Do I need to change my timing belt?
We recommend you replace your timing belt every four years, or at around the 60,000 mile mark. However, you might have noticed some symptoms of a worn timing belt. If your belt is worn, it can slip and cause the engine cylinders to open or close out of sync.
What happens if your timing belt breaks on a Nissan Altima?
If it jumps a tooth, or breaks entirely it can lead to permanent engine damage. It’s important to know the symptoms of a bad timing belt or chain, so this doesn’t happen to your Nissan Altima. Timing belts are made out of rubber and nylon, unlike a timing chain which looks a lot like a bicycle chain.
Can a timing belt be used instead of a timing chain?
You’re much more likely to find a timing chain in cars and trucks than belts. Smaller cars, particularly Japanese made ones, can use timing belts instead of a timing chain. They are most commonly found on four cylinder engines. Here are some of the most common signs of a bad timing belt on the Nissan Altima:
Can a bad timing belt cause engine damage?
A bad timing belt or timing chain can be a serious issue. If it jumps a tooth, or breaks entirely it can lead to permanent engine damage. It’s important to know the symptoms of a bad timing belt or chain, so this doesn’t happen to your Nissan Altima.
What causes a Nissan Altima to not start?
Engine Won’t Start – If your Altima’s timing chain or belt has fallen off completely, broken, or has jumped a few teeth, it is entirely possible that the engine won’t even start. You might hear it slapping around as the engine cranks over.
Do Nissan Altimas have a timing belt or a timing chain?
The Nissan Altima does not use a timing belt, it uses a chain driven camshaft, timing chains have no set mileage and should last the life of the engine.
How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on?
“Now, more people know about it and what can happen when it breaks.” Replacing a timing belt for preventive reasons typically costs $500 to $900 . However, replacing a broken timing belt may cost up to $2,000 or more if it caused damage to the valves, pistons or water pump.
Do timing belts need replacing?
Although timing belts are critical, there’s no need to replace them regularly -unless explicitly recommended in your owner’s manual. Some automakers recommend changing a timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000, others don’t. Many of today’s timing belts can go 100,000 miles or more without needing to be replaced.
Is timing belt or chain replacement necessary?
A timing chain runs inside the engine, as it needs to be lubricated by the engine oil. A timing belt typically needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 miles depending on the vehicle. It’s a few hundred dollar repair. A timing chain doesn’t need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it.