Fred Sanford

My '91 Pathfinder w/ 109,000 Miles is due for a Timing Belt at 120,000 Miles.
I'm getting kind of itchy about it because I bought my pathy at 93,000 miles and don't really know when it was last changed. I am assuming that the previous owner had it changed at 60,000 miles. I also don't feel like doing the work.

I guess I'm asking what's a fair price to pay to have the Timing Belt and Tensioner changed and the water pump replaced? I got a quote from my local Nissan Dealer for $650.00

Is there anything else that should be done then too?

NPath

I recall from somewhere that the cam seals should also be replaced along with the thermostat. There's a few more items that I can't think of right now, but if someone can list them...

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NPath

95 Pathfinder SE
06 Pathfinder SE

colinnwn

My shop said $300 for timing belt and $200 for waterpump. I asked about thermostat and cam seals, but he said he would inspect them and advise if replacement needed, but he didn't recommend just doing it. He said he has never had one come back where he regretted this policy.

bc66762

So when doing the water pump, its ok not to do the timing belt? Or should you do the water pump, timing belt, and what is the tensioner? (and seals)

colinnwn

The timing belt is the key here. If your timing belt breaks, you will be buying a new engine. Timing belt kits generally come with the tensioner (which keeps the correct tension on the timing belt.) The tensioner should be replaced to ensure your timing belt survives to its next scheduled change. Most mechanics recommend changing the water pump at the same time, since a weeping water pump can damage the belt without you knowing.

The water pump should only need replacing outside of the regular timing belt change if it is leaking. If it is, your mechanic should inspect the timing belt carefully for damage. Contamination with antifreeze could cause the belt to break before its next scheduled change. If the timing belt is fine and has a lot of life left, then you don't necessarily need to change it.

My mechanic says he would inspect the thermostat and cam seals and advise if replacement is warranted, but he doesn't recommend replacing them as a matter of course.

One final word of caution is many mechanics will suggest you do everything to "save on labor" since all the stuff is in the same area. Some of those same mechanics will then bill you for the individual services standard time, meaning you are paying for the labor 2 or 3 times.