Also, I've heard on some cars the water pump should be changed at the same time. Is this the case for the Altima w/ the 3.5L V6?
What is a cost estimate for parts %26amp; labor for a new timing chain for a 2002 Nissan Altima w/ 3.5L V6?
The timing chain guides wear away and break and the chain becomes noisy. Yes anything under the timing cover worn or broken also needs to be changed. If the car has 100,000 or more mileage water pump may not last another trip around the odometer. Because many Nissan Technicians remove the entire power train to have room to remove and install the timing chain covers. Several things to think about because some time we also need valve cover gaskets spark plugs motor mounts and new radiators CV joints and all those extras can get expensive. Keep in mind a new car would cost more but if your car has 200,000 it might be time to trade out of the 8 year old sedan.
What is a cost estimate for parts %26amp; labor for a new timing chain for a 2002 Nissan Altima w/ 3.5L V6?
The timing chain should last the life of the engine.
Its probably best to give your location when asking this question. Labor prices very across the country. In most cases we dont remove the engine and trans from the vehicle but as paul said some techs do to make it easier. There is a standard amount of flat rate time listed in a flat rate manual. I think it is somewhere in the neighborhood of 10 hrs.Dont quote me on that though. We usually do them under warranty and have not done many customer pay. If I recall it is somewhere around 1500 or 1600 dollars customer pay parts and labor at our shop. Which is at our rate of $115.00 an hour. I am in California where everything is expensive. So if your not in this state it is probably cheaper.
