My Nissan Pathfinder

Does the noise change with the ac on and off?
The Nissan timing chain issue will generally cause a check engine light before any noise will be heard. Nissans are very picky with the engine oil level causing timing chain problems. I would stick with the basics. Check all rotating pulleys in the engine bay. Do the chalk test on the drive belt.

 

It's definitely a timing chain problem at this point. Based on reviews I've read on car complaints, an engine light does not come on to show any problems with a timing chain. At least on the Pahtfinder, Frontier, and Xterra. At this point I've given up. I'm more disappointed in myself that I bought a vehicle with a known problem.

 

I’m going to have to disagree. I’ve seen a lot of these engines and they are pretty bulletproof. There is a very low tolerance in timing chain timing. The variable valve timing is based off oil pressure. I’ve replaced several solenoids and chain guides but never actually seen a chain go bad in one of these motors. From the video it almost sounds like a belt related sound. Pop the belt off and start the motor and see if the sound remains.

 

I would go and have a mechanic that is there with the vehicle to check all the pulleys and accessories out to make sure it isn't one of them making the noise before you make an internet diagnosis without actual hands on the vehicle. I've seen more people throw money at their vehicles with misdiagnosis because that is what the internet said or someone on the forum said. Regroup call a trusted mechanic and take it to them to have it properly checked out besides us schmucks on the net trying to tell you what it is based off a short video. I am a former mechanic and I refuse to try and diag. a vehicle like this to many variables to make a mistake and misdiagnose. The suggestion of the long screwdriver used as a stethoscope would of found the problem for you and you would of been able to diagnose the issue. Like this suggestion guiding someone through correctly diagnosing a vehicle is far better than throwing out suggestions of what it could be because that's what was wrong with yours or that's the most common. I've seen that 1,000s of times. We would refer to that as the shotgun method or throwing spit balls at it till something stuck.

 

Perhaps I overreacted. But your right I should bring it to a mechanic and ask about such there which I will in a few days.

Perhaps I overreacted, but your right I should bring it to a trusted mechanic and diagnose it there. Thanks for the insight and have a good Christmas Eve.

 

You have a good Christmas as well. I just don't like seeing people spend money throwing parts at cars to fix them it's a waste of time and money.