Does Nissan Sentra Have Timing Belt or Chain? (Explained)

An engine has two components, a crankshaft and a camshaft, responsible for releasing fuel into the combustion chamber and harnessing energy from the combustion chamber, respectively. It is required for an engine to run both of them in synchronization. 

As a result, a timing belt or chain is invented to ensure the mentioned sync.

Many manufacturers use timing belts, and many have shifted towards timing chains. As the Nissan Sentra is an old generation vehicle, you may think that such a vehicle uses a timing belt.

Let’s explore the query and get to know if a Nissan Sentra has a timing belt or a timing chain.

Nissan Sentra timing belt or chain

All Nissan Sentra have a timing chain. This timing chain is responsible for maintaining synchronization between the crankshaft and the camshaft. The chain is similar to the bicycle chain, and the job between the two is no different. Historically, few models of Nissan Sentra had a timing belt.

The primary use of a timing belt or timing chain is to keep synchronization between the crankshaft and the camshaft in the engine. 

The work of these components is different; while the camshaft is responsible for managing the fuel and gas of the engine, the crankshaft is responsible for harnessing the engine power to operate the engine. 

Although they do work that is not relatable, for a smooth operation of an engine, it is required for both of them to be operated in sync. 

The timing belt is made of rubber and is also known as a cambelt for its usage. The timing chain is similar to a bicycle chain but larger. Though both of them are capable of doing heavy duty work, it depends on manufacturers and engine designers to integrate one into their model.

While system loss is a major property for timing belts, timing chains are more prone to erosion over time. Replacement is often required for both of these due to their short life span. And it is wise to check the status of the chain or belt regularly to keep the engine in good health.

Nissan Sentra is no new player in the automobile market. In fact, this one brand is one of the most popular vehicles in the world. The recent Nissan Sentra model has an engine capacity of 2 liters, 4 Cylinders, and 149 horsepower.

Having a heavy duty engine requires a heavy duty chain. Thus the Nissan Sentra has a timing chain.

Nissan Sentra Model	Timing belt or chain functionality availability
2013 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2014 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2015 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2016 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2017 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2018 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2019 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2020 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2021 Nissan Sentra	Yes
2022 Nissan Sentra	Yes

Does any Nissan Sentra have a timing belt?

The timing Belt is also called Cambelt, as the primary purpose is to synchronize the motion between the crankshaft and the camshaft, two significant parts of an engine. Timing belts are made of rubber, and the inside of the belt is toothed to match the shafts wheel.

The toothed belt was first invented in the 1940s and was first used as a timing belt in an automobile engine no earlier than 1954. The belt spread widely over the automobile industry in a short time. 

Nissan Sentra has dominated the automobile market for forty years and is relevant to newer technology and components. The vehicle has a timing chain in its recent models. 

However, from 1982 to 1988, all Nissan Sentra models had a timing belt, which was later replaced by a timing chain in pursuit of longevity and performance with upgrades.

2 reasons why does nissan sentra have timing belt or chain

Nissan Sentra has been recognized in the vehicle market for its newer technology and components. For the proper functioning of its engine, the Nissan Sentra has featured a timing chain since 1988. 

Before that, from 1982 to 1988, they used timing belts with their engines. This replacement was performed with the purpose of longevity and performance upgrades.

However, there are two reasons for using timing belts or chains in Nissan Sentra as follows –

Synchronizing crankshaft and camshaft rotation: 

One of the most important functions of timing chains is to create harmony between the crankshaft and camshaft rotation. 

The crankshaft and camshaft do not rotate at the same speed. A crankshaft is two times faster than a camshaft. The camshaft only rotates 180 degrees for every 360 degrees rotation of the attached crankshaft.

So, it is necessary to harmonize the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft for the proper functioning of the vehicle engine. The timing chain serves this purpose easily as it is made with metal.

Apart from that, the timing chain is more durable and lasts pretty longer for its materials in terms of timing belt.

Proper operation of internal combustion engines: 

During the intake process of a spark-ignition engine, the fuel is combined with air and then inducted into the cylinder. 

The spark ignites the fuel-air mixture after the piston compresses it, generating combustion. During the power stroke, the combustion gasses expand and push the piston. 

The timing chain maintains this function of the combustion system. It controls the function of valves and pistols and thereby helps the engine function properly. 

Meanwhile, the timing belt will wear and tear after a few days of driving, thus it will fail to keep the performance up and in longer run it may hamper the engine of your car.

How to know if you have a Timing Belt or a Timing Chain on Nissan Sentra?

The timing chain or belt is necessary for the proper operation of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle. It assures proper operation of the vehicle’s valve and pistol by synchronizing the crankshaft and camshaft rotation. 

This is significant because your vehicle’s valves control fuel/air mixture inflow and exhaust gas and push your pistons down as the fuel is ignited in the combustion chamber. So, you would like to make sure your timing belt is in efficient working condition. 

Since 1988, Nissan has installed a timing chain in the Sentra version. If you want to find out whether your Nissan Sentra has a timing belt or timing chain, you need to follow the following steps:

Inspect your engine:

If you want to find out the timing belt or timing chain in the engine of your Nissan Sentra, at first you need to inspect your engine thoroughly. 

Check the sides of your engine:

You will have to check the sides of your engine. You may find a tinplate or plastic cover or nothing. If you find a tinplate or plastic cover, then there is a timing belt. If you find nothing, then it is a timing chain.

Whether you have a timing chain or a rubber belt beneath your hood, it doesn’t matter. You need to stay updated about its functioning. If you see any fault in the belt or chain, replace it immediately.

When to replacement timing belt on Nissan Sentra?

Timing belts last shorter than timing chains. While a timing chain can outlast an engine, a rubber-made time belt can only run for a limited time. Due to a life span, many manufacturers, including Nissan Sentra, have moved toward a timing chain in their recent models.

As you know, timing belts are made of rubber and have a concise life span. Also, the role of the timing belt requires it to undergo acute conditions where it loses its structure very quickly. Although there is no constant measurement, a timing belt can last up to 100,000 miles.

It depends on the performance and usage of the history if a timing belt lasts long or short. Usually, it is safe to change a timing belt after 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Changing the belt will allow your engine to run smoothly for a long time.

How much is a timing belt for a Nissan Sentra?

As timing belts are irreplaceable, and their role in the operation of an engine is huge, you must take care of the timing belt. Such belts are made of rubber and do not last long. On average, a timing belt will need to change every 60 to 100 thousand miles.

Rubbers are a very cheap material, so the finished product should not be expensive. The case is the same, as a timing belt is way cheaper than many other car components. But if you should be worried about something, it is the labor charge to replace a belt.

You can buy a timing belt for between $120 to $150. However, the replacement is labor-intensive and requires expert mechanics costing around $350 to $500. So in total, it requires around $470 to $650 to replace a timing belt in a Nissan Sentra.

Final Thoughts

In earlier versions, Nissan Sentra would come with a timing belt. However, in recent times, the new models have a timing chain. A timing chain lasts longer than a timing belt and is more reliable to use. Additionally, the performance may enhance with the integration of a timing belt in an engine.