Engine Nissan Almera N16 with the index QG15DE or QG18DE is famous for its reliability, but the resource of its gas distribution mechanism is limited. Unlike many modern engines, where the chain lasts for decades, on these units it requires attention after 150 thousand kilometers. Ignoring signs of wear can lead to costly major repairs.
Replacement process timing chains on Nissan cars of this series is a technically complex task, requiring specialized tools and deep knowledge of the design. If you decide to do the repair yourself, you will have to deal with dismantling attachments and fine-tuning the valve timing. Errors at this stage are guaranteed to lead to the valves meeting the pistons.
In this article we will analyze in detail all stages of work, from diagnostics to final assembly. We will pay special attention to the selection of high-quality components and the subtleties of adjusting the tensioner, which beginners often miss. Proper execution of the work will return your car to its former dynamics and quietness of the engine.
Symptoms of wear and diagnosis of timing problems
Timing chain wear can be determined at an early stage by changes in the nature of engine operation. The very first and most common sign is a characteristic metallic ringing or rustling sound in the front of the engine, especially when cold. This sound occurs because the stretched chain begins to hit the casing, and the hydraulic tensioner has not yet had time to compensate for the play.
The next warning sign is unstable engine operation at idle speed. Computer diagnostics often show misfire errors, which are a consequence of faulty phases. If camshaft position sensor detects deviations, and the scanner displays error code P0340 or P0341, this is a direct reason to inspect the mechanism.
- 🔊 The appearance of a metallic clanging or chirping sound when starting a cold engine.
- ⚡ Increased fuel consumption and loss of power during acceleration for no apparent reason.
- ⚠️ Errors due to mismatch of valve timing on the dashboard or scanner.
Sometimes owners confuse chain noise with problems with the tension pulley or water pump. To exclude a false alarm, it is necessary to remove the decorative timing case and visually assess the condition of the belt (if it is on the auxiliary units) and the chain tension. A stretched chain has noticeable play when turning the crankshaft by hand.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a strong metal grinding noise and the Check Engine light comes on on the dashboard, stop using the vehicle immediately. Continuing to drive with a skipped chain will lead to bending of the valves and complete engine failure.
Selection of spare parts and necessary tools
The quality of repair directly depends on the selected spare parts. Original chain Nissan It lasts a long time, but has a high cost. Many experts recommend proven analogues from brands Dayco, Gates or SKF, which have proven themselves in operation on QG series motors. The main thing is not to buy cheap Chinese copies, which can stretch after 10 thousand kilometers.
The new chain must include: a tensioner, stabilizers (guide bars), camshaft and crankshaft sprockets, as well as oil seals. When replacing the chain, it is imperative to replace the oil pump, since its wear often goes in parallel with the wear of the timing belt. The timing cover and oil pan gaskets must be new to prevent oil leaks.
To carry out the work, you will need a standard set of tools, but you cannot do without special tools. Be sure to prepare shaft clamps and a special key for turning the crankshaft. If you don't have access to professional equipment, you can make temporary fixtures from plywood, but this increases the risk of setting up errors.
- 🔧 Set of socket heads (from 8 to 24 mm) and extensions.
- ⚙️ Special crankshaft and camshaft clamp (tool 11065-2Y000).
- 🔨 Hammer, chisel for knocking out pulleys and a puller for dismantling sprockets.
- Less than 100 thousand km
- 100-200 thousand km
- More than 200 thousand km
- I don't know for sure
Preparing the vehicle and dismantling attachments
Before starting work, it is necessary to ensure access to the front of the engine. To do this, remove the right wheel and plastic wheel arch liner, as well as the generator and air conditioning pump belt. Dismantling generator is often required to completely free up the space, although some craftsmen try to avoid this step, which complicates access to the tensioner.
The next step is to remove the upper timing case and disconnect the crankshaft position sensor connector. Do not forget to drain the coolant if you plan to dismantle the radiator or pipes that interfere with the removal of the front cover. This is an important precaution to avoid flooding electrical appliances with antifreeze.
☑️ Preparing to replace the chain
The crankshaft must be turned strictly clockwise until the marks align. There is a mark on the crankshaft pulley that should align with the notch on the cylinder block. The camshafts also have marks that should be directed straight up and coincide with the edge of the cylinder head. If the marks do not match, the chain has not yet stretched critically, but already requires attention.
⚠️ Attention: When dismantling the timing cover, be extremely careful with the seals and the contact surface. Microcracks in the plastic of the cover can lead to oil leaks in the future, so inspect the part for chips before reinstalling.
The process of replacing the circuit and adjusting the phases
After removing the cover and tensioner, you can begin dismantling the old chain. First, unscrew the crankshaft sprocket using the clamp. Then remove the dampers and the chain itself. Pay attention to the condition of the sprockets: if they are worn out or scuffed, they must be replaced, otherwise the new chain will quickly become unusable.
Installing a new chain begins by putting it on the crankshaft sprocket. It is important not to mix up the sides of the chain if it is color coded. While turning the shafts, put the chain on the camshaft sprockets, making sure the marks match. The color mark on the chain should match the mark on the intake shaft sprocket, and the other mark should match the mark on the exhaust shaft.
Install new tensioner and dampers. The tensioner must first be compressed and fixed (if it is a mechanical type) or set to the working position (if it is hydraulic). After installing the timing cover, you can release the tensioner lock. In hydraulic systems, the oil itself will push the plunger, creating the necessary tension.
How to check if the phases are installed correctly?
After assembly, rotate the crankshaft by hand two full turns. If the motor does not knock and the marks coincide again, everything has been done correctly. If the marks do not match, it means that the chain has jumped one tooth, and the procedure must be repeated from the beginning.
Pay special attention to the installation of the crankshaft oil seal. It must be pressed evenly, without distortions, using a mandrel or a piece of pipe of suitable diameter. A crooked oil seal will leak immediately after starting the engine. Also check the condition of the crankshaft pulley if it has cracks or signs of turning.
Before final tightening the timing cover bolts, apply sealant to the threads, but do not overdo it so that excess does not get inside the engine and clog the oil passages.
Assembling and checking the result
Assembly is carried out in reverse order. Reinstall the alternator, belt and attachments. Refill with fresh engine oil and coolant. Before the first start, you need to crank the crankshaft with the starter for 2-3 seconds without fuel supply (removing the fuel pump fuse) to fill the oil system and hydraulic tensioner.
After starting the engine, listen carefully to its operation. In the first seconds, the sound of the hydraulic tensioner may be heard, but it should quickly disappear. If the sound persists, check the oil level and the correct installation of the chain. Let the engine idle while monitoring the temperature and the panel for errors.
Check for oil leaks in the area of the timing cover and seals. If necessary, tighten the cover bolts, but do this with care so as not to strip the threads in the aluminum cylinder head. Let the car cool down and carry out a test drive, checking operation in different modes.
| Component | Original number | Analogue | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain | 13028-AX600 | Dayco 94593 | Replace as a set |
| Tensioner | 13028-AX601 | Gates T38011 | Check the stroke of the rod |
| Tranquilizer | 13038-AX600 | SKF VKM 11000 | Change everything at once |
| Crankshaft oil seal | 11300-AX600 | Corteco 800023 | Install with sealant |
⚠️ Attention: After replacing the circuit, be sure to reset the ECU adaptations (if applicable to your firmware version) or let the car “drive” in different modes to learn idle speed.
Correct installation of marks and the use of a high-quality set of spare parts is the key to long service life of the Nissan Almera N16 engine without the need for repeated timing belt repairs in the next 100 thousand kilometers.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One of the most common mistakes is trying to turn the crankshaft without locking the camshafts. This leads to rotation of the shafts under the action of the valve springs and phase imbalance. If this happens, you will have to remove the cover again and set the marks. Always use clamps when working with the mechanism.
Another common problem is poor cleaning of the timing cover contact surface. Old sealant and dirt cause the new gasket to fail to seal the joint. Thoroughly clean surfaces with solvent and degrease before applying new sealant. This will take time, but will save you hours of work fixing the leaks.
Sometimes craftsmen forget to replace the crankshaft oil seal, believing that the old one will still serve. In practice, the old oil seal quickly leaks after removing the cover, as it loses elasticity. Replacing the oil seal is a mandatory item that should not be ignored in order to save 500-1000 rubles.
What to do if the chain jumps onto a tooth?
If the marks do not match when checking, it means the chain has jumped. You will have to remove the cover, re-tension the chain, align the shafts to the marks and move the chain to the correct position. This is a labor-intensive process that requires patience.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What is the mileage of the timing chain on Nissan Almera N16?
The life of the chain depends on the quality of service and driving style. On average, it runs from 150 to 200 thousand kilometers. However, if low-quality oil is used, this period can be halved.
Is it possible to replace just the chain, without the tensioner?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. The old tensioner is already worn out and may not provide the proper tension for the new chain, causing it to quickly stretch and jump. Needs to be replaced as a set.
Do I need to replace the oil pump when replacing the chain?
On QG series engines, the oil pump is driven by a timing chain. Pump wear often occurs in parallel with chain wear. If there are doubts about its operation or the mileage is more than 200 thousand, it is better to replace the pump immediately so as not to disassemble everything again.
How long does it take to replace a timing chain?
An experienced master spends 4 to 6 hours on this work. A beginner without special tools may need up to 8-10 hours, especially if he has to adjust the clamps and deal with stuck bolts.
What errors does the ECU give when the chain is stretched?
The most common codes are P0340 (Camshaft Position Sensor) and P0341 (Sensor Signal Incorrect). Misfire errors (P0300-P0304) are also possible due to phase violations.