Can a timing chain on a 2000 Nissan Altima GXE shatter at 76k miles?

Question

I bought a 2000 Nissan Altima GXE in August of 2006. The car fax report was clean. The odometer read 44k miles. Three weeks ago, my car wouldn't start. I took it to a mechanic who told me that the timing belt was shattered. He showed me the pieces that were scattered throughout the engine. The plastic guide was broken and the metal guide had been worn where the chain rested. The mechanic also expressed concern that there were "bearing shavings in the oil pan". He said that the timing chain should last the life of the motor. He then told me that he was almost positive that the car had more miles on it than it is showing. Does anyone know anything about this? I really do not know what to do about it. Thank you!

Answer 1

Since your mechanic sounds good to me I'd say you should have him install a rebuilt engine. If you can prove the mileage was a lie then you can go to small claims court.

Answer 2

Ok Jannet.. No the timing chain should not shatter the timing chain guide. Clues to the chain getting loose was that clattering sound at idle you have been hearing for some time. After the chain got looser than the tensioner rail could tighten the rollers on the links started breaking and then the chain slaps around snaps off the plastic chain rail and then the timing chain jumps time and the engine stalls. Two approches remove the oil pan clean out everything. Then replace the chains sprockets and guides and tensioners. Reseal the timing cover reinstall all the parts and hope your engine has not bent any valves. Remember maintence is the key to long engine life. Nissan Good Will probably will turn down any warrany repair on a car purchased used after 8 years old. Ask your Technician if he or she can close the valves by turning the camshafts top chain removed and preform a cyl leakage test? That way you will know before spending money on a timing chain will make the engine run smoothly. If the engine has bent valves and bad timing chain set I would suggest installing a low mile used engine out of another 2000 altima into your car. I have customers with 300,000 miles on there altimas. So it is possable your car was driven hard and reved up high early on in its life.

Answer 3

I WOULD HAVE TO AGREE WITH THE MECHANIC YOU HAVE SPOKEN TO. THE TIMING CHAIN ON NISSAN ALTIMA GXE CAR SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE ENGINE. I WOULD ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP IN ANY WAY. I WORK ON ALL MAKES AND MODEL VEHICLES AND HAVE NEVER HAD A CHAIN FAILURE TO DATE! THE NISSAN CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE IS IN YOUR OWNERS MANUAL. HOPE THIS HELPS!

Answer 4

If the odometer is not electronic, you probably can wind the mileage back.