Hello
The SMOD (strawberry milkshake of death) radiator/transmission issue struck my 2006 Nissan Xterra this Spring, and the truck's sitting waiting for me to make a decision.
The truck needs the following:
1. New Transmission module and rebuild - $3,000
2. Replace exhaust manifolds to fix P0420/430 errors - $1,000
3. New tires - $800
4. Replace timing belt (cuz it's never been done) - $1,000
That's $6,000 give or take that needs to be put into the truck.
Truck specs:
1. 160k mileage
2. Good body/interior condition
3. Replaced radiator/tranny cooler but two flushes failed to save tranny.
4. New windshield. Alloy rims.
If I replace the truck, it will have to be with another truck. I need 4 wheel drive where I live plus towing capacity. I'm pricing trucks at the $10k price point and not really seeing anything ($4k trade-in + $6k expense)
I would do everything myself and save about $3500.
If you like it and it's in good shape otherwise it might be worth it.
Remember buying something else used can be a crap shoot.
Look elsewhere for a rebuild or
consider contacting Nissan North America to get a discount on a new transmission.
I have never heard of the exhaust manifolds on these trucks having to be replaced. I bet you can find a good used set from someone that swapped to headers if they are needed. I'm going to guess they aren't needed though and you may possibly need catalytic converters. Aftermarket makes those, or you can run without them if you don't have to do emissions testing.
Timing belt doesn't need replaced as there is no timing belt. Timing chain guides may need replaced if they are worn and truck is whining. If the truck isn't whining, then there is no need to replace the timing chain guides.
Look elsewhere for a rebuild or
consider contacting Nissan North America to get a discount on a new transmission.
I have never heard of the exhaust manifolds on these trucks having to be replaced. I bet you can find a good used set from someone that swapped to headers if they are needed. I'm going to guess they aren't needed though and you may possibly need catalytic converters. Aftermarket makes those, or you can run without them if you don't have to do emissions testing.
Timing belt doesn't need replaced as there is no timing belt. Timing chain guides may need replaced if they are worn and truck is whining. If the truck isn't whining, then there is no need to replace the timing chain guides.
Thanks for the feedback.
I was told by Eastern Catalytics that the cracked exhaust manifolds (discovered during sea-foaming) would cause the O2 sensor problem, which reappeared within weeks of cat replacement with Eastern Catalytics cats. So I have been driving with the CEL for probably 50k miles. Only Seafoam allows me to pass emissions inspection, and last time the CEL came on on the way home from the inspection station.
The whine isn't noticeable except at odd times, so I suppose the timing chains are okay. I assumed it was like the timing belt - had to change after XX miles or risk blowing the engine.
I had this same issue with my truck. I had to get a whole new engine. My total bill was about $7k and it the X was not even paid off and couldn't trade in so I was in a hole. And a 4x4 X in my area is pretty rare especially a 2nd Gen. I had to get all new cats, engine block and went ahead and got new leaf springs. This was Sept 2013. Would I do it again? No. I love my X but I could love another one, but I've had problems with mine since day 1. If I hadn't had so many problems with mine, I would do it again but each X is different. If you haven't had any problems other than what you've listed, I say go for it and fix it. The things you replace will last at least another 100k if not longer and thats a pretty long life for the X.
Some of the stuff, you can have a mod day and people could help you out. Tranny's you can get all day long at junk yards. I would source out as much as you can within reason. Some used things cost close to new and that's where you have to do a lot of shopping. Shops charge an arm and a leg but sometimes you just don't have a choice. My engine cost me $3k but charged almost as much just to put it in.
Here's the thread I posted. There are several guys giving sound advice and very helpful advice. Most said to scrap it and find another one which they made good points on and on the other hand, several said keep it and gave good reasons why. I would give it a good read and maybe some of it will help you out.
Here's the thread I posted. There are several guys giving sound advice and very helpful advice. Most said to scrap it and find another one which they made good points on and on the other hand, several said keep it and gave good reasons why. I would give it a good read and maybe some of it will help you out.
I had to replace the rear differential and axle at 110k. Tie rods/control doo-dads on all 4 wheels. Alternator. Window regulator. New cats. The longer I think about the more I can come up. Overall I haven't been happy with the truck but it's my first. Maybe the things are just more trouble than passenger cars.
Well I've had ton's of problems with mine since I got it. Leaking Oil, Head Gaskets, Timing Chain Guides, Tie Rods, New Engine, Cats and my front diff.
I wouldn't give up quite yet though. When I went thru my repairs, I told myself, "When this is fixed, I'm selling the SOB!" Then I start to think... "Well, this part is fixed and should last another 100k, I'll just keep it." My thinking is if its something that breaks that is only supposed to last 100k but breaks at 130k, I consider it maintenance. When my front diff shattered into 2 pieces... not exactly maintenance, just a POS. But I'll have my X till it blows up
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Nissan XTerra Forum
666.8K posts
75.2K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Nissan Xterra owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about superchargers, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, overlanding, towing capacity, and more!