Nissan Pathfinder: Removal and Installation - Front Timing Chain Case ++

Nissan Pathfinder (R53) 2022-2025 Service Manual / Engine :: Engine Mechanical / Vq35dd :: Removal and Installation / Front Timing Chain Case ++

Exploded View

1.	Engine assembly	2.	Front timing chain case oil filter	3.	Crankshaft pulley
4.	Front oil seal	5.	Front timing chain case	6.	O-ring
A.	To valve timing control cover (bank 1/bank 2). Refer to Exploded View.	B.	Refer to Removal and Installation.		Front

Removal and Installation

NOTE:

When removing components such as hoses, tubes/lines, etc., cap or plug openings to prevent fluid from spilling.

Remove and secure engine assembly to stand. Refer to Setting.

If removing the timing chains, obtain compression TDC of No. 1 cylinder as follows:Disconnect the vacuum hose from intake manifold collector. Refer to Exploded View. Disconnect the engine mount insulator (front) vacuum hose. Refer to Exploded View. Disconnect VIAS control solenoid valve harness connectors. Refer to Component Parts Location. Disconnect the harness connector from the electronic controlled engine mount control solenoid valve. Remove the electronic controlled engine mount control solenoid valve. Refer to Component Parts Location. Remove the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve hose. Refer to Exploded View. Disconnect the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve harness connector. Refer to Exploded View. Disconnect electronic throttle control actuator harness connector. Refer to Exploded View. Disconnect PCV hose from intake manifold collector. Loosen the intake manifold collector bolts and nuts in reverse of the sequence shown and then remove the intake manifold collector and intake manifold collector gasket.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse intake manifold collector gasket.

Loosen intake manifold nuts and bolts in reverse of the sequence shown.

: Engine front

Remove intake manifold and intake manifold gasket.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse intake manifold gasket.

Remove intake manifold studs (if necessary). Remove bolts (A) and remove high pressure fuel pump cover (1).

Remove high pressure fuel pump insulator. Refer to Exploded View. Remove insulator. Refer to Exploded View. Release clip (A) and disconnect fuel feed hose (1) from high pressure fuel pump (2).

Disengage fuel feed hose from clip and reposition. Remove bolts from fuel feed tube bracket and reposition fuel feed tube bracket and harness. Remove high pressure fuel tube (pump side). Refer to Exploded View.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse high pressure fuel tube (pump side).

Disconnect the harness connector from the high pressure fuel pump. Loosen high pressure fuel pump bolts while alternating sides frequently and remove high pressure fuel pump.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-ring.

Do not disassemble plunger on bottom of high pressure fuel pump.

Disconnect the exhaust camshaft position sensor (bank 2), exhaust camshaft position sensor (bank 1), intake camshaft position sensor (bank 2), intake camshaft position sensor (bank 1) harness connectors. Remove the exhaust camshaft position sensor (bank 2), exhaust camshaft position sensor (bank 1), intake camshaft position sensor (bank 2), intake camshaft position sensor (bank 1). Refer to Exploded View.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-rings.

Remove ignition coils. Refer to Exploded View.

CAUTION:

Do not shock ignition coils.

Loosen rocker cover bolts in reverse of the sequence shown.

Rocker cover (bank 2)
Rocker cover (bank 1)

: Engine front

Remove the rocker cover (bank 2/bank 1) and rocker cover gasket (bank 2/bank 1).

CAUTION:

Do not reuse rocker cover gasket (bank 2/bank 1).

Rotate crankshaft pulley clockwise to align timing mark (grooved line without color) with timing indicator (A).

Check that intake and exhaust camshaft lobes on No. 1 cylinder (RH of engine) are located as shown.

: Engine front

If not, turn the crankshaft one revolution (360°) and align as shown.

NOTE:

The graphic shows the bank 1 of the engine. The camshaft lobes on the bank 2 are clocked differently.

While securely holding the hexagonal part in pulley center of drive belt auto-tensioner, move in the direction of arrow (loosening direction of drive belt auto-tensioner) using suitable tool.

WARNING:

Avoid placing hand in a location where pinching may occur if the holding tool accidentally comes off.

CAUTION:

Do not loosen the drive belt auto-tensioner pulley bolt. (Do not turn it counterclockwise. If turned counterclockwise, the complete drive belt auto-tensioner must be replaced as a unit, including pulley.)

Insert a rod approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) in diameter through the rear of drive belt auto-tensioner into retaining boss to lock drive belt auto-tensioner pulley.

NOTE:

Leave drive belt auto-tensioner pulley arm locked until drive belt is installed.

Remove drive belt from crankshaft pulley and then remove it from the other pulleys.

Disconnect the harness connectors from the compressor.

Remove the compressor. Refer to Exploded View.

Remove "B" terminal nut and disconnect "B" terminal harness.

Disconnect the harness connector from generator.

Remove the generator. Refer to Exploded View.

Remove the crankshaft pulley as follows:

Secure crankshaft pulley with a suitable tool.
Loosen crankshaft pulley bolt and locate bolt seating surface at 10 mm (0.39 in) from its original position.
Position a suitable tool at recess hole of crankshaft pulley to remove crankshaft pulley.

CAUTION:
Do not use a puller claw on the outer diameter of the crankshaft pulley.

Disconnect the harness connector from the engine oil pressure sensor and engine oil temperature sensor.

Remove water pipe. Refer to Exploded View.

Disconnect the water hoses from the oil cooler.

Loosen the oil pan (lower) bolts in reverse of the sequence shown.

Remove the oil pan (lower).

CAUTION:

Do not damage the mating surfaces.

After removing the bolts, separate the mating surface and remove the old liquid gasket using Tool (A).
Tap (B) the Tool to insert it.
In areas where the Tool is difficult to use, lightly tap (C) to slide it.

Tool number (A) : KV10111100 (NI-37228)

Remove the old sealant from the bolt holes and threads.

Disconnect the harness connector from the engine oil pressure control solenoid valve.

Remove bolts (B) and remove engine oil pressure control solenoid valve (2).

CAUTION:

Do not reuse engine oil pressure control solenoid valve.

Remove bolt (A) and remove oil pump drive chain cover (1).

Rotate oil pump drive chain tensioner (1) counterclockwise with a suitable tool and remove oil pump drive chain (2) from oil pump gear.

Remove the oil pump bolts (A) in reverse of the sequence shown and remove (if necessary).

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-rings (1).

NOTE:

If removal of oil pump is not necessary, remove bolt (A) before removing oil pan (upper).

Remove the oil pan (upper) using the following procedure:Remove the oil pan (upper) bolts in reverse of the sequence shown.

Insert a suitable tool (B) into the notch (C) of the oil pan [upper (1)] as shown.

Remove the oil pan (upper) by moving the suitable tool up and down (A) as shown.

Remove the O-ring from the bottom of the cylinder block and oil pump housing.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-ring.

Remove front cover gasket and rear oil seal retainer gasket.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse front cover gasket or rear oil seal retainer gasket.

Remove the old sealant from the mating surfaces using a suitable tool (A).

Also remove the old sealant from mating surface of the cylinder block.
Remove the old sealant from the bolt holes and threads.

CAUTION:

Do not scratch or damage the mating surfaces when cleaning off the old sealant.

Remove engine mounting bracket (RH). Refer to Exploded View.

Disconnect the harness connectors from electric intake valve timing control actuator and the exhaust valve timing control solenoid valve. Refer to Exploded View.

Remove the intake valve timing control cover [bank 1 (A)] and intake valve timing control cover [bank 2 (B)].

Loosen the intake valve timing control cover [bank 1 (A)] and intake valve timing control cover [bank 2 (B)] bolts in the reverse order as shown.

CAUTION:
The shaft in the intake valve timing control cover is inserted into the center hole of the intake camshaft sprocket. Remove the intake valve timing control cover by pulling straight out until the intake valve timing control cover disengages from the camshaft sprocket.

Loosen the front timing chain case bolts in reverse of the sequence shown and remove bolts.

Insert the appropriate size suitable tool into the notch (A) at the top of the front timing chain case as shown.

Pry off the case by moving the suitable tool (B) as shown.

Cut liquid gasket for removal using Tool.

CAUTION:

Do not use a screwdriver or similar tool.

After removal, handle carefully so it does not bend or warp under a load.

Remove O-rings (1) from rear timing chain case.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-rings.

(A)	: Bank 1
(B)	: Bank 2

Remove the front oil seal from the front timing chain case using a suitable tool.

CAUTION:

Do not damage the front cover.

Remove all old liquid gasket (A) from all the bolt holes (B) and bolts.

CAUTION:

Do not damage the threads or mating surfaces.

Use a suitable tool to remove all of the old liquid gasket from the front timing chain case and opposite mating surfaces.

CAUTION:

Do not damage the mating surfaces.

Remove front timing chain case oil filters (if necessary).

Install front timing chain case oil filter (2) (if necessary).

CAUTION:

Insert front timing chain case oil filter (2) into the front timing chain case (1) to specified distance (A).

Ensure oil filter mesh remains intact during insertion into the front timing chain case (1).

Ensure oil filter mesh does not protrude from front timing chain case (1).

(A)	: 1.0 - 1.5 mm (0.039 - 0.059 in)

Install the new front oil seal on the front timing chain case. Apply new engine oil to the oil seal edges.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse the front oil seal.

NOTE:

Install it so that each seal lip is oriented as shown.

(A)	: Engine inside
(B)	: Oil seal lip
(C)	: Dust seal lip
(D)	: Engine outside

Install the new front oil seal so that it becomes flush with the face of front timing chain case using suitable tool.

CAUTION:

Press fit straight and avoid causing burrs or tilting the oil seal.

NOTE:

Make sure the garter spring is in position and seal lip is not inverted.

Front oil seal should sit 0.0 - 0.5 mm (0.0 - 0.020 mm) from front face of front cover.

Install new O-rings (1) on rear timing chain case.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-rings.

(A)	: Bank 1
(B)	: Bank 2

Apply liquid gasket to front timing chain case as shown.

Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.
Before installation, wipe off the protruding liquid gasket.
(C): 2.6 - 3.6 mm (0.102 - 0.142 in) diameter.

CAUTION:

Installation should be done within 5 minutes after applying liquid gasket.

Do not fill the engine with engine oil for at least 30 minutes after the components are installed to allow the liquid gasket to cure.

Install the front timing chain case by aligning the dowel pin on the rear timing chain case with the dowel pin hole in front timing chain case.

Loosely install the front timing chain case bolts.

Bolt position	Bolt diameter
1, 2	: 8 mm (0.31 in)
3 – 22	: 6 mm (0.24 in)

Tighten the front timing chain case bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.

Retighten the front timing chain case bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown

Bolt position	Tightening specification
1, 2	: 28.4 N·m (2.9 kg-m, 21 ft-lb)
3 – 22	: 12.7 N·m (1.3 kg-m, 9 ft-lb)

Install intake valve timing control cover (bank 1) and intake valve timing control cover (bank 2) using the following procedure:Install the O-rings to the front timing chain case.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-ring.

Install the O-rings (1) to the valve timing control cover (bank 1).

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-rings.

NOTE:

Lubricate O-rings with clean engine oil before installing valve timing control cover (bank 1).

Verify O-rings are installed into grooves in valve timing control cover correctly.

(A) : OK

(B) : NG

Apply a bead of liquid gasket (C) to the valve timing control cover [bank 1 (2)] as shown.

CAUTION:

The components must be installed within 5 minutes of the liquid gasket application.

Do not re-tighten bolts after the 5 minutes have elapsed.

Then allow 30 minutes for the liquid gasket to set before adding oil to the engine.

Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.

(1)	: Front timing chain case
(A)	: 4.0 - 5.6 mm (0.157 - 0.220 in)
(B)	: 3.4 - 4.4 mm (0.134 - 0.173 in)

Apply a bead of liquid gasket (C) to the valve timing control cover [bank 2 (2)] as shown.

CAUTION:

Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.

(1)	: Front timing chain case
(A)	: 4.0 - 5.6 mm (0.157 - 0.220 in)
(B)	: 3.4 - 4.4 mm (0.134 - 0.173 in)

Align valve timing control cover (bank 1) with dowels in front timing chain case and install valve timing control cover (bank 1). Install and tighten valve timing control cover (bank 1) bolts (A) to the specified torque in the sequence shown.

Bolts	: 11.3 N·m (1.2 kg-m, 8 ft-lb)
(B)	: Bank 2

Install and tighten the electric intake valve timing control actuator to the specified torque.

Electric intake valve timing control actuator bolts

: 9 N·m (0.9 kg-m, 80 in-lb)

Apply sealant (A) to the front cover gasket and the rear oil seal retainer gasket as shown.

Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse front cover gasket or rear oil seal retainer gasket.

Installation should be done within 5 minutes after applying liquid gasket.

Do not fill the engine with engine oil for at least 30 minutes after the components are installed to allow the sealant to cure.

Dimension (B)	: 15 mm (0.59 in)
Dimension (C)	: 5 mm (0.20 in)

Install the front cover gasket (1) and rear oil seal retainer gasket (2) as shown.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse front cover gasket or rear oil seal retainer gasket.

: Engine front

Apply a bead of sealant to the cylinder block mating surface of the oil pan (upper) as shown.

Be sure the sealant is applied 4.0 - 5.0 mm (0.157 - 0.197 in) as shown. Increase the bead to 4.5 - 5.5 mm (0.177 - 0.217 in) at the locations (A) indicated.

Use Genuine RTV Silicone Sealant, or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.

CAUTION:

: Engine front

Install new O-ring (1) into the cylinder block before installing oil pan (upper).

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-ring.

(2)	: Crankshaft pulley

Install the oil pan (upper).

Tighten bolts (1) and (2) to specification within five minutes of applying the liquid gasket.
Tighten the remaining oil pan (upper) bolts to specification in the sequence shown.

CAUTION:

Oil pan (upper) bolts

: 22.0 N·m (2.2 kg-m, 16 ft-lb)

Install the oil pump and new O-rings (1) and tighten oil pump bolts (A) to the specified torque in the sequence shown (if removed).

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-rings.

Oil pump bolts

: 22.0 N·m (2.2 kg-m, 16 ft-lb)

Apply a continuous bead of sealant to the oil pan (lower).

Be sure the sealant is 4.5 - 5.5 mm (0.177 - 0.217 in) wide.
Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant, or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.

CAUTION:

(A)	: Groove
(B)	: Bolt hole
	: Inside

Install the oil pan (lower) and tighten the oil pan (lower) bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.

CAUTION:

Oil pan (lower) bolts

: 8.8 N·m (0.90 kg-m, 78 in-lb)

Install crankshaft pulley and tighten the bolt using the following procedure:

Lubricate thread and seat surface of the bolt with new engine oil.
Secure the crankshaft pulley using a suitable tool.
For the second step, angle tighten using Tool.

CAUTION:

Do not damage the front oil seal when inserting crankshaft pulley.

Use only brass or plastic hammer if tapping on the crankshaft pulley.

Do not hammer on pulley grooves.

Step 1	: 90 N·m (9.2 kg-m, 66 ft-lb)
Step 2	: 90° - 96° clockwise

Tool number

: KV10112100 (BT-8653-A)

Install components removed to obtain compression TDC of No.1 cylinder using the following procedure:Install rocker cover (bank 1) using the following procedure:

CAUTION:

Do not reuse rocker cover (bank 1) gasket.

Apply a 3 mm (0.12 mm) bead of sealant to the areas on the front corners using a suitable tool.

Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.

CAUTION:
(1) : Camshaft bracket

(2) : Cylinder head

(A) : 4 mm (0.16 in)

(B) : 5 mm (0.20 in)

(C) : 4 mm (0.16 in)

(E) : 10 mm (0.39 in)
Tighten the rocker cover bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.

Rocker cover bolts

Step 1 : 1.96 N·m (0.20 kg-m, 17 in-lb)

Step 2 : 8.33 N·m (0.85 kg-m, 74 in-lb)

: Engine front

Install rocker cover (bank 2) using the following procedure:

CAUTION:

Do not reuse rocker cover (bank 2) gasket.

Apply a 3 mm (0.12 mm) bead of sealant to the areas on the front corners using a suitable tool.

Use Genuine Silicone RTV Sealant or equivalent. Refer to Recommended Chemical Products and Sealants.

CAUTION:
(1) : Camshaft bracket

(2) : Cylinder head

(A) : 4 mm (0.16 in)

(B) : 5 mm (0.20 in)

(C) : 4 mm (0.16 in)

(E) : 10 mm (0.39 in)
Tighten the rocker cover bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.

Rocker cover bolts

Step 1 : 1.96 N·m (0.20 kg-m, 17 in-lb)

Step 2 : 8.33 N·m (0.85 kg-m, 74 in-lb)

Install spark plugs and ignition coils. Refer to Exploded View. Connect the exhaust camshaft position sensor (bank 2), exhaust camshaft position sensor (bank 1), intake camshaft position sensor (bank 2), intake camshaft position sensor (bank 1) harness connectors. Install O-ring to high pressure fuel pump.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-ring.

Handle O-ring with bare hands. Do not wear gloves.

Lubricate O-ring with new engine oil.

Check that O-ring and its mating part are free of foreign material.

When installing O-ring, be careful not to scratch it with suitable tool or fingernails. Also be careful not to twist or stretch O-ring. If O-ring was stretched while it was being attached, do not insert it immediately into front cover.

Insert new O-ring straight into high pressure fuel pump. Do not decenter or twist it.

Rotate engine clockwise and visually check for bottom dead center of high pressure fuel pump lobe on camshaft. Apply clean engine oil to high pressure fuel pump bore. Install high pressure fuel pump and tighten the bolts using the following procedure:

CAUTION:

Do not reuse O-ring.

Do not disassemble plunger on bottom of high pressure fuel pump.

NOTE:

Apply clean engine oil to lifter contact surface and O-ring.

Tighten bolts one revolution while alternating sides until high pressure fuel pump is mated to No. 1 camshaft bracket.
Tighten bolts to the specified torque.

High pressure fuel pump bolts : 26.5 N·m (2.7 kg-m, 20 ft-lb)

Connect harness connector to high pressure fuel pump. Install high pressure fuel tube (pump side) using the following procedure:

CAUTION:

Do not reuse high pressure fuel tube (pump side).

Do not apply engine oil to threads of high pressure fuel pump, fuel rail (bank 1) or high pressure fuel tube (pump side).

Do not use high pressure fuel tube (pump side) if its terminal tip is damaged.

Check that there is no foreign material on the high pressure fuel tube (pump side) flare nipple or flare nuts.

If scratches or damage are visible on flare nipple of high pressure fuel tube, do not use it.

If flare nut is difficult to tighten, inspect threads for damage and replace if damage is present.

Install high pressure fuel tube [pump side (2)] and hand tighten flare nut (A) and flare nut (C) until contact seat.

CAUTION:
When hand tightening the flare nuts, insert them so that they are aligned with the center of the pipe.

NOTE:
Should be no gap between high pressure fuel tube, high pressure fuel tube bracket and rear timing chain case.

(1) : High pressure fuel tube (bank side)

(D) : High pressure fuel tube (bank side) flare nut

(E) : High pressure fuel tube (bank side) flare nut
Hand tighten bolt (B).
Tighten flare nut (C) and then flare nut (A) to the specified torque.

Flare nut : 15 N·m (1.5 kg-m, 11 ft-lb)
Tighten flare nut (C) and then flare nut (A) to the specified torque.

Flare nut : 23.0 N·m (2.3 kg-m, 17 ft-lb)
Tighten bolt (B) to the specified torque.

Bolt : 13.5 N·m (1.4 kg-m, 10 ft-lb)

Connect fuel feed hose (1) to high pressure fuel pump (2).

(A)

: Clip

Install high pressure fuel pump insulator.

NOTE:

High pressure fuel pump insulator should be free from distortion when installed.

Tighten high pressure fuel pump cover bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.

High pressure fuel pump cover bolts	: 11.0 N·m (1.1 kg-m, 8 ft-lb)
	: Engine front

Install intake manifold insulator. Refer to Exploded View. Install intake manifold studs (if removed). Refer to Exploded View. Install intake manifold and tighten intake manifold nuts and bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse intake manifold gaskets.

Step 1	: 7.4 N·m (0.75 kg-m, 65 in-lb)
Step 2	: 25.5 N·m (2.6 kg-m, 19 ft-lb)

: Engine front

Install intake manifold collector and tighten intake manifold collector bolts and nuts in the order as shown.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse intake manifold collector gasket.

Intake manifold collector nuts and bolts

: 11.0 N·m (1.1 kg-m, 8 ft-lb)

Install electric throttle control actuator and tighten electric throttle control actuator bolts to the specified torque in the sequence shown.

CAUTION:

Do not reuse electric throttle control actuator gasket.

Rotate crankshaft pulley in normal direction (clockwise when viewed from front) to confirm it turns smoothly.

Installation of the remaining components is in the reverse order of removal.

CAUTION:

Perform ELECTRIC IVT CONTROL ACTUATOR POSITION LEARNING. Refer to Description.

NOTE:

After installation, perform the following:

Perform the ″Throttle Valve Closed Position Learning″ when harness connector of the electric throttle control actuator is disconnected. Refer to Description.

Perform the ″Idle Air Volume Learning″ when the electric throttle control actuator is replaced. Refer to Description.

INSPECTION AFTER INSTALLATION

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 Fluids and Lubricants (FOR USA AND CANADA) or Fluids and Lubricants (FOR MEXICO).
Use procedure below to check for fuel leakage.
Place ignition switch in the "ON" position (with engine stopped). With fuel pressure applied to fuel piping, check for fuel leakage 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 and 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 gas, or any oils/fluids including engine oil and engine coolant.
Bleed air from passages in lines and hoses, such as in cooling system.
After cooling down engine, again check oil/fluid levels including engine oil and engine coolant. Refill to specified level, if necessary.

Summary of the inspection items:

Item		Before starting engine	Engine running	After engine stopped
Engine coolant		Level	Leakage	Level
Engine oil		Level	Leakage	Level
Transmission/transaxle fluid	A/T and CVT Models	Leakage	Level/Leakage	Leakage
Transmission/transaxle fluid	M/T Models	Level/Leakage	Leakage	Level/Leakage
Other oils and fluids*		Level	Leakage	Level
Fuel		Leakage	Leakage	Leakage
Exhaust gas		—	Leakage	—