Nissan Repair: timing belt/ watrpump, upper pulley, timing pulleys

Question
i have a 93 Pathfinder 4WD
is there a method to inspect the timing belt?
also: the water pump appears to be mounted behind the timing pulleys. pump has a large back flange casting that is part of the timing housing.
must the timing sprockes and belt be removed for the waterpump to be repalced?
is so can the pump be installed without removing the harmonic balancer?
thanks

Answer
Richard,

Take the upper cover off and rotate the engine over to top dead center.  Now, look at the timing marks on the crank and the dot adn line on the upper pulley and it they are not more than a half a tooth off you should be fine.  Also, use your fingernail and press against the belt and see if it is really hard and chack to see if there are cracks.  Depending on your owners manual it states that the timing belt should be changed every sixty to ninty-thousand miles.  If you are beyond the recommendations in the book change the belt regardless of the condition.  To change the belt all the goodies on the front that keep the cover from coming off have to be taken out.  And, it is easiest to remove the radiator to gain access.  The hardest part is getting the harmonic balancer off as it is usually stick on and you need to get the appropriate puller to remove it.