Timing Chain Guides

[notsure]

Hello,

On friday my 97 Nissan Altima started making a loud noise as I was driving home. It sounded like something was loose inside of it.
Took it to the mechanics and they said it's the Timing Chain Guides and they have quoted me $1500! Is that about the right price? My friend said it shouldn't be more than $350 to $400 with labor and all even paying a lot for labor.

Anyone can help? Thanks!

[yoshi]

That sounds like alot to me but i am not a nissan dealer mechanic call some other shops/dealers and see what they quote

[because]

Originally posted by notsure
Hello,

On friday my 97 Nissan Altima started making a loud noise as I was driving home. It sounded like something was loose inside of it.
Took it to the mechanics and they said it's the Timing Chain Guides and they have quoted me $1500! Is that about the right price? My friend said it shouldn't be more than $350 to $400 with labor and all even paying a lot for labor.

Anyone can help? Thanks!

you call auto parts store and price one out should do the whole think and get a book to see how much work it is .. I did a mazda b2000 thought it was a easy job and cheap but the chain set cost almost 300 just for the set and had to remove alot to do it just my thought check with a few shops just call around and get prices for timming chain job not just big shop . hope that helps

[notsure]

I have had so far 4 different estimates

$1500
$875
$760
$420

All the shops have stated that the timing chain kit MUST be purchased from Nissan directly, that I cannot be putting those parts from auto parts stores. The one for $760 said that is not so. And the one that quoted me $420 said he can get the parts from distributors directly and he does the work at home, does not own a shop.

How can I find out if I MUST buy the parts from Nissan? I am leaning obviously towards the $420. Also I should say that I will be selling this car next summer as I plan to buy a new car next summer so I really am just interested in having it for another 12 months max.

Any opinions?

[because]

Originally posted by notsure
I have had so far 4 different estimates

$1500
$875
$760
$420

All the shops have stated that the timing chain kit MUST be purchased from Nissan directly, that I cannot be putting those parts from auto parts stores. The one for $760 said that is not so. And the one that quoted me $420 said he can get the parts from distributors directly and he does the work at home, does not own a shop.

How can I find out if I MUST buy the parts from Nissan? I am leaning obviously towards the $420. Also I should say that I will be selling this car next summer as I plan to buy a new car next summer so I really am just interested in having it for another 12 months max.

Any opinions?

call the auto parts stores they will tell you try VAP, MBE . Deckers . they will tell you if its a dealer only part. got some good deals buy shopping around . just have them tell you if its avaliable and a price. some will tell you they have to order it in but only takes a few hours shop around hope it helps and if not I would lean towards the 420.00 price installed check how much work it is to install .

[Bracen]

I'm a Nissan tech so I just thought i'd get my 2 cents in.

I saw your message yesterday so I asked my Service Manager of the top of his head what whould it cost to do your timing chain he said roughly 900, and thats with ALL nissan parts

Now the thing is that from the factory the timing chain guides are crap, they are all plastic the new revised ones have a steel backing so they don't break, and thats most likly what your hearing is the slapping of the chain against the broken guide. Now if its just the guide that has to be replaced its probably only aroud 700. The guys who quoted you 1500 are on drugs and the guys who quoted you 420, well they must be doing the job for free cuz the parts ain't cheap!


Eddie