Nissan Frontier 4 0 Timing Chain Repair Part 1

In this Episode of DIY Willy we are starting to change the Timing Chains and tensioners on the Nissan Frontier 4.0 V6. A viewer had commented that he could hear the timing chain tensioners whine. So I decided to go ahead and change the tensioners and chains. After getting everything apart I discovered that he was absolutely correct and the two secondary chain tensioners were DESTROYED.
Thank You for the heads up! Probably saved my engine from severe damage.
So follow along as we change the Timing Chains with all new Factory parts shown in the video.
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[@shadowtruck5991]

A job is not work when you are enjoying it and fruit of happiness is finish project completed by yours truly. It becomes a hobby ! Well done ! 15:50

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Shadow Truck, it was a lot of work but I did enjoy the work. I only have a couple hours a day to work so it took longer than I thought to finish but the truck is still running strong and driven every day. Thanks for watching!!

[@HotSneks]

Great video, my 2006 Pathfinder was just diagnosed with having defective tensioners. Very straight to the point and I'm glad you offered a view of what the problem is. Thanks!

[@DIYWilly]

You’re very welcome. Are you going to do the work yourself? Thanks for watching!!

[@HotSneks]

@@DIYWilly Im currently gathering more info about this type of repair but I definitely plan on it.

[@DIYWilly]

I have 2 videos on the subject and there are other good videos available on KZbin. Definitely study up and go for it. With the amount of work and how deep you need to go into the engine, I purchased NISSAN factory parts for the job. I didn’t want to take a chance on aftermarket parts. One thing I could recommend that I didn’t do is change the VVT actuators on the intake cams. If your doing the labor you’ll save enough money for preventive maintenance parts. (Thermostat, water pump and hoses) Good luck… please let me know how it goes I would like to hear about it. Thanks for watching!!

[@HotSneks]

@@DIYWilly Will check those 2 videos you mentioned. The only other extensive job I've done on my Patty is changing the radiator to prevent the dreaded PMOD/SMOD from happening, luckily I just gathered the help of a buddy who has prior knowledge from doing his own DIY repairs on his '09 Xterra so we'll be tackling this in a couple days after we figure out which parts to get and overall planning ahead. Once again, highly appreciated with your feedback! 😁

[@kimchee94112]

Looking to do my timing chain on my 4 cylinder Frontier and this video came up. I know it's not the same but holy smokes so complicated. I've done 3 timing belts on different cars and it wasn't too bad, but no experience with chain. Few years ago Toyota dealer quoted $500 for a belt replacement on a 2000 V6 Camry now $1,000 just parts for the V6 Frontier! The cardboard cutout is cleaver and time saver for keeping tracks of many various parts. I'm keeping my old vehicles, easier to fix.

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Kimchee, Yes this job is very time consuming but over all easy if you take your time and document what you do to help reinstallation. If installed a few belt on other vehicles and nearly the same sort of. Thanks for watching!!

[@genericdude6551]

Wow. What a job! I hope it'll be a long time before I have to do a timing chain replacement on my 2014 Xterra (which has the same engine). Too bad they don't make vehicles easier to work on. I hope you remembered how to put it back together.

[@DIYWilly]

Yes engine runs great. The job is easy just time consuming. Thanks for watching

[@fdhicks69]

They changed the tensioner pads and timing chains by that point.

[@elonsus9747]

Kind of disappointing to see a 14’ have problems with something that should of been corrected by then. I have a 22 Frontier.

[@DIYWilly]

The tensioners are considered wear items. They are expected to wear out over time. Most engines with timing chains use a type of plastic/nylon as a guide for the chains.

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

As far as removing power steering bracket, I just took either a ratchet with 14mm 6pt socket or a 6pt 14mm wrench(cant't remember exactly now, but i think it was a wrench)from the front and with leverage via another wrench (or u could use a small pipe) n broke both 14mm bolts loose. It was actually very easy, i had seen people removing the wheel n i was never sure why, but each person is different. I didnt use any special tools or flywheel locks and I didn't worry about setting the timing marks b/c u can do that once u have it apart. One tool that I recommend is a pair of chain vise grips to hold mive the cams, they made the job so easy. Actually getting everything out of the way of the front cover n cleaning the mating surfaces was the hardest part. N no need the remove the 2 cam covers at top of timing cover, unless u want to, the cover snaps right on with them still attached. I wish I had done video when doing mine to save people some headache. But, i didn't. Sorry. At least your video will help someone and any questions I will see if I can help anyone who has them. Thx!

[@DIYWilly]

Great suggestions and thanks for watching

[@edgardmartinez6987]

Great 👍 👌 job sir

[@DIYWilly]

Hello, Edgard, So clad you liked the video! Thanks for watching!!!

[@jcarry5214]

I'm starting this in a couple days and since I have to do the radiator and all hoses too I was thinking of just discharging the AC so I can open things up and avoid aggravating my spine injuries by sitting on a bucket like a chump. We'll see. Looking forward to hearing all your tips.

[@DIYWilly]

Hello JCarry, Just remember to take your time. Triple check everything. And place a piece of cardboard over the radiator. I didn’t and pocked a hole in it. Good luck with the repair!! Thanks for watching!!

[@jcarry5214]

@@DIYWilly well the one that’s in there is trash, you’re talking about reassembly just as much though. Thanks for the encouragement. It’s nice that I won’t be tempted to cut any corners, I’m doing valve covers and headers and cats as well soas long as I stay organized, which I can do, it’s just a matter of not overextending and making mistakes as you say. Thanks once again Willy.

[@DIYWilly]

👍

[@joefrank627]

A piece of cardboard and marker, draw part and insert bolts is how I've learned to not mix bolts up. Bagging I misplace bolt locations for the part at times. Ahhh there's the cardboard halfway through the video 😂 ah shucks hahaha

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Joe, I found the cardboard is the best way to keep track of size and location of bolts. Thanks for watching!!

[@NeverEnoughPyro40]

People are always forgetting one thing when lining up their timing marks! Not only are you supposed to be at top dead center but you are supposed to be at top dead center on the compression stroke! People are always forgetting that last part! They actually make a little whistle that screws into your spark plug hole so you can tell when you are on the compression stroke!

[@DIYWilly]

Great suggestion! When I did top dead center I had the valve cover off and watch the cam lobes while turning it around with the socket extension in the cylinder. Work like a charm. Thanks for watching.

[@carltongossett2282]

Where is the map sensor located on the nessan extra V6 4.o please 🥺

[@DIYWilly]

The MAF sensor is located in the intake tube just after the air filter housing. There is a pressure sensor located on the charcoal canister back by the spare tire. Thanks for watching!!

[@Bigislandguy]

I cannot believe how hard it is to find the freaking timing marks.

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Bigislandguy, I agree it can be hard to find the marks. Just take your time and align with everything. Double and even triple check everything. Thanks for watching!!

[@Tsitris46]

I wonder if it would be easier to take off the front end, headlights, grill and bumper.

[@DIYWilly]

Hello, I’m not sure that would help or not. The engine is kinda set back and makes it hard anyway. If you try it come back and let us know how it worked out. Thanks for watching!!

[@jpadilla0515]

Need a video of how to remove the fan clutch from the bottom lol

[@DIYWilly]

Hello, Really can’t do that right now. Thanks for watching!!

[@jpadilla0515]

@DIYWilly no worries I'm sure it's not hard, just got to find the time with a toddler lol

[@DIYWilly]

Good luck with that toddler. They can be a handful..

[@ELEVOPR]

Hey whats up Willy, hope all is well 🤗 So when you spent 1k on parts did that include the valve Covers? Were all the parts original from Nissan? Was there a lot of parts to this? A parts list would be Awesome and Super helpful. Great works like always buddy. Happy Holidays to you and the Family.

[@DIYWilly]

Hello El EVO, yes I did replace the valve covers due to one of them had a leak. Could have replaced the gaskets but the covers weren’t that expensive. Oh man a parts list? All parts were from Nissan however the radiator was a aftermarket option sold by Nissan. That was the only part that wasn’t factory replacement part. Parts list: Timing chain set All the tensioners (The cause of the repair) Water pump Thermostat housing (Badly pitted) Valve covers PCV valve (new one came with VLV cover) New alternator New serpentine belt All new hoses (Coolant) Valve cover cross hose (Don’t remember the name) New coolant Misc. O-Ring seals for timing cover 2 tubes of Nissan sealant Also changed cracked vacuum hoses on intake plenum. (6mm hose) New radiator (I put a hole in the original by accident 😁) I purchased the manual for proper torque specs I also purchased a inch lb torque wrench Not all of these parts are needed for the timing chain repair. I replaced everything from the list as preventative maintenance. I had it all apart already, why not. The job can be done with less and for less $$$ if needed. I wish I would have replaced the VVT parts on the cams and the VVT actuators on top of the valve covers. Next time! I did replace the gaskets on the actuators. I can’t remember everything. If I think of something else I’ll update the list. Thanks for watching. HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your family!!

[@eminiscalperpro9729]

Also, I didn't mark bolts or anything. There were only 2 of the 10mm ones that were different and one of the big bolts. I think the longer 10mm bolts were somewhere are 23-25 on the diagram so u take them out pay attention to which ones are the 2 ling ones and only 1 of the bigger ones was different. If u put a long bolt where the short one goes, u will notice that is sticking out too much, if u pay attention. Now that being said, when reinstalling u can get a little confused on the bug bolts b/c there are other big holes where brackets may go, so make note of where those 4 or 5 bolts go.

[@tylerboyer9523]

thanks for posting this! but holy smokes...i think i am going to bite the bullet and pay for the labor when the time comes. I'll show the wifey this video as justification. i wouldn't have the patience for multiple days with multiple pain in the a** things to pull off the motor.

[@DIYWilly]

Hahaha It’s not that bad. It was easy but very time consuming. Wait till watch the second part... Thanks for watching

[@602BA]

So can u find tdc after u have the covers off with just using the marks?

[@DIYWilly]

Sure you could but you would remove #1 spark plug and stick some in the hole and watch it come up. BUT ONLY IF THE CHAINS ARE STILL ON!!!. Also look at the cam lobes for #1 and they should point up. So if the marks line up, the piston came up and the lobes are pointed up… There’s a good chance you got it.. Best thing to do is put the covers on and align it .

[@fatbuddycat]

Good stuff Willy! You selling those hats?? I sold my kart (took up too much space when not in use). I'm building a circle track bike with my black mm80, what do I need for the 10 inch front wheel conversion? It's going to be running a 15x5.00-6 tire out back.

[@fatbuddycat]

If I'm gonna shout anyone out for it it's gonna be you brother!

[@DIYWilly]

All I had to do is drill the axle hole in the forks to 5/8” from the 12mm. I also used the 11” axle from GPS but it does stick out a bit. You could cut it shorter. Also the with the 10” wheel I used the 4x10 trials tire and 3.50/4.00 tube. I wish I was selling those hats. That’s my yard work hat but the sun was bright that day and I used it for the mechanic stuff. I was going to send you one of my other hats with the brake kit but we never got together and worked out the details. Now you sold that project. I ordered material to build the swing arm but the mails taking too long.. . Your bikes are looking great 👍.

[@fatbuddycat]

@@DIYWilly I'm getting there, I had a hunch about selling the kart a few months ago and couldn't get into it enough with all my mini bike projects.

[@CarlosRamirez-fs5ul]

Hello sir, I was wondering where I could get that manual book, my dad passed this year and only got to put on the secondary timing chain on the passenger side of the truck, although the 1st cylinder isn’t all the way up so that’s always a road block lol

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Carlos, Sorry to hear about your father’s passing. You would definitely have to check all the timing marks and make sure the piston is TDC. You can get the manual here… a.co/d/6O9y3wk Good luck and please study up before getting started again.

[@602BA]

Can you rotate the top cams by themselves if it’s off mark?

[@DIYWilly]

NOT RECOMMEND!!!! You could smash a valve into a piston. Remember the valves are timed to piston location. I did it but only when I needed to bump the cams very lightly to align the marks. DO Not DO FULL ROTATION!!! You will damage the engine…. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@fdhicks69]

@16:40, you can get a box wrench on that one.

[@DIYWilly]

Thanks for watching

[@thewolf2277]

What was the torque specs for the timing kit brackets and the tensioners ?

[@DIYWilly]

Hello thewolf, Your asking for the timing chain tensioner bolt torque? The primary chain is torqued to 72 in-lbs and the secondary chain is torqued to 75 in-lbs. The primary guide pivot bolt is torqued to 144 in-lbs. The timing cover bolts 10mm is torqued to 41 ft-lbs and 6mm is torqued to 108 in-lbs. Hope this helps!! Thanks for watching!!!

[@tshephangjoshua3276]

Where can I get one of those manuals you have?

[@DIYWilly]

Hello, I got mine here. Worked great!! Thanks for watching!! a.co/d/f1VlLIW

[@jessliz7]

What year is it that's a big deal to me is it a 2000 or 2024

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Jesse, Are your referring to the model year? 2008 Thanks for watching!!

[@abrahamchavez8764]

Are there any symptoms besides the whining noise that lets you know it’s time to do this?

[@DIYWilly]

No there were noticeable indication other than the whining noise. Truck ran perfectly.

[@fdhicks69]

If bad enough, you will find metallic particles in your oil so heed the whining.

[@DIYWilly]

I had no particles in the oil and the truck ran fine. Only sign of a problem was the whining sound.

[@raymondholguin7272]

Excuse me DIY Willy. Please, could you re-edit or record the Crank Pulley removal portion of your video?

[@firobo8669]

What is the name of the manual u are using please

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Fi Robo, Here is a link to the book that worked for me..Nissan Frontier & Xterra 2005... www.amazon.com/dp/1620922371?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Thanks for Watching!!

[@firobo8669]

@@DIYWilly what if there are no marks on the timing chain.

[@DIYWilly]

@Fi Robo there will always be the colored links on the chains. Assuming the chains are still on the engine, just need to rotate the engine till the marks line up. So if there were no marks… then align the crank, remove the valve cover on #1 side and check lobes of the cam. That will show the timing of the engine at top dead center. Thanks for watching!!

[@aliciacz8990]

What is the name of the book you used for the torque?

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Alicia, Here is a link to the manual I used for the repair.. amzn.to/3S4YBtl Thanks for watching!!

[@aliciacz8990]

@@DIYWilly thank you very much I loved your videos

[@DIYWilly]

Have a blessed day and a Happy New Year!!

[@louallen21]

What service manual did you use?

[@DIYWilly]

Hello Lou, This is the one that worked well for me.. Nissan Frontier & Xterra 2005... www.amazon.com/dp/1620922371?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Thanks for watching!!

[@bdanielcal4608]

1000 where you buy the parts I got everything from Nissan except the oil pump and water pump and it cost me 600 ????

[@DIYWilly]

Well I guess you got a deal then.. Thanks for watching!

[@heartwarrior9762]

14:10 that's not the water pump, is the thermostat 👍🏼

[@DIYWilly]

Yes your right that is the thermostat housing. The water pump is behind the timing covers. I believe I call it by the correct name later on or in part 2. Easy mistake I made. Thanks for watching!!

[@heartwarrior9762]

@@DIYWilly great job I'm dealing with a problem with that same engine and can't find the answer, ones the car is running for like 10 minutes, coolent start coming out of the radiator, I already changed water pump and thermostat and problem still there, removed the thermostat and took off upper radiator hose and coolant is not coming out from the return hose but coolant still coming out of radiator, (note truck is not over heating) . Removed the lower hose and added water and water is coming out of the radiator, so what could be the problem that water is not going inside the engine?🤷🏻‍♂️

[@DIYWilly]

Stuck thermostat? Try it without the thermostat.. There is really no other problem I can think of to cause the problem you described. Good luck 👍 Thanks for watching!!

[@heartwarrior9762]

@@DIYWilly I already took the thermostat out, thanks

[@Lou-eye]

What did the new water pump cost?

[@DIYWilly]

We bought many new parts for that repair. All the parts were purchased from the local Nissan Dealer. I wanna say the water pump was $150 with discount. Thanks for watching

[@Lou-eye]

@@DIYWilly ..Thanks, since i have a 2006 xterra, has same 4.0 engine as your Frontier, i'll give you a sub so i can learn more about that engine repair. I dread thinking about having to deal with timing chains or the secondary plastic chain tensioner guides that wear out, w/150k miles im using full synthetic oil with some Lucas oil stabilizer to slow down the wear. Thanks again🙏👍

[@DIYWilly]

There are less expensive alternatives for parts. How with the amount of work required I didn’t want to go cheap and risk a failure.

[@genericdude6551]

That's a weird place to mount an alternator.

[@DIYWilly]

Factory location

[@SeeminglyHopeless]

What year is this truck?

[@DIYWilly]

Hello, TJ, Our truck is an 08. Thanks for watching!!

[@genericdude6551]

I was under the impression that the coolant was suppose to be the blue colored coolant for Nissans.

[@DIYWilly]

Different years use different coolants

[@JamesValentineBaja1000]

Unbelievable amount of work done that wasn't necessary, starting with removing the Intake Plenum.

[@DIYWilly]

Hello James… I’m curious now you have sparked my interest. Can you provide a link to your video showing how to do this? I know there would much appreciation for a quicker less involved version of the job. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@JamesValentineBaja1000]

@@DIYWilly nope. I am a Shop owner and don't have time to record and edit this job. However, I'm an doing this actual job as we speak, for reference. My hat is off to those who do record and share! No need pull Plenum. Fan comes out top with entire shroud, and and sure I saw a few other steps not needed as well.

[@JamesValentineBaja1000]

@@DIYWilly, no need for TDC to be found... Just use the timing marks provided by Nissan, internal to the cover and located on the intermediate cover.

[@DIYWilly]

Thank you James for you for input. I know it will help others in taking on this job.

[@fernandobriseno8164]

@@JamesValentineBaja1000 how likely is it that cranking the engine (vq40) with timing off damaged it. What's the best way to check for damage?

[@21degrees]

Nothin personal but if you view your video at the beginning you are a shadow with sunlight behind you. You need to read a book about photography and also should get another camera with much less fisheye distortion. In addition if you respect the viewer than you will move the birdcage to another room because we hear the brid chirping in the garage in many videos which is annoying. I wish you the best of luck and also you spend TOO MUCH TIME telling us what you are going to do rather than just getting started with a much shorter intro. Good Luck WIlly. I will check back in a month to see if things are better. Right now they are hard to watch.

[@DIYWilly]

Great criticism I appreciate it. Thanks for watching.

[@21degrees]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKipaWpujtCSgbs Notice that the Sony is perfect for you.

[@DIYWilly]

Yes would be a nice upgrade but not in the budget right to buy another camera. Thank you for sharing the link. There was more information there than just camera choice. I’ll need to watch again when I have more time to understand him. Thanks again

[@DIYWilly]

Wow I hadn’t noticed the fisheye until you mentioned it. I wonder if it’s a setting with the GoPro? I know other KZbinrs use GoPro? I going to research it.

[@21degrees]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYKZgX9vhNmljtE This link is short 3 mins and probably can fix your problem for free. You need LINEAR mode if your camera supports it.