Engine VQ35DE or VQ35HRcrossover mounted Nissan Murano second generation (Z51), is considered one of the most reliable units in its class. However, the resource of the gas distribution mechanism even for such engines is not infinite. Operating the car in difficult urban conditions, frequent warm-ups and the use of low-quality oil can lead to premature stretching of the chain.
Ignoring symptoms of timing belt wear Nissan Murano Z51 is fraught with not just a loss of power, but also a major overhaul of the engine. Unlike some competitors, where replacing the belt is a simple procedure, here we are talking about complex disassembly of the front part of the power unit. The correct approach to maintenance requires a deep understanding of the design and strict adherence to flow charts.
In this article we will look at all aspects of timing chain replacement: from diagnostics to final assembly. You will learn how to distinguish normal wear and tear from critical wear, what spare parts are really needed and how to avoid common mistakes during repairs. If you plan to do the work yourself or control the process in the service, this information will become an indispensable guide for you.
Signs of chain stretching and engine diagnostics
You can identify the problem at an early stage by the characteristic sound. When starting a cold engine, you may hear a metallic clanking or rustling sound coming from the front of the engine. This sound usually lasts 2-3 seconds until the oil pump creates the necessary pressure to tension the chain.
Over time, the noise becomes constant and can be heard even when the engine is hot. This indicates that chain tensioner no longer copes with its task, and the chain itself has lengthened significantly. This sound should not be confused with the knocking of hydraulic compensators or the operation of fuel injectors - the sound of a worn chain has a lower frequency and a metallic tint.
An important symptom is a change in engine performance. Misfire may occur, especially at low speeds, and increased fuel consumption. The light on the dashboard sometimes comes on Check Engine with error codes indicating mismatch of valve timing. For example, error P0011 or P0021 often indicates a phase shift.
For accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to check the phase advance angle using a diagnostic scanner. If the deviation exceeds 5-7 degrees, this is a direct signal to replace the mechanism. A chain stretch of more than 10% makes it impossible for the VVT phase change system to operate correctly and requires immediate intervention.
Selection of quality spare parts and consumables
Saving on timing parts for Nissan Murano Z51 - this is a direct path to repeated repairs in a short time. Original chain from Nissan It lasts a long time, but its cost is high. If you choose non-original analogues, pay attention to proven brands, such as Dayco, ContiTech or Gates. Cheap Chinese kits often do not withstand even 50 thousand kilometers.
In addition to the chain itself, it is critical to replace all associated elements. Chain tensioners lose elasticity over time, and guides wear out to the point of plastic shavings. It is also necessary to replace the cover gaskets and crankshaft seals, since their service life often coincides with the service life of the chain.
- 🔧 Timing chain kit (including drive and driven sprockets, if not original)
- 🔧 Hydraulic chain tensioners (preferably new, not refurbished)
- 🔧 Chain guides (calcifiers) must be new, old ones may crumble
- 🔧 Engine front cover and valve cover gasket kit
- 🔧 Crankshaft oil seal (front)
Many mechanics recommend immediately changing the oil filter and adding fresh oil before assembly. This will wash away wear products and ensure cleanliness in the lubrication system from the first seconds of engine operation. Use oil with a viscosity recommended by the manufacturer for your climate region.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to save money on guides. Old plastic left in the system can get into the oil pump or clog the oil receiver screen, leading to oil starvation and scoring in the cylinders.
Preparatory work and removal of attachments
Before starting work, it is necessary to ensure access to the front of the engine. To do this, you will need to remove the battery, air filter and air filter housing. Next, the pipes of the cooling and crankcase ventilation system are disconnected, which interfere with the dismantling of the upper part of the attachment.
The next step is to remove the generator, air conditioning compressor and power steering pump. These units are usually suspended on brackets that are attached to the cylinder block. Be extremely careful with your air conditioner hoses to avoid damaging them and losing freon.
It is also necessary to remove the attachment belt and crankshaft pulley. This requires a special damper tool or a powerful socket with an extension. It is important to secure the flywheel so that the crankshaft does not rotate when the pulley bolt is unscrewed. You can use a stopper through the window in the clutch housing or a special clamp.
- 🛠️ Remove the engine protection and pan if necessary (to access the lower cover bolts)
- 🛠️ Unscrew the generator and compressor brackets, but do not completely disconnect the air conditioner pipes
- 🛠️ Remove the upper cooling radiator and fan if they interfere with access to the timing cover
Removing the timing cover and old chain
After removing the attachment, access to the front engine cover opens. It is attached with many bolts of different sizes. Be careful: some bolts may be hidden under decorative plugs or plastic covers. Before unscrewing, remember or photograph the location of the bolts, as they have different lengths.
Carefully remove the cover using a thin flathead screwdriver to pry into the service grooves. Be careful not to damage the mating surface of the cylinder block, as even the slightest scratch will cause oil to leak in the future. If the lid is stuck, use a chemical sealant remover and tap gently with a rubber hammer.
Next you need to remove the camshaft sprockets. Before doing this, be sure to set the engine to TDC (top dead center) of the first cylinder. Align the marks on the camshaft gears with the marks on the cylinder head. This is critical for proper installation of the new mechanism.
Remove the chain tensioners and dampers. When dismantling the tensioners, be prepared for oil leakage. Remove the old chain, tracking the position of the sprockets. If the sprockets are worn, they also need to be replaced, otherwise the new chain will quickly stretch.
⚠️ Attention: When removing the timing cover, try to prevent dirt and debris from getting inside the engine. Even small particles of sealant can block oil passages.
- Up to 100,000
- 100 000 - 200 000
- More than 200,000
- I bought it used with unknown mileage
Installing a new circuit and adjusting phases
Installing a new chain requires extreme precision. Start by installing new sprockets on the camshafts. Make sure that the marks on the new sprockets match the marks on the cylinder head. These are usually colored chain links that must match the marks on the gears.
Then install a new chain, tensioners and dampers. The tensioner must be installed in a discharged state, but with a lock, which is removed only after checking the phases. Make sure the chain is tensioned correctly and does not have any slack in long sections.
Before installing the timing cover, apply a new layer of sealant to the mating surfaces. Use a quality sealant, e.g. ThreeBond 1217 or equivalent from Loctite. Apply sealant in a continuous line without breaks, especially at the junction of the cover and cylinder block.
Replace the cover and tighten the bolts in a specific sequence, starting from the center. The tightening torque must comply with the technical requirements. After tightening, remove the clamp from the tensioners so that they can operate under oil pressure.
- 🔧 Align the colored chain links with the marks on the camshaft sprockets
- 🔧 Check that the mark on the crankshaft sprocket matches the mark on the block
- 🔧 Install new tensioners and remove clamps only after checking
- 🔧 Apply sealant to the lid and let it dry before reassembling
☑️ Check before starting the engine
What to do if the labels don't match?
If after assembly the marks do not match, then the phases are set incorrectly. This will cause the engine to idle, but as the revs increase, misfire and loss of power may occur. In this case, you will have to disassemble the timing cover again and check the position of the crankshaft and camshafts.
Assembly and final check of engine operation
Assembly of attachments is carried out in the reverse order. Install the crankshaft pulley, alternator, air conditioning compressor and all pipes. Be sure to replace the crankshaft pulley bolts as they are disposable and can stretch when removed.
Before starting for the first time, it is recommended to turn the engine manually a few revolutions using a wrench on the crankshaft pulley. This will help ensure that there is no binding and that the pistons do not collide with the valves. If the engine rotates freely, you can add oil and start the engine.
After starting, let the engine idle and check for oil leaks from under the timing cover. Listen to the operation of the timing mechanism - it should work quietly and smoothly. If the sound remains, perhaps low-quality spare parts were installed or an error was made during assembly.
The final stage is diagnostics with a scanner. Check for errors and make sure that the phase advance angles are within normal limits. If all indicators are in order, you can close the hood and return the car to operation.
⚠️ Attention: Do not allow the engine to overheat immediately after replacing the chain. Let it idle to check the coolant is circulating and there are no air pockets.
Replace the crankshaft pulley bolt with a new one. The old bolt has a special tapered thread that deforms when tightened. Reusing an old bolt may cause it to loosen and cause serious damage.
A high-quality replacement of the timing chain is not only a replacement of the chain itself, but also an update of all tensioners, dampers, seals and gaskets, as well as a thorough check of the valve timing.
Cost of repairs and timing of work
Replacing the timing chain with Nissan Murano Z51 - a labor-intensive procedure that takes from 10 to 15 hours of work by a qualified craftsman. Repair costs typically include labor, parts, and supplies. The price may vary depending on the region, the chosen service and the quality of spare parts.
If you decide to do the repairs yourself, you will save on labor, but will spend time searching for parts and learning the technology. For those who trust repairs to specialists, it is important to choose a service that has experience working with series engines VQ. An installation mistake can be very costly.
Below is the estimated cost of spare parts and labor to replace the timing chain:
| Name | Approximate price (RUB) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Timing chain kit (original) | 45 000 - 60 000 | Includes chains, sprockets, tensioners |
| Timing chain kit (analog) | 20 000 - 35 000 | Quality brands Dayco, Gates |
| Replacement work | 25 000 - 40 000 | Depends on the difficulty of access |
| Oil and filter | 5 000 - 8 000 | Complete oil change |
| Sealant and gaskets | 3 000 - 5 000 | Front cover gasket kit |
The total amount of repairs can range from 70,000 to 110,000 rubles. This is a significant investment, but it pays off in the reliability and safety of the engine. Remember that preventative repairs are always cheaper than major engine repairs after a broken circuit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to drive with a stretched timing chain?
It is possible for a short time, but it is highly not recommended. A stretched chain can jump one tooth, which will lead to a violation of the valve timing. In a worst-case scenario, the chain may break, causing the pistons to meet the valves and requiring a major engine overhaul.
How long does the timing chain last on a Nissan Murano Z51?
The original chain, subject to oil change regulations and the use of high-quality lubricants, can last up to 200,000 km. However, in practice, wear often occurs earlier, especially when used in a city with frequent traffic jams and short trips.
Do I need to change chain tensioners when replacing a chain?
Yes, definitely. Tensioners are a consumable item and lose their effectiveness over time. Installing new tensioners ensures the new chain is properly tensioned and prevents premature wear.
Is it possible to replace just one chain on a VQ35 engine?
Technically possible, but impractical. All circuits in the engine operate under the same conditions and have a similar service life. If one chain is stretched, then the rest are in poor condition. Replacing all chains at once will ensure even wear and reliability.
How often should the oil be changed to extend the life of the chain?
For Nissan VQ series engines, it is recommended to change the oil every 7,500 - 10,000 km. Use of approved oil SN or higher and quality filters are critical to prevent wear on the hydraulic tensioners and the chain itself.