I need to get the timing belt and water pump changed on my 1998 Pathfinder LE. Anybody out there have any idea if my mechanic will need to remove the engine to get at these parts or if it is relatively simple? I know that when they changed them on my brother's 2000 XTerra, they had to remove the engine.

Just trying to plan funds for this in advance.

Thanks.

 

Just had the same exact maintenance done on my 1999. It cost me $740 and it is a complicated process. the reason for them doing the pumps and other belts when doing the timing belt is because of the amount of labor that goes into accessing the timing belt. But.. to answer your question I do believe that the engine has to come apart..