Compare prices on a used Nissan Cabstar timing chain from UK breakers. Free part request, no obligation.
Find the right part faster and get quotes direct from UK breakers - free, and no obligation.
A used timing chain that fits one vehicle won't always fit another - even within the same model range. These questions help breakers match stock to your exact vehicle before they quote:
The Nissan Cabstar uses a timing chain rather than a timing belt across its engine range, including the common 3.0-litre ZD30 diesel engine used in the F24 generation (roughly 2006 onwards) and earlier variants. Unlike a belt, a chain is designed to last the life of the engine under normal conditions and does not have a scheduled replacement interval, though it can stretch or rattle if oil maintenance has been neglected. If you are hearing a rattle on cold start or have a warning about timing, the chain, tensioner, or guides are worth investigating.
The F24 Cabstar (from around 2006) uses a different engine configuration to earlier generations, so a chain from a pre-F24 truck is very unlikely to be a direct swap even if the displacement sounds similar. Engine code is the critical detail here — supply your engine code (found on your V5 or via a VIN check) to the breaker so they can match it precisely rather than going by year or badge alone. Crossing a generation boundary like this should always be confirmed with the breaker against your registration before purchasing.
Payload rating and body configuration (dropside, tipper, box van) have no bearing on timing chain fitment — the chain follows the engine, not the truck's working spec. What matters is the engine code, which on the Cabstar is typically found on a plate in the engine bay or can be retrieved via a VIN check. Give the breaker your engine code and they can confirm the correct chain, tensioner, and guide kit for your specific unit.
Gearbox type does not affect timing chain selection — the chain is internal to the engine and has no interaction with the transmission. Whether your Cabstar is a manual or automatic, the engine code remains the key identifier for sourcing the right chain. Focus your search on matching the engine code rather than gearbox or any other drivetrain detail.
The ZD30 engine was used across several Nissan commercial vehicles including the Cabstar, Patrol, and Interstar, so chains from those engines may share part numbers, but there were running changes within the ZD30 family over the years that can affect tensioner design and guide profiles. You should not assume any ZD30 chain is interchangeable without confirming the full engine code and build date with the breaker, as mid-production updates can catch buyers out. Always ask the supplying breaker to cross-reference against your registration to be safe.
Trim level and cab style — whether single cab, double cab, or different payload specs — make no difference to timing chain fitment, as this is a purely mechanical engine component. The chain is determined entirely by the engine fitted, so a truck in a higher specification with extra comfort features uses exactly the same chain as a base-spec vehicle with the same engine code. Confirm your engine code with your breaker and the cab or trim details can be set aside entirely.