my owner’s manual, I’m due to get the timing belt replaced soon. My local dealer just quoted me a price of “anywhere between $2,000 to $3,500,” which seems expensive for a repair that is mostly labour plus a $100 rubber belt – all for a truck that may have a market value of, perhaps, a few thousand dollars more than that.
That said, I’ve read many horror stories over the years about older vehicles’ engines “blowing up” when their timing belts failed, instantly rendering the engine into a big piece of scrap iron. Because of these stories, I don’t want to take the chance much longer even though there haven’t been any issues (so far) and the engine purrs smoothly without any noticeable noise or strain.
Is there any check I could first perform or testing I could have done to see if my timing belt is really that badly worn and/or really requires immediate replacement before I must shell out thousands of dollars on what is an old but still well-functioning SUV?
Thanks for your ongoing great advice.
– Don G., Victoria
A 2001 Nissan Xterra has a timing belt that requires periodic replacement. Nissan suggests every five to seven years or 144,000 kilometres. Given the age of the vehicle and the kilometres on it now, you are on borrowed time and have been for quite some time. I’m amazed that you have not had a failure thus far.
The timing belt is a toothed rubber/polyurethane belt hidden under the front engine covers that synchronizes the camshafts and crankshaft, with the ultimate job of facilitating the opening and closing of engine valves.
If this belt fails, then engine internal timing will go out of sync. An out of sync state on your vehicle will spell disaster. This is because your engine is considered an interference engine. This style of engine will see internal engine parts collide when timing goes out of sync and yes, your vehicle will undoubtedly be headed to the scarp yard at that point. So there is no confusion you need to get it replaced immediately.
As for the cost, the dealer is totally out to lunch providing you an estimate of $2,000 - $3,500. This is a classic move made by a service facility when they simply don’t want to service your vehicle. They price it way over market value in the hopes that you will go somewhere else which is exactly what you should do. The quote you receive from another facility should include at the least the timing belt, waterpump, coolant, tensioners and serpentine belt. I can’t imagine this service being more than $1,500 with all the little bits and pieces.
Lou Trottier is owner-operator of All About Imports in Mississauga. Have a question about maintenance and repair? E-mail globedrive@globeandmail.com, placing “Lou’s Garage” in the subject line.
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