Nissan Pathfinder (2008 year). Manual - part 378

TIMING CHAIN

EM-187

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

[VK56DE]

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

EM

N

P

O

8.

Remove the oil pump drive spacer.
• Hold and remove the flat space of the oil pump drive spacer by

pulling it forward. 

9.

Remove the oil pump. Refer to 

LU-30, "Removal and Installation"

.

10. Remove the chain tensioner on the LH bank using the following steps.

NOTE:
To remove the timing chain and associated parts, start with those on the LH bank. The procedure for
removing parts on the RH bank is omitted because it is the same as that for the LH bank. 

a.

Squeeze the return-proof clip ends using suitable tool and push
the plunger into the tensioner body.

b.

Secure the plunger using stopper pin.
• Stopper pin is made from hard wire approximately 1 mm (0.04

in) in diameter.

c.

Remove the bolts and chain tensioner.

WARNING:

Plunger, spring, and spring seat pop out when (squeezing)
return-proof clip without holding plunger head. It may
cause serious injuries. Always hold plunger head when
removing.

NOTE:
• Stop the plunger in the fully extended position by using the

return-proof clip (1) if the stopper pin is removed.

• Push the plunger (2) into the tensioner body while squeezing

the return-proof clip (1). Secure it using stopper pin (3).

11. Remove the timing chain tension guide and timing chain slack guide.

12. Remove the timing chain and crankshaft sprocket.

13. Loosen the camshaft sprocket bolts as shown and remove the

camshaft sprocket.

CAUTION:

To avoid interference between valves and pistons, do not
turn crankshaft or camshaft when timing chain is discon-
nected.

14. Repeat the same procedure to remove the RH timing chain and

associated parts.

INSPECTION AFTER REMOVAL

KBIA2512E

KBIA2479E

KBIA2483E

WBIA0799E

EM-188

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

[VK56DE]

TIMING CHAIN

Check for cracks and any excessive wear at link plates. Replace
chain if necessary.
• In the same way as for the LH bank, inspect the timing chain and

associated parts on the RH bank.

INSTALLATION

NOTE:
• The above figure shows the relationship between the mating mark on each timing chain and that of the cor-

responding sprocket, with the components installed.

• To install the timing chain and associated parts, start with those on the RH bank. The procedure for installing

parts on the LH bank is omitted because it is the same as that for installation on the RH bank.

PBIC0282E

AWBIA0150ZZ

1.

RH bank Camshaft sprocket (INT) 
(VTC) 

2.

RH bank Camshaft sprocket (EXH)

3.

RH bank camshaft dowel pin 

4.

Timing chain

5.

RH bank Timing chain slack guide

6.

Primary timing chain tensioner

7.

Crankshaft sprocket

8.

Crankshaft key

9.

LH Timing chain tension guide

10. Timing chain

11.

LH Camshaft dowel pin 

12. LH bank Camshaft sprocket (EXH)

13. LH bank Camshaft sprocket (INT) 

(VTC)

14. Secondary timing chain tensioner

15. RH bank timing chain tension guide

16. LH timing chain slack guide

A.

LH bank

B.

RH bank

C.

Alignment mark (Link color: copper)

D.

Alignment mark (Link color: copper)

E.

Alignment mark (Identification mark)

F.

Alignment mark for LH bank (Notch) G.

Alignment mark for LH bank (Link 
color: Yellow)

H.

Alignment mark for RH bank (Link 
color: Yellow)

J.

Alignment mark (Link color: copper)

K.

Alignment mark (Identification mark) L.

Alignment mark (Identification mark)

M

Alignment mark (Link color: copper)

N.

Alignment mark (Identification mark)

TIMING CHAIN

EM-189

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

[VK56DE]

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

EM

N

P

O

1.

Make sure the crankshaft key and RH bank camshaft dowel pin
and LH bank camshaft dowel pin are facing in the direction
shown.

2.

Install the camshaft sprockets.
• Install the intake camshaft sprocket (VTC) (A) and exhaust

camshaft sprockets (B) by selectively using the groove of the
dowel pin according to the bank. (Common part used for both
exhaust banks.) 

• Lock the hexagonal part of the camshaft in the same way as

for removal, and tighten the bolts.

• A : Intake
• B = V: Exhaust

3.

Install the crankshaft sprockets for both banks.
• Install LH bank crankshaft sprocket (B) and RH bank crank-

shaft sprocket (C) so that their flange side (A) (the larger diam-
eter side without teeth) faces in the direction shown.
NOTE:
The same parts are used but facing directions are different.

4.

Install the timing chains and associated parts.
• Align the alignment mark on each sprocket and the timing chain for installation.

CAUTION:

• Before installing timing chain tensioner, it is possible to change the position of alignment mark

on timing chain and each sprocket. After the alignment marks are aligned, keep them aligned
by holding them by hand.

• Install the slack guides and tension guides onto the correct side by checking the identification mark on

the surface.

• Install the timing chain tensioner with the plunger locked in with the stopper pin.

CAUTION:

• Before and after the installation of the timing chain tensioner, make sure that the alignment

mark on the timing chain is not out of alignment.

• After installing the timing chain tensioner, remove the stopper pin to release the tensioner.

Make sure the tensioner is released.

• To avoid chain-link skipping of the timing chain, do not move crankshaft or camshafts until the

front cover is installed.

5.

In the same way as for the RH bank, install the timing chain and associated parts on the LH bank.

6.

Install the oil pump. 

SBIA0356E

AWBIA0151ZZ

WBIA0701E

EM-190

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

[VK56DE]

TIMING CHAIN

7.

Install the oil pump drive spacer as follows:
• Install so that the front mark on the front edge of the oil pump

drive spacer faces the front of the engine.

• Insert the oil pump drive spacer according to the directions of

the crankshaft key and the two flat surfaces of the oil pump
inner rotor. 

• If the positional relationship does not allow the insertion, rotate

the oil pump inner rotor to allow the oil pump drive spacer to
be inserted.

8.

Install the front oil seal using suitable tool.

CAUTION:

Do not scratch or make burrs on the circumference of the
oil seal.

9.

Install the chain tensioner cover.
• Apply liquid gasket as shown.

Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant or equivalent. Refer to

GI-26, "Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants"

. 

10. Install the front cover as follows:
a.

Install a new O-ring on the cylinder block.

KBIA2490E

PBIC0059E

KBIA2547E

KBIA2516E

TIMING CHAIN

EM-191

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

[VK56DE]

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

EM

N

P

O

b.

Apply liquid gasket as shown.
Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant or equivalent. Refer to

GI-26, "Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants"

.

c.

Check again that the timing alignment marks on the timing chain
and on each sprocket are aligned. Then install the front cover.

d.

Install the bolts in the numerical order shown.

e.

After tightening, re-tighten to the specified torque.

CAUTION:

Be sure to wipe off any excessive liquid gasket leaking onto
surface mating with oil pan.

11. Install the Intake valve control solenoid valve cover (RH) (A) and

Intake valve control solenoid valve cover (LH) (B) as follows:
• *: Cross mark (C) that can not be seen after assembly

a.

Apply liquid gasket (D) as shown.
Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant or equivalent. Refer to

GI-26, "Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants"

.

CAUTION:

The start and end of the application of the liquid gasket
should be crossed at a position that cannot be seen after
attaching the Intake valve control solenoid valve cover.

b.

Install the bolts in the numerical order shown.

12. Install the crankshaft pulley.

• Install the key of the crankshaft.
• Insert the pulley by lightly tapping it.

CAUTION:

Do not tap pulley on the side surface where the belt is installed (outer circumference).

13. Tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt.

• Lock the crankshaft using suitable tool, then tighten the bolt. 
• Perform the following steps for angular tightening:

a.

Apply engine oil onto the threaded parts of the bolt and seating area.

KBIA2517E

M6 

×

 50 mm (1.97 in)

: No. 1, 20, 25, 26, 27

M6 

×

 80 mm (3.15 in)

: No. 4, 5, 7

M6 

×

 20 mm (0.79 in)

: Except the above

KBIA2478E

D : 2.6 - 3.6 mm (0.102 - 0.142 in) dia.

WBIA0800E

WBIA0798E

EM-192

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

[VK56DE]

TIMING CHAIN

b.

Select the one most visible notch of the four on the bolt flange.
Corresponding to the selected notch, put a alignment mark
(such as paint) on the crankshaft pulley. 

14. Rotate the crankshaft pulley in normal direction (clockwise when

viewed from engine front) to check for parts interference.

15. Installation of the remaining components is in the reverse of

order of removal.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

Inspection for Leaks

The following are procedures for checking fluid leaks, lubricant leaks and exhaust gases leaks.
• Before starting engine, check oil/fluid levels including engine coolant and engine oil. If less than required

quantity, fill to the specified level. Refer to 

MA-10, "Fluids and Lubricants"

.

• Use procedure below to check for fuel leakage.
• Turn ignition switch “ON” (with engine stopped). With fuel pressure applied to fuel piping, check for fuel leak-

age at connection points.

• Start engine. With engine speed increased, check again for fuel leakage at connection points.
• Run engine to check for unusual noise and vibration.

NOTE:
If hydraulic pressure inside timing chain tensioner drops after removal/installation, slack in the guide may
generate a pounding noise during and just after engine start. However, this is normal. Noise will stop after
hydraulic pressure rises.

• Warm up engine thoroughly to make sure there is no leakage of fuel, exhaust gases, or any oil/fluids includ-

ing engine oil and engine coolant.

• Bleed air from lines and hoses of applicable lines, such as in cooling system.
• After cooling down engine, again check oil/fluid levels including engine oil and engine coolant. Refill to the

specified level, if necessary.

Summary of the inspection items:

* Transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, etc.

Crankshaft pulley bolt torque

Step 1

: 93.1 N·m (9.5 kg-m, 69 ft-lb)

Step 2

: additional 90

°

 (angle tightening)

KBIA2519E

Item

Before starting engine

Engine running

After engine stopped

Engine coolant

Level

Leakage

Level

Engine oil

Level

Leakage

Level

Other oils and fluid*

Level

Leakage

Level

Fuel

Leakage

Leakage

Leakage

CAMSHAFT

EM-193

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

[VK56DE]

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

A

EM

N

P

O

CAMSHAFT

Components

INFOID:0000000001683805

Removal and Installation

INFOID:0000000001683806

NOTE:
Do not remove the engine assembly to perform this procedure.

REMOVAL

1.

Remove the RH bank and LH bank rocker covers. Refer to 

EM-178, "Removal and Installation"

.

AWBIA0101GB

1.

Cylinder head RH bank

2.

Camshaft bracket (No. 2, 3, 4, 5)

3.

Valve lifter

4.

Camshaft bracket (No. 1)

5.

Seal washer

6.

Camshaft RH bank (EXH)

7.

Camshaft RH bank (INT)

8.

Camshaft LH bank (INT)

9.

Camshaft LH bank (EXH)

10. Camshaft sprocket RH bank (EXH)

11.

Camshaft sprocket RH bank (INT) 
(VTC)

12. Camshaft sprocket LH bank (INT) 

(VTC)

13. Camshaft sprocket LH bank (EXH)

14. Camshaft position sensor (PHASE)

15. O-ring

16. Cylinder head LH bank

A.

Refer to 

EM-193

EM-194

< ON-VEHICLE REPAIR >

[VK56DE]

CAMSHAFT

2.

Obtain compression TDC of No. 1 cylinder as follows:

a.

Turn the crankshaft pulley clockwise to align the TDC identifica-
tion notch (without paint mark) with the timing indicator on the
front cover. 

b.

At this time, make sure both intake and exhaust cam lobes of
No. 1 cylinder (top front on LH bank) point outside.
• If they do not point outside, turn crankshaft pulley once more.

3.

Remove the intake valve control solenoid cover RH bank (A)
and intake valve control solenoid cover LH bank (B) as follows: 

a.

Loosen and remove the bolts as shown. 

b.

Cut the liquid gasket and remove the covers using Tool.

CAUTION:

Do not damage mating surfaces.

4.

Paint alignment marks on the RH bank (A) timing chain links (C)
and LH bank (B) timing chain links (D) and align with the cam-
shaft sprocket alignment marks (E) and (F).

5.

Remove the LH bank timing chain tensioner using the following steps.

WARNING:

Plunger, spring, and spring seat pop out when squeezing return-proof clip without holding
plunger head. It may cause serious injuries. Always hold plunger head when removing.

KBIA2476E

KBIA0400J

Tool number

: KV10111100 (J-37228)

WBIA0798E

AWBIA0154ZZ