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How to Replace a Timing Belt on a 1996 Nissan Pathfinder

The Nissan Pathfinder is a sport utility vehicle in production since 1986. The 1996 model was the first of the second generation Pathfinders, which Nissan produced until 2004. Nissan introduced the VG33E engine with the 1996 Nissan Pathfinder, which is a six-cylinder, 3.3-liter engine with a single overhead camshaft. This engine has a timing belt to synchronize the movement of the crankshaft and camshaft. It is essential for the engine to be in the correct position when replacing the timing belt.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal with a socket wrench. Remove the engine undercover and the radiator shroud. Disconnect the cooling fan assembly, including its pulleys. Drain the radiator and detach the radiator hose. Disconnect the radiator.

2

Detach the drive belts for the power steering motor, air conditioner and alternator. Disconnect the spark plugs with a socket wrench, and remove the dust shield for the distributor. Detach the intake tube near the cover of the cylinder head. Disconnect the hose from the thermostat.

3

Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt with a socket wrench and disconnect the pulley with a gear puller. Remove the front covers for the timing belt. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to align the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the oil pump housing. Align the timing mark on the camshaft sprocket with the timing mark on the rear timing belt cover.

4

Install the bolt for the crankshaft pulley bolt with a socket wrench. Turn the timing belt tensioner counterclockwise with a hexagon wrench to relieve the pressure on the timing belt, and remove the timing belt.

5

Disconnect the covers for the cylinder heads with a socket wrench, and loosen the retaining bolts for the rocker arm shaft. Turn the timing belt tensioner clockwise with a hexagon wrench to tighten it. Tighten the locking nut for the tensioner to hold it in place.

6

Install the timing belt onto the crankshaft and camshaft so that the arrow on the timing belt points toward the front timing belt covers. Align the white lines on the timing belt with the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft. Loosen the locking nut on the belt tensioner with a hex wrench to turn the tensioner about 75 degrees clockwise, and tighten the locking nut.

7

Turn the crankshaft clockwise by several turns to seat the timing belt, and align the timing marks. Press timing belt between the camshaft sprocket and tensioner pulley with about 22 lbs. of force as you loosen the locking nut for the timing belt tensioner.

8

Turn the crankshaft clockwise to advance the timing belt by about 2.5 teeth, and tighten the locking nut for the tensioner. Turn the crankshaft clockwise by several full turns and align the timing marks again.

9

Replace the front covers for the timing belt, and tighten their mounting bolts to 24 foot-pounds with a torque wrench. Install the crankshaft pulley onto its shaft, and torque its mounting bolt to between 90 and 98 foot-pounds. Attach the hose to the thermostat housing, and connect the air intake to the cylinder head cover.

10

Connect the dust protector for the distributor with a socket wrench, and install the spark plugs. Attach the drive belts for the power steering motor, air conditioner and alternator. Connect the radiator and attach the hose from the water pump. Fill the radiator with coolant and replace the cooling fan assembly. Connect the undercover for the engine. Start the engine and correct any fluid leaks.