2007 Nissan Frontier Timing Chain Replacement - 4.0L

This video shows how I replace a timing chain on a 2007 Nissan Frontier with 200K miles. The engine had a whining sound at high idle. I decided to replace components before it breaks and damages the engine.
Video Contents
-Removal of covers and fan to access front of engine
-Removal of PS, Alternator, and A/C pump
-Timing Cover Removal
-Replacement of timing chains and guides; Water pump also.

[@joyroc885]

Also I noted you forgot to pull the idler pulley when trying to pry off the cover. The next frame you had it off and cover broke lose. That pulley bolt holds the cover on so make sure you remove that if your reading this.

[@hectordeleon7859]

Followed steps to a tee. Thanks for the how to video, I’m half way through the job now. Must have watched this vid about 100 times

[@raulvasquez3368]

Thank you very much. Way over my head for getting it done. Great watching for when I take to dealership

[@muhammad8970]

Nice job👍🏿👍🏿..that's a 10.5 hr job with the right tools

[@TheScantraaxx]

Actually it calls for 7 hours on alldata 👍

[@jdantigua1999]

Doing it correctly with the level of cleaning is probably 11 hours. Always do it right the first time. Purchase ALL the parts and even extra bolts and orings. What you do not use can be returned.

[@ndspeedster]

@@jdantigua1999 and thats if you have done one before... first time will take you about 15hrs maybe.

[@louisharrigan293]

Good teaching video, thank you very much for doing this. I have to do the same on my 2006 Pathfinder and I will study your video and take notes all the way. It is a monumental task and I commend you for this service.

[@jerrywasaracecardrvr]

FYI If youre having trouble with the crank pulley bolt, there's a socket thats super thick(made for Honda crank bolts) and using my same impact and air compressor it took the bolt right off. Worth looking into

[@todrwilliams2871]

I have that socket my bolt will not move?

[@nickschmitz7044]

Freaking GREAT DAMN video man. I really really REALLY appreciate you taking your time to make it and make it very very well!!!

[@bda2696]

He kicked its ass!

[@jdantigua1999]

The best video that I have watched. You are detailed and if i lived near you I would offer you lots of money to do mine. The pure fact that you changed simple orings including the front main seal and variable valve orings tells me that anything you own I would purchase. Doing it correctly with the level of cleaning is probably 11 hours. Always do it right the first time as you have shown us. Purchase ALL the parts and even extra bolts and orings ahead of the work. Parts that are not used can be returned.

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

I think there is another block drain on the front of engine near and below water pump. The one u showed is the one I used and I had the same issue. Anyone doing this should drain oil and maybe even do an oil change shortly after u run it. I drained my oil and left drain plug out the entire time I had it apart. I used a lot of brake cleaner during the process and once I had everything ready to install new components, I used Marvel mystery oil and flushed out any contamination from the lower portion of the timing component area and let it all drain out through the oil pan, also pouring a nuce nice amount to flush out the oil pan. It worked excellent and all was nuce n clean n all water/coolant was flushed out. I refilled with fresh oil and once I ran it for 50-100 miles I did a complete oil change.

[@RideWNC]

Just completed this job. Twelve hours start to finish. Could have been faster, but when my garage door is open, people kept stopping to talk. Only broke off two screws.

[@mannyactual]

Thanks for giving detailed info. I will be tackling this job soon and this video is great to refer to

[@javierc-oe2pc]

how much would you charge

[@Bigislandguy]

You’re the first person to have it truly on TDC. what’s the correct way there’s the market that usual and there’s a mark on the timing cover inspection window around the 2 o’clock position.

[@stanleyhasting6047]

I notice that pully there and then gone as well with no reference to it. Still good work a lot of work.Thanks for the knowledge.I have to do this and I'm not happy.😳 $3.200.00 at the dealership to have done alone with a water pump.

[@slothypunk]

well if you have to do it then you have to do it or have someone do it for you, or buy a new one! My slow behind gets this done in about 25 hours on the weekend

[@MattySlimz]

Omg looks like a nightmare..

[@mjsmokin6883]

right it's like after you are physically exhausted, you must then use your mind intensely to not put everything back together wrong and make matters even worse, then do all the leg work to get to the fix, and not changing the oil gallery gaskets, so shits even more aggravating. I'd need no less than two days to do this properly, twelve hours each day, taking my time not to flub shit up

[@bda2696]

I'm pretty good w taking shit apart and being able to put it back correctly. I've also done many car repairs even pulled and swapped a motor once but this looks overwhelming

[@steviewhite479]

Doing this job at work rn can confirm this is a nightmare

[@JR_3251_]

​@@steviewhite479 do you have a before video of the noises it was making

[@CarlosRamirez-fs5ul]

@@steviewhite479y dad passed away as he was putting it back together, he only got to put the variable cam sprockets on so I gotta rearm the rest of the engine off of just this video lolll

[@traceykays433]

Omg what a big big job this is. DAMN IT!!!

[@petereastwood7868]

I am just doing this job atm, and this video helped me in many points. But … the Nissan tool J-48761 ‘VQ40 Ring Gear Stop’ makes breaking the crankshaft pulley bolt and the camshaft pulley bolts a hell of a lot easier than backing it up with pipe-wrench/strap-wrench etc. Also it keeps your engine at TDC while you’re doing the job. Yeah, the tool is about $120 and it doesn’t look like it should be worth that much, but … you’re spending about $500 or more on parts anyway, and you can resell the tool when you’re done with it if you think you’ll never use it again (I think I’ll hang on to mine, just in case).

[@todrwilliams2871]

Have tool I have used impact breaker bar 3ft cheater and the bolt wins

[@mikejohnston7592]

just placed this $140 tool in the spot at flywheel trap door opening. Fit perfect and used breaker bar without any big struggles.

[@richardbath312]

One of the best guides I’ve ever seen keep up the good work brother enjoy watching your no how videos I have been screwed over by so many mechanics I don’t trust no one to do any of my work anymore I would say 90% of mechanics are crooks any more even dealer ships I just was screwed by a Nissan dealer ship I’m done with ever letting another mechanic work on my truck or car thank you for your videos

[@twosnjuk]

Great video .... Thank you. Less intimidating to work on my pathfinder now. I was halfway there --- you got me going with the rest.

[@brosolution]

Every step is spot on best video to get this job done help alot new subs!

[@ndspeedster]

you remove a lot more than you have to.. no need to remove the ps pulley.. you can access that bolt through one of the big holes on the pulley.. .then the small bolt on top.. thats it.. but getting that special nut on the back of the main bolt is a challenge.. you didn't mention that it has a nut on the back. also when you put on the timing cover, that long bolt that goes on the pass. side of the oil pan to the timing cover sticks up about 3 threads making the cover hard to put on.. if you jack up the engine only a couple of inches, that bolt drops lower into the oil pan hole and you can put the cover on straight and easy.. no fighting it at all.

[@SuperMJEK]

I know of the bolt of which you speak, and appreciate that tip.

[@1968ddr]

Change your transmission fluid, this will stop the whining. If you shut the hood and get down on the ground near the tranny you'll hear the noise is actually coming from it.

[@dquam3885]

Engine is awefully clean for 200K! Seems like it would be easier and safer to pull the radiator. Perhaps replace it while you are at it. No point risking the Strawberry Milkshake of Death!

[@williamcreech1505]

I hope all of the new components are new and improved

[@shadowtruck5991]

Wow well done..replace oil pump too while torn apart.

[@twosnjuk]

Loved the idea of the pipe wrench ...

[@jaytowedit93]

Personally, I shoved a 10mm Allen wrench through the hole in the balancer, a lip on the timing cover, broke right free, half in Rachet and a 2’ cheater pipe.

[@ClayLivings]

19mm weighted socket on the crank bolt gets it right off. Then pry balancer off with a screwdriver on each side.

[@jcdurrett3459]

I bought every one of those parts Quality Parts off Amazon cost me $350 hell with Nissan

[@_N_B_0496]

Wow, that’s very detailed! Thanks!

[@bayhi1fatz]

All that plus the head gaskets. I’m in for a treat 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@abdulmalikonimisi3174]

I like it. Is nice one bro ,am having the same work right now this week

[@DrMechanico]

Using a weighted socket you can remove those pulley bolts as fast like removing a valve cover bolt

[@K_spawn]

You can also lean the breaker bar on the ground while holding the center bolt of the crankshaft and then crank the engine this will spin the engine while retaining the crankshaft pulley bolt and we'll crack it loose

[@flxshhhy3998]

Might try this

[@GodWasAnAlien]

Best video by far. "Harmonical balancer" made me chuckle. Is there any way to check cam timing with just the cam covers off? Seems like the only marks are behind the main cover but I cant tell.

[@motogp9253]

Lots of great tips, thanks!

Awesome video. Thanks.

[@alexandermendez3805]

Best video here for frontier Tankyou

[@robertlesaca4776]

Engines during the Datsun days were better built with no plastics and much easier to maintain.

[@herbpyle712]

I hope my chains never go bad!

[@slothypunk]

all chains will go bad eventually, if you are on 200k miles and over, you are on borrowed times depending on how you drive your vehicle. Granted some will do ok until 500k, but eventually you will have to change it if you want to keep driving it

[@jmann6003]

Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Great Informative Video. 👍😎👍

[@sevie420]

I would like to point out he doesn't say to pull the idler pulley and he started prying on the cover with that attached skips over to the pulley out of it at

[@joyroc885]

Be good idea to replace the oil galley gaskets while your in there since they are known to go bad and cause low oil pressure at idle.

[@andrewmendez4437]

Can you post the part numbers for the Secondary timing chain holder and VVT o-rings?

[@danaarcher3325]

thanks a lot .will be doing my 06 xterra

[@brianwilliams2087]

You’re killing me with the screws😂🤣😂🤣 Bolts not screws.

[@ndspeedster]

he's from the south...

[@SamAuto78]

Thanks again

[@ssnider7967]

I am getting ready to do this to my 2006 frontier nismo. one question about disassemble of the front cover. what is the need to take the cam shaft covers off? will the front cover come off without taking the cam shaft covers off? 16.05 Great video!!!! thanks

[@johnappleseed3583]

most people don't take the valve covers off but you need to if you're replacing the secondary tensioners (not just the plastic shoes) as well as the front cam bracket.

[@rollyhernandez9239]

What is the correct pressure piston number 1. To take off timing chain

[@traceykays433]

Same exact truck here. How did it go? Anything I should know?

[@CarlKahler]

Thank you for this video.

[@tomfoster8907]

Excellent Video!

[@computerwizard98]

can you remember to put all those parts back together or have parts left over after assembely is done

[@v.n.7495]

Hello. is it easy to replace the main timing chain tensioner without removing the whole thing? or do you need to do anything special?

[@tonyzuck9724]

what do i do if the right side cam gears in the right position and the left side is not.

[@carlosolmedo2529]

Losen the tensioner

[@rajorab5055]

This looks like a monster of a job. How long did it take you?

[@ndspeedster]

its 10hrs or 11 in the book for time...first time will take you a lot longer. getting it timed right is the most crucial part.

[@derrickcolgan6097]

Big job there. Good job.

[@TimothyHigdonHiggs]

Wow! Amazing job.

[@panamdragonboat]

At 13:57 this is not the top dead center indicator mark according to the Nissan factory service manual. They use a mark over at about 1:00 o'clock on the water pump cover. The Chilton manual has a really bad picture and is ambiguous about which mark to use and where it is located. The other manuals including online downloads show the TDC timing mark on the water pump cover. Obviously this is an important issue and potential fatal error so could you please check it out and confirm my suspicions?

[@madscientistdan]

I'm literally about to do this exact job myself on my Xterra with the same motor Friday over the long weekend. So I found this on the Xterra forum: www.thenewx.org/threads/trying-to-verify-tdc-on-gen2.101105/page-2 it looks like the mark is on the idler pulley bracket.

[@panamdragonboat]

@@madscientistdan Well, I'm about to re-do my recently purchased 05 Pathfinder LE 220k miles (I also own an 07 Xterra 225k miles) because the engine, which started right up, has a definite shudder at idle after the first attempt. I am still investigating but I think my issue is using the 11 o'clock TDC mark on the fan bracket suggested in this video but then using the FSM markings shown in another video to install the secondary chain sprockets. Since the FSM uses the water cover pump mark at about 1 o'clock, the installation of the cam sprockets would be a few teeth off in the clockwise direction. I'm doing some investigating today and will post any updates here. I think the most important point is to be consistent in how you install the chains and sprockets based on which TDC mark you use. The FSM may be using the water pump cover mark simply because it is a location that is stable for the cam sprockets. i.e. - the cams won't jump on you. Also, I submitted and purchased the flywheel locking tool. Someone should definitely put together a nice special tool kit for this job and share it with the 4.0 community. Maybe someone already has.

[@madscientistdan]

Thanks! I wonder if using the TDC indicator mark in the FSM and permanent marker on sprockets and some other stable location for marks is fine? I also bought the flywheel tool to keep things locked and will use the chains in place when loosening and torquing the cam sprockets.

[@madscientistdan]

Also I thought I read someone had reported it doesn’t feel like it’s at TDC when removing the spark plug and checking compression if using the FSM mark which may hint that TDC is at the bracket indicator as shown in this video.

[@promero9292]

I'm preparing to do my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder 4.0 VQ40DE. Tensioners are worn. Can you please tell me what Manual will tell me the proper timing mark locations before removing all the components. I hear so many arguments on where they should be. Greatly appreciate your help / input. Pablo

[@nickschmitz7044]

Soooooooooo according to this video I can do this ENTIRE job in 49 minutes LOLOLOLOL LOLOLOLOL JK

[@bda2696]

Hahahahaha! Dude ,u can do it!!

[@terrancegrant1664]

Great video.

[@user-jd2dp1nq2o]

Can you tell me what to do l have esule. The car doing overheating and missing with water meet the spackling plug quilling have replaced the gasket and reviews to pring specking light. So please can you enlight me what to do.???🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Aw3someOpZ]

did you just do this from the top, no lifting the truck? Mines starting to act up and been recovering from surgery. I got nothing better to do right now, so this would be swell if i can just do it from the top without dropping to the ground.

[@dominicwhite6529]

Thank you

[@Ilikecoolmovies]

Did you say what manual you used? If so what was it?

[@ELEVOPR]

Me going to dealer- How much to replace my timing chain? Dealer/Stealer- You would probably be better off jumping into a brand new 2021 and I could probably end up saving your $5,800 Me- 🥵😡🤬

[@inoahmann7542]

Run it until it snaps and then drop in a new engine. The v6 isn't too expensive. The 2.5 is 4k though. I'm working on rebuilding a 2.5 currently.

[@ELEVOPR]

@@inoahmann7542 Good Idea. Could buy a low mileage engine from a junked vehicle and call it a day.

[@ronbartosh6173]

Hello where did you find the torque specs for the timing cover?

[@vanhoang3850]

Very good job 👍 tk

[@sattarcagnot6838]

شكرا

[@thomasjones613]

how many miles were on the truck?

[@Equalizer-ZA]

Hello .....how about Oil light staying on ......is that oil pump problem 😢

[@ndspeedster]

why did you pull the upper plenum?? no need.. just pull the throttle body. and why did you pull those cam gear covers off the timing cover? just to replace the o rings?

[@williamcreech1505]

I like belts better after watching this

[@QSSCEO]

might of replaced oil galley gaskets to avoid the known low oil pressure issue

[@angelglugo-rodriguez3550]

I took out the tensioner without timing the chain 🥲

[@602BA]

I’m a newbie is it hard to reset the tensioner?

[@crashk1955]

Thanks man

[@dquam3885]

Please tell me the 25 timing chain screws are all interchangable!!! Do the small timing gear covers reall nead to come off?

[@slothypunk]

I just marked mine and put it back in the same way once I am done changing the timing chain, IDK how alldata said it should be done in 7 hours, I started on Friday afternoon and finished it on Sunday early evening, more like 20-30 hours job for me!

[@ndspeedster]

WHEN IN INSTALLED THE CHAIN AND EVEREYTHING WAS LINED UP RIGHT, I HAVE ALL THE SLACK AT THE TOP....IF I MOVE EVERYTHING LEFT A BIT TO GET THE SLACK ON THE TENSIONER SIDE, THE PASS. SIDE CAM IS OFF ONE TOOTH ONCE EVERYTHING IS IN PLACE. WTF

[@Mike-ff6ow]

Can this job be done without removing the intake?

[@pathutson5227]

Did you replace the secondary tensioners? If so, did you have to remove the intake and valve covers? If you show this, sorry, currently watching while doing this and have yet to see this part.

[@norihashimoto4505]

can you tell me the part number for the secondary timing tensioner shoes?

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Damn i just thought changing the timing belt on the gen 1 3.3 motor was a pain i see nissan made it even harder on the 4.0 motor good lord !!! Thats some BS

[@ComedianJoelCooper]

You skipped right over a very important part and not sure why? But you couldn't get the timing cover off and you are talking about prying it off. I could tell you were having trouble getting the cover off because it was hung up in the middle like you missed a bolt. Then screen switches to you pulling it off like there wasn't a problem but suddenly the only pulley you still had on the cover was GONE! WHAT? LOL YOU removed that pulley which was holding the timing cover on but you never said a word about it. Just went on like nothing. Now the problem i have with that is if you arw going to leave out important parts like that, which if anyone was following you as they worked On their engine? They would still be trying to figure out why they can't get the cover off and would probably damage the cover or internal parts. Not good. You have to include everything especially when you had to do it to remove the cover.

[@jondaniell5481]

You want your money back? Dude was generous enough to do this. Go read a book.

[@virgogo71]

The idler pulley bolt goes all the way into the block. That needed to be removed first. Look closely you’ll see it gone after the break in footage.

[@richardbath312]

Dude you probably one of the crooks that works on peoples shit and tell them it was there transmission and it was only a connector don’t get mad he is showing the tricks of the trade loser it’s a good video better than most I watch sorry your a shade tree mechanic if that’s all you could find wrong with his video then don’t understand why you even wasted your breath

[@JM-it2zo]

Always one asshole. Here he is. Make your own video and be sure not to skip that part

[@fluoridaman2332]

@@jondaniell5481 Yes I'd like a refund please

[@praksophannara8226]

good

[@JR_3251_]

Is it not possible to replace the chain and just not mess with the rotation of the engine? This keeping it in time. Basically just slip on the new chain

[@fluoridaman2332]

Its way easier to line up all the marks before removal.

[@mm88swrt]

I just hit everything with and impact they pop right off and don't move either

[@nissantwinturboz]

Hi. What’s the torque specs for the crank pulley? Did you have to remove the cam covers?

[@rentobarua9607]

wow Very nice 👌🚗🙏💖

[@thebrucechannel8061]

Thinking about buying a used Frontier with about 143k miles on it. How can you tell if the timing chain needs replacement? I know if it gets stretched out and starts flapping it could cause engine damage.

[@ndspeedster]

it doesn't stretch enough to start flapping... with the chain stays its impossible for that.. but the chain stays or secondary tensioner shoes might be broken causing noise... if you aren't sure if it has to be done, then do it for peace of mind. if that chain breaks, your engine is done.

[@inoahmann7542]

How long does the chain usually last? I'm changing the exhaust valves on a 2018 nissan frontier 2.5 with 280k miles and trying to decide if I should do the chain at the same time.

[@ndspeedster]

if you are doing all that work with an engine with that many miles, its not worth it.. just get a rebuilt engine.

[@kamryn7496]

You gotta do all this work just to change the water pump that’s crazy

[@MrGeo9974]

No you do not. There is a little cover over the water pump you can change it without taking the timing cover off.

[@MrGeo9974]

You didn't tell us about the pulley bolted threw the cover you have to take off. You skipped it started prying it was there then it was gone you shouda told people

[@mariosandoval6742]

Question i have to take out the oil?

[@slothypunk]

Technically you don't have to, if you don't mind getting doused with oil all over the place when you disassemble it!

[@StarkeyStarkeyStarkey]

📝 Never buy a nissan. Got it 🤓

[@youtubrrr]

these are actually some of the better motors

[@FuzzyGuzzy22]

Holy crap

[@sknight4817]

What's a harmonical balancer lol

[@602BA]

Can u find tdc after the cover off or must it be done before u remove the cover?

[@michaelstjohn6086]

passenger side is number 1, rotate til compression stroke, I put a wooden dowel rod on top of piston

[@kumamakanui1514]

Plastic tensioners for metal chains… smdh

[@ELEVOPR]

Nissan couldn't make it any harder to change the timing chain 🤔

[@ndspeedster]

bought the o rings from the dealer.. the small rubber ones for the back timing cover are fucking 8.00 each.. smaller than a dime... the ones for the variable valve timing outer covers were 12.00 each... 43.00 for 4 o rings from the dealer.. fuck me

[@dominicwhite6529]

How did you get that long bolt for the oil pan

[@dominicwhite6529]

Emergency I need to know to get back to work

[@slothypunk]

@@dominicwhite6529 are you still working on your emergency? I think I know how to... do you still want to know?

[@sahedripon3249]

🇧🇩👍🛠️🔌🔧🚗 nice