Timing Belt Replacement

Hey guys, I've been helped several times in the past on this forum and I greatly appreciate it. I lost my login info, so now I have a new username. Anyways...I'm at 104,000 and looking to replace my timing belt on my '03 XE 4x4. I have the info from dezurtrat with the pictures he included from a post in 2006, but I was wondering if there are any step by step info on how to go from start to finish. I tried the search and a feel like I'm still missing on some vitals for this job. If someone could hook me up on the best place to buy my parts for the job and any other advice on this, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

well, If your local, I could offer help, but dont see where you at.

when I did mine, I searched all around, best place I could find was what everyone else was saying. Courtesyparts .

http://www.courtesyparts.com/nissan-timing-belt-kit-2002-2004-xterra-supercharged-p-450.html

FYI, the link is for the kit for my X, which is supercharged, make sure to find your kit.

you buy the whole kit from them and they include everything you will need, except a gasket for the thermostat, and if you try to shop around and compare, you might find you can save about 10 bucks, but everything you get from them is going to be NISSAN PARTS that will fit!
also , I am going to send you a pm that might help you out!

Plus, they're having a 5% off sale for us:

http://www.xterraownersclub.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=495404#Post495404

thanks for the help!! I'd greatly appreciate it if you could send me that pm. I'm assuming by email? scott_sherry@concentra.com
Thanks again

Does anyone else have any recommendations on what else I should replace while doing this project? Plugs/wiring?

PM sent through XOC PM. . . . .. Hope it helps you out. also, there is another thing I forgot to mention, If yours is the same as mine for this part, be sure to consider ordering the small hose, (linked below is for my 02 SE/SC), since your going to be in there, its worth it to change it out, better safe than sorry for the small cost of it. plus by doing that you can inspect the part that it connects to ( i think its the water intake ) to make sure thats not corroded at all.


[14055] HOSE-WATER - Xterra (WD22) 2000-2004 6-CYL, 2002-2004 Supercharged

2 other questions...
1. When I replace my coolant in the radiator after flushing it, do I have to use that venturi tool that they show in the FSM diagram, or can I just add it to the reservoir and be done with it?

2. How do you check the #1 piston for TDC? Or do I ignore that and stick with the marks on the timing belt and cams for alignment?

Thanks again.

the marks on the belt worked flawlessly for me, (dont forget to do the count as stated in the manual) although it was double checked with TDC of #1, simply put, it was checked by pulling the plug out and visually watching the piston come up, when at the top, it was physically checked with a wooden dowel, it made it possible to actually see it rise and fall.

Coolant,..... didnt use or even read about a tool for that, just filled it up to proper level, then checked after running, as I would with any vehicle I filled fluid on.

Ok..that makes sense to me now. I probably won't get to this job until next weekend, so I'm trying to cover by bases before I dive into the project. I've learned alot in the past day from your advice and FSM. Thanks alot..I may be bugging you some more if that's all right.

dont worry about bugging me, i would be happy to be able to help out, its been a while since I did mine, but I think I remember most of it, I am not a master at it, as I have only done it once, but again, I felt a little hesitant about doing it myself, just put aside the day/evening, and take your time. I think it took me maybe about 6 hours total to get it done.

The marks on the timing belt are the way to go - but I also pulled out the #1 spark plug and stuck a straw in there so I could watch it go up and down for extra assurance I had it right (make sure anything you stick in there is long enough not to fall in!)

Speaking of spark plugs, I have the VG33E engine, and it looks like the #6 is going to be a Bi@#$ to replace. I heard alot of guys just leave it alone. Is there any way to tell if that plug is operational without pulling. I'd assume leave it. Thanks again.

yeah, they can be a bitch, and yes there are lots of write ups about how people got it done. ie: seven extensions, 12 universal joints, 1 inch drive impact, 12 foot step ladder, jaws of life and a bunch of patience , ...

but really , if you take your time, and find what you can read for little tricks, I wouldnt leave it if you going to do the rest. look at it this way, you dont have the SC model, so it should be a little easier than mine!

Will a 2 arm pulley remover be enough to get the crank pully out, or should I get a 3 arm?

yes, I used a two arm on mine, just a matter of taking your time. you want to make sure that as your pulling, it is actually coming off, I had a rubber mallet to hit/tap it with as I was working it off, sometimes that little extra tapping really makes a big difference in getting them off.

I've only replaced mine twice... both times I had the upper intake plenum removed for other repairs... (1st time knock sensor 2nd time valve cover gaskets)
Its a breeze to change number 6 with the plenum off, but getting the plenum off can be just as much of a b!t(#