I recently posted about timing belt change frequency with some conflicting info. I've gotten more info now that may help others. Nissan used a couple different belts. Standard and long-life. Check with dealer based on your VIN which belt (if factory original) yours has. On my 94 GXE I was told if manufacture date was after 7/93 that it will have a long life belt (100K mile life) and should be changed at 90K intervals. Otherwise change at 60K miles.

Hope this helps others and may save a few bucks. I was concerned about going longer but the dealer put it in writing (on their letterhead) to me.

Also note that my owner's manual and Nissan service manual indicated 60K intervals. The new belts evidently started being used after they were published.

If in doubt, check with a reputable dealer. Maybe you can save some serious $$. Belt change runs about $400. Or about $30 if DIY plus beer and a good 1/2 day+.

 

3 months ago on my 93 Maxima GXE the timing belt was changed by a independent and asked that Nissan belt be used. After your post, called local Nissan and asked parts man about which timing belts they have. Only have one type for my model and he didn't know they have a 100K mile belt. Do they still offer both or just the 100K now?

Low mileage 93 with 62K miles, 24 mpg highway at 80 mph -- go any slower and get rear ended around here.

84MBW 300td 125K, no major repairs, getting 23 mpg city, but not much better on highway.

Still on the Road.

 

I was told that all the replacement part belts are 100K belts. Only 1 part #.

 

Found two diffent belts
13028- 85E86 (J30) and - OB785(J30).

One was for pre-7/93? cars and the other post 7/93? 3rd generation cars. They look different (round -OB v. square 85E?). The belts don't appear to be interchanagable, but can they? Looks like interchanging may slip or have play.

Is your dealer saying that only newer belt can go 100K miles or did they change the rubber and both belts can go 100K?

 

Yes, I think you are right. Old style belt is squared and new is rounded. TSB info below...sorry couldn't paste pix.
-------------------------

Timing Belt and Gear Updates
Classification: EM93-004
Section: Engine Mechanical
Reference: TECHNICAL BULLETIN NTB93-154
Models: See below
Date: October 22, 1993

CHANGES TO TIMING BELT SECTION OF J30, V40 & D21/WD21 SERVICE MANUALS

Applied Models:
1993-94 Maxima (J30) w/VG30E engine
1994 Quest (V40) w/VG30E engine (from November 1993 production)
1994 Truck & Pathfinder (D21/WD21) w/VG30E engine

<<DIAGRAM REMOVED SHOWED SQUARED VS. ROUNDED BELT>>

Please note the following changes (illustrations in this bulletin), and reference this Bulletin in the Timing Belt section of the 1993-94 Maxima, 1994 Quest and 1994 Truck/Pathfinder Service Manuals.

^ The timing belt, camshaft sprocket, crankshaft sprocket and tensioner spring have been changed on the VG30E engine in the applied models. When replacing the timing belt be sure to use one with the same tooth shape as the sprockets.

^ The front lower belt cover has been changed on the 1994 Quest (from November 1993 production) and 1994 Truck and Pathfinder vehicles.