Replacing a Nissan Almera timing chain or belt with your own hands

01/26/2022 29,787 Nissan Almera

Author: Ivan Baranov

You can change the timing chain at a car service center, as this is a labor-intensive process, but it will not be cheap. Replacing the timing chain on a Nissan Almera H16: a photo report and step-by-step instructions will help you perform the operation yourself. In addition, the article has a video that shows the entire process.

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Removing the old timing chain

1. First of all, you need to turn off the electrics - remove the terminals from the battery, disconnect the connectors from the ignition coils and unscrew the coils themselves. For convenience, number them so as not to be confused. Then you need to unscrew the valve cover bolts and remove it. The cover gasket is usually retained, but it would be a good idea to install a new one.
2. To gain access to the chain, you need to remove the timing protection. To do this, it is necessary to jack up the engine, since the timing case rests on the suspension cushion; if the cushion has lost its elasticity and there is a risk of damaging it when lifting the engine, simply unscrew the fasteners.
3. The third step is to drain the oil from the crankcase and the coolant from the cooling system. It is also advisable to change them, since such a case presents itself. To completely drain the oil, you must remove the pan. This is prevented by the exhaust pipe of the exhaust system, which we simply unscrew from the exhaust manifold. In this case, the sealing gasket will have to be replaced.

   
   rice. 1

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4. After the oil has completely drained, remove everything that may interfere with the removal and installation of the chain - power steering, air conditioning and generator belts. To do this, you will need to loosen the water pump pulley bolt and remove it. You can also remove the crankshaft gear, but so that it does not move along its axis. If this is not done, you will have to manipulate the hydraulic tensioner and damper.
5. Before removing the old chain, you need to set the shafts in the correct position. There are corresponding marks on the motor housing (see Fig. 2). The first piston must be at dead center, and all marks on the gears and housing must match. To achieve this, turn the crankshaft with a wrench, and when the risks coincide, you need to fix the shafts.

Fig.2

Option 1

In order to remove the crankshaft gear, you can place a wooden block or something like that between its teeth and the inner wall of the crankcase. Then remove the pump pulley and oil pump. The oil pump gasket is not saved - we install a new one.

Option 2

It is necessary to loosen the chain, for which we remove the upper stabilizer bar, the hydraulic tensioner, and then the lower bar. Now it is free and can be easily removed. This will keep the pulleys in the correct position.

Assembly

Assembly of the mechanism occurs in reverse. In this case, the engine will have to be cleaned of traces of used sealant, dirt and degreased. Installation of a new chain should be carried out in such a way that all marks match.

When installing the oil pump, we change all the seal rings. It is worth replacing them even if they have no visual defects. A layer of new sealant is applied to the engine panel, but you need to take into account the fact that in this case a sealant that can withstand high temperatures will do. We fasten the side cover and wait for the sealant to settle. We install the pump and a pre-prepared new gasket. Now the pulley is installed on the water pump, after which all the necessary bolts are tightened. On the valve cover, the old gasket is replaced with a new one. Now the pan and muffler return to their place.

All bolts should be tightened to the limit. That's basically it. Now the timing chain has been replaced with a new one, and this was done on our own, without the involvement of specialists, whose services, by the way, are not cheap at all.

Nissan Almera chain installation and assembly

1. There are three, or less often two, links on the chain that should be painted yellow or white. These links must match the marks on the gears. camshaft and crankshaft.
2. If you have not manipulated the hydraulic tensioner, then first you need to put the chain on the camshaft pulleys, and then on the crank gear. Then we install the gear on the shaft. When installing, make sure that the marks on the pulleys match the painted chain links and that the marks are in the correct position.
3. If the hydraulic tensioner bars have been removed, you need to put the chain on the shafts, ensuring that the marks match. After this, install the lower damper bar, hydraulic tensioner and upper bar. In this case, the assistance of a second person may be required.
4. After the chain is in place, the shafts are in their normal position and the marks on the chain, pulleys and engine housing correspond to each other, we begin to assemble the timing belt.
   In this case, the hydraulic tensioner piston should be in the same position as shown in Fig. 3. fig. 3
5. We put the oil pump, pump pulley and all belts in place. Then we install the oil pan, screw the receiving pipe with a new gasket to the exhaust manifold. Fill with new oil and coolant, timing case and valve cover. We install the ignition coils in the sequence in which they were installed, and also connect the wire connectors. We lower the engine from the jack.

As you can see, replacing the timing chain on a Nissan Almera N16 is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. Of course, you will waste your time, but you will be sure that everything was done efficiently.

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DIY chain replacement video

The Nissan Almera N16 was equipped with two petrol engines 1.5 (QG15DE) and 1.8 (QG18DE). Changing the gas distribution mechanism drive of these related engines follows the same algorithm. Replacing the Almera N16 timing chain may be required if direct or indirect faults occur. Direct signs of a stretched chain include:

• At the time of startup, when the engine is idling, periodic failures or rough operation .
• The appearance of extraneous noise , with a characteristic metallic ringing from the motor.
• When examining the gas distribution mechanism, wear of the teeth on the gears and increased output of the tension devices .

QG15DE Attachment Belt Side

Among the indirect factors indicating problems with the timing drive:

• unreasonable increase in engine temperature;
• tapping valves;
• decreased cravings;
• periodic occurrence of metallic knocks;
• formation of thick smoke from the exhaust system;
• increased fuel consumption;
• jerks in movement.

We'll tell you how to independently replace the timing drive on a Nissan Almera N16.

QG18DE at implement belt side

In what cases is replacement necessary?

The big advantage of the Nissan Almera H16 is that they are equipped not with a timing belt, which needs to be changed after 50-60 thousand kilometers, but with a chain. It ensures reliable operation of the gas distribution mechanism until the car travels more than 150-200 thousand km. The chain can only shift and stretch, it will never break, so the valves will not be damaged.

The timing chain needs to be changed as well as the belt, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. But there are times when the on-board computer displays error 0330, 0340, which indicates the position sensors of two shafts: the crankshaft and the camshaft. The cause of the error is a phase shift from the sensor of these shafts. Accurate diagnosis can be done using an oscilloscope. But usually this indicates that the chain has stretched. In this case, the timing chain needs to be replaced. Signs of replacement may include metallic sounds from under the hood and increased fuel consumption.

Spare parts and tools for replacing the timing chain on Almera H16 gasoline engines

Timing drive spare parts kit QG18DE

The process of replacing the Nissan Almera N16 timing chain begins with preparing the necessary tools and materials. To work you will need:

• pulley and sprocket pullers;
• jack;
• set of socket heads with extension;
• adjustable and torque wrench;
• chisel, hammer;
• a set of open-end and hex keys;
• screwdrivers for flat and Phillips heads;
• pliers;
• containers for draining used cooling and lubricating materials;
• solvent;
• sealant;
• block of wood;
• rags.

Pulley and sprocket puller

When selecting spare parts, you need to consider what engine is on your Nissan Almera N16. For the 1.8 engine you will need spare parts under the article numbers:

• 13028-4M51A – timing chain;
• 13070-95FOA – hydraulic tensioner;
• 13085-7J600 – guide bar;
• 13091-7J600 – damper;
• 13510-95FOA – crankshaft oil seal;
• 15066-5E510 – ring-type gaskets for oil and water pumps;
• 13270-95FOB - cylinder head gasket.

For one and a half liter engines it is necessary to prepare spare parts with the following articles:

• 13028-4M51A – timing chain;
• 13271-4M501 – gasket for the crankcase ventilation system;
• 13533-AU000 – oil pump spacer;
• 21049-4M500, 15066-95F0B – rubber seal rings;
• 13510-10Y10, 13021-4M501 – oil seal, crankshaft gear.

Crankshaft oil seal

Timing belt

The engine of any car is a rather complex technological mechanism. Every part of it is calculated by brilliant engineers with a tolerance down to microns, and it works with precision down to milliseconds. The moving parts are interconnected with maximum calculation. This was made possible thanks to the scrupulous precision of the gas distribution mechanism. The timing belt is the heart of any engine operating on the principle of internal combustion. The timing belt is a thick rubber toothed belt with threaded fabric pressed into it. It is put on the sprockets of both shafts: the camshaft and the adjacent crankshaft, and also drives the water pump.

The gas distribution system and the equally important ignition system are completely synchronized. Timing marks and adjustment marks of the ignition system help achieve this effect. At the moment, there are original timing belts for Nissan Almera N16 with article number 1680600QBB, as well as their analogues of proper quality. The table shows the article number and approximate price for these products.

These are the most popular timing products, which are most popular among Nissan Almera N16 owners.

Changing the timing chain of Almera N16

Let's look at replacing the Almera H16 timing chain using the 1.8 (DE) engine as an example. Material about this procedure on the 1.5 engine (QG15DE) can be found at the link.

Remove the covers and pulley

Replacing the Almera H16 timing chain begins with draining the coolant and oil. Further:

It's better to unscrew the spark plugs

1. Unscrew and remove the spark plugs.
2. Remove the attachment belts.
3. We dismantle the crankshaft pulley. The easiest way is to use the starter. To do this, place the key on the pulley fixing bolt and rest it against the engine mount or a rigid part of the body. Then crank the starter by turning the key in the ignition switch for a short time. This will loosen the tightening, after which the bolt is unscrewed so that a few turns remain in engagement. We install the puller, resting on the bolt, and remove the crankshaft pulley.

Crankshaft pulley

1. After unscrewing the two bolts, remove the tension roller .
2. Remove the pulley from the cooling pump , which is secured with four bolts.
3. We install the motor on a jack . The best place for the stop will be the connection between the gearbox and the engine.
4. We disconnect the wires from the sensors that interfere with access to the motor mount.
5. We dismantle the pillow by unscrewing four bolts from the power plant and two from the body.
6. Remove the valve cover by unscrewing the ten mounting bolts.
7. Next, remove the timing belt protective cover , which is held in place by two nuts and six bolts.
8. We dismantle the beams to obtain the necessary space to remove the engine pan.

Disconnect the wires and unscrew the engine mount

We install the gas distribution mechanism drive according to the marks

To correctly replace the Almera N16 timing chain, you need to set the marks by turning the crankshaft. Initially, you will need to set the oil pump bushing mark up. However, it does not fit the mark of the chain mechanism. Subsequently, the tension device is dismantled and the chain is removed.

Marks on camshafts

To install a new timing drive:

1. Let's lock the tensioner with a wire of a suitable cross-section through a special technological hole.
2. The timing marks must match the marks on the camshaft sprockets . On the left shaft it is made with one point, and on the right with four; the chain mark must be aligned with the second point. Sometimes you can find not dots, but marks made with paint.
3. You also need to match the mark on the chain with the point on the crankshaft sprocket .

Mark on the crankshaft sprocket

End of replacement

At the final stage of replacing the Nissan Almera H16 timing drive, you should do:

1. Thoroughly clean the contact surface of the protective casing of the gas distribution mechanism. Replace the pump and oil pump seals. Then apply sealant to the connecting part of the timing cover and install it in place.
2. Install the valve cover.
3. Install the oil pump bushing and accessory belt pulley.
4. Install the remaining elements following the reverse sequence of actions.
5. Check the operation of the power plant after the sealant has completely hardened. This takes half an hour. After starting the engine, pay attention to the absence of coolant and lubricant leaks.

Replacing front cover seals QG18DE

Step-by-step replacement instructions

Replacing the timing chain on a Nissan Almera H16 classic with your own hands at home, like replacing the belt, takes 3-4 hours. It is advisable to carry out the procedure on an overpass, inspection groove or lift.

Tools

To work, you need to prepare the following tools and consumables:

1. Hexagon at "6".
2. Heads for “12”, “13” and “14”.
3. Hammer.
4. Chisel.
5. Torque wrench.
6. Degreaser.
7. Sealant.
8. Clean rags.
9. Containers for draining oil and coolant.
10. Adjustable wrench.
11. Wooden block.
12. New timing chain.

Stages

1. At the first stage, it is necessary to disconnect the ignition coil from the power supply by disconnecting the cables.

Valve cover with ignition coils

• We unscrew the coils, dismantle them and label them with numbers according to the removal sequence, so as not to confuse them during installation.
• Next, disconnect the air pipes from the valve cover.
• On the valve cover, unscrew all the fastening bolts around the perimeter according to the instructions and remove the cover.
• To ensure that the right airbag does not interfere with the removal of engine parts, it must be dismantled.
• At the next stage, place the prepared container under the drain hole, unscrew the plug and drain the engine oil from the engine.
• Then remove the oil filter.
• Remove the clamp from the lower radiator pipe of the Nissan Almera H16 and drain the coolant into the prepared container. Then unscrew the cap from the radiator and drain the remaining liquid.
• Now we dismantle the radiator and remove the generator drive belt.
• Having loosened the clamp of the supply hose, we dismantle it.
• Next, remove the cylinder head. Having unscrewed 4 bolts, we dismantle the head cover along with the fan and its coupling.
• Before removing the engine pan, you need to remove the muffler so that it does not interfere by unscrewing the three bolts that secure it. Now you can remove the oil pan.
• After loosening the pump pulley mounting bolts, you need to remove the drive belts for the air conditioner and power steering.
• By inserting a wooden block between the side of the crankcase and the crankshaft to secure it, remove the crankshaft pulley. The pulley mounting bolt is unscrewed using an extension and a socket.
• After unscrewing the water pump pulley, remove it from its seat. The metallized gasket under the water pump is removed.
• Next, remove the oil pump. We disassembled and dismantled the right engine cover. The timing chain is now fully accessible.

A quick way to change the chain

Replacing the chain using the pulling method occurs without removing the front cover, replacing the tensioner, or the shoes of the Almera N16 gas distribution mechanism.

This will require draining the oil and coolant, as well as removing the valve cover. The essence of the method is to rivet the old and new chains. After this, they are connected, with further pulling along all timing sprockets. To do this, you will need to rotate the crankshaft, having previously unscrewed the spark plugs.

Opening the circuit

After the end of the new chain has made a full revolution , it is disconnected from the old timing drive and fixed with the second end of the new chain . All that remains is to install the previously removed elements.

Before performing operations, you should set a mark on the crankshaft pulley, and also fix the position of the camshaft marks in order to ensure that the links do not jump when pulling a new chain.

Connecting the chain