The company's engineers have ruled out the structural possibility of a break - the Nissan Xtrail timing chain is replaced if it is stretched or displaced. There is no need to worry that a break will occur and work related to engine restoration will be required.
The replacement procedure is not cheap and car owners, as a rule, react without enthusiasm to information that the chain is unsuitable for further use. Especially when they find out about the need to replace a certain number of related parts:
- tensioner
- guides
- crankshaft and camshaft oil seal
- valve cover gaskets
- spark plug well gaskets
- chain damper
- stars
Oil and antifreeze are also changed completely.
With such an impressive amount of work, we need a 100% guarantee of correctly diagnosed faults. In those. Professional employees vouch for the accuracy of determining the cause of a breakdown, and if the chain has not exhausted its service life, the source of the problem will be found as quickly as possible.
If chain wear is confirmed, work on repairing the timing system is postponed, while the car continues to be used, all conditions are created for a major overhaul of the engine, which is not commensurate with the cost of replacing the chain.
When to change
The maintenance schedule does not cover replacing the timing chain on this Nissan model. As a rule, with proper maintenance and subject to compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations, the drive produces up to 200 thousand km. Poor quality oil contributes to premature chain wear.
- Replacement due to the degree of “fatigue” may be required after traveling approximately 120 thousand km.
- If you purchase a used car and not directly from the owner.
- With increased oil consumption in the internal combustion engine
- If typical symptoms are detected indicating a malfunction of the timing belt.
Signs of trouble
Problems with the chain in gas distribution equipment are indicated by well-recognized manifestations of vehicle systems. If, upon visual inspection as much as possible, the extended tensioner does not convince of the need to install a new element, other arguments will soon be added to it.
Extraneous sounds. Clanking, metallic noise, knocking in the engine never bodes well for positive forecasts; if you notice them in the operation of the power unit, do not delay in contacting specialists.
Traction, revolutions. When these indicators are not stable, one of the reasons may be a stretched chain. Carrying out diagnostics at a car service is the only right decision.
Check. A light on the dashboard that comes on will leave no hope for the reliability of the timing drive. The signal will also indicate that the drive is stretched and the timing phases are shifted.
Direct signs of a faulty timing belt
If you notice the appearance of at least one of the described signs of malfunction, you must immediately check the condition of the timing belt. Experienced car owners can easily do this on their own, but it is better to carry out this procedure at a service station.
At a car service center, a specialist will be able to do a full inspection of the timing belt, check its tension and identify the degree of wear. If necessary, immediately adjust or replace it with the necessary components. Only an experienced specialist at a service station will be able to correctly tension the belt, because a weakly tensioned belt is more at risk of breaking.
Depending on the specific Nissan brand, our specialists perform a number of procedures that allow:
It's time to change the timing belt or you notice signs of a faulty belt, do not delay your visit to a car service center, otherwise the consequences may be unpleasant.
Additionally
The replacement procedure involves considerable expenses and a number of actions necessary for the full operation of the Nissan. The dismantling of a large number of vehicle mechanisms facilitates the implementation of complex, associated labor-intensive maintenance work, which makes it possible in the future to ensure efficient, normal operation of the engine, while spending a minimum of money and time. These include:
- changing engine oil. Consult with Tech masters. about the quality of the composition used. If the lubricant does not meet the manufacturer’s recommendations, you should switch to a composition with more acceptable performance. This also applies to antifreeze.
- flushing radiators: engine, air conditioner, variator, automatic transmission (if the transmission is automatic). This procedure should be carried out not only in the case of chain replacement work, but also during the operation of the car; usually, when using the car in off-road conditions, it is recommended to perform it every 10 thousand km, and for moderate driving it is enough to repeat the procedure every 30 thousand km.
Important!
The engine gas distribution system is one of the main ones, which allows for efficient and normal operation of the engine. It is not recommended to experiment or try to repair them yourself.
- using a professional tool
- thorough understanding of the operation and relationships between devices
- the ability to quickly solve any problems that arise during the process
These are the main advantages of service at a car service center that specializes in providing Nissan repair services. Replacing the timing chain of a Nissan X-Trail outside a specialized service center is the responsibility of the car owner.
For Nissan X-Trail, replacing the timing chain is necessary as it wears out. The life of the chain is much higher than that of the belt, this is a serious plus. Replacement is required on average after 200,000 km. mileage
To determine the degree of wear, remove the cover and inspect the tensioner. The further it extends, pulling the chain, the higher the degree of wear.
Replacing a Nissan X-Trail timing chain requires the following equipment:
- chain for oil pump;
- oil pump chain tensioner;
- crankshaft oil seal;
- sealant;
- seals;
- timing chain;
- hydraulic timing chain tensioner;
- engine oil;
- antifreeze;
- because the oil filter will also have to be replaced during operation; a new filter will be required;
- rags, work gloves, wrenches, screwdrivers;
- It is more convenient to use pneumatic impact wrenches, which provide high-quality loosening and tightening of bolts and nuts. If you have the skill to work with this tool, the risk of stripping threads and tightening bolts crookedly is close to zero.
Many operations require significant physical force. If the repair is carried out by a woman, it will be impossible to do without pneumatic tools.
Timing chain
Replacing a Nissan X-Trail chain is not fun for half an hour or an hour. Almost half of the car will have to be disassembled. For untrained mechanics, assembly and disassembly alone takes several days. Correct assembly may take even longer, as it requires reading the manuals and reading the service instructions.
Preparatory stage
We turn off the power when the car is warm, and in the standard manner, carefully drain the engine oil and antifreeze into previously prepared containers. Be careful, the oil may be hot.
It is forbidden to drain used oil onto the ground, into reservoirs, or ditches. Taking this opportunity, it makes sense to remove the magnet trap for metal particles under the bottom of the car and thoroughly rinse and wipe with a rag.
Disassembly
The right front wheel will have to be removed. Protection, if installed, too. The lockers can be removed without any problems.
We remove the intake tract receiver and the upper engine mount along with the brackets.
Then the crankshaft pulley, accessory drive belt, tension rollers of attachments, power steering pump, generator, air conditioning compressor, power steering, exhaust pipe and everything that prevents access to the chain, bars and tensioner are removed.
Quite often along the way you will have to peel off the glued gaskets. Mark these places so that they can be coated with sealant during subsequent assembly.
Power steering reservoir
How to remove and replace a chain
When removing the chain, you first need to remove the tensioner located on the left. It is secured with bolts that need to be unscrewed.
After removing the chain, it is very advisable to inspect all components looking for damage, stuck metal fragments, debris, breaks, or cracks. Replace any damaged parts. It is advisable to replace the sprockets.
How to use tags on a chain? The chain itself has the following marks. 2 links have the same color markings and one link is painted a different color.
It is necessary to align the marks on the intake and exhaust camshafts; a mark of a different color must be aligned with the mark on the crankshaft.
Some carry out the procedure on jacks. This is inconvenient and not reliable. The vehicle must be securely secured. We recommend using a lift or, better yet, an overpass with special fastenings. This is safer and speeds up the process by an average of 3 times. A machine mounted on a lift can be inspected from all sides, with full access to the suspension, engine, and attachments.
When doing your own repairs, don’t be lazy to photograph each step in detail. This will be very useful for you during reassembly. Take photographs, even if it seems ridiculous and stupid to you, because everything seems to be completely obvious and understandable.
When replacing the chain, use Nissan X-Trail timing marks. How to set the marks can be found in the service instructions for the Nissan X-Trail engine. It is necessary to align the chain marks with the marks on the camshaft and crankshaft.
The use of a chain is more justified in terms of better controllability, reliability and strength of the Nissan X-Trail compared to a belt drive. However, replacing a chain on any Nissan X-Trail model is much more difficult than replacing a belt.
What questions do car enthusiasts ask when it becomes necessary to replace a chain?
Question: What is a timing belt? Answer: This is a gas distribution mechanism.
Question: Is it possible to supply a used and reconditioned timing chain when replacing it? Answer: No, you can't. Only a new chain can be installed.
Question: What else will have to be changed when replacing the chain? Answer: Sprockets, oil filters, seals, gaskets, seals.
Question: How long will it take to replace a chain on a Nissan X-Trail? Answer: You will have to leave the car at the service station for several days. You may have to wait in line. In an emergency, you can replace the chain within a day. If you are traveling on your own, expect at least 2 days. For this reason, you should not start repairs on the cozy path under the windows. The car will be in a semi-disassembled state and it is better to carry out repairs in a workshop or in a spacious garage.
Question: Is special equipment required? Answer: Yes. You will need a good professional set of tools and special equipment for removing pulleys.
Question: What are the savings when repairing a car yourself? Answer: The workshop will charge you about 10 thousand rubles plus components for the operation of replacing the chain. If you already have the tools and don't make any mistakes, you may be able to save this amount, although it will cost you a lot of time. If there are no tools, purchasing them will cost more than the cost of repairs. In addition, tools take up a lot of space and need to be stored. Best of all, in special iron boxes.
Every time you try to repair the Nissan X-Trail yourself according to the instructions, you should remind yourself that stuntmen and circus performers are people too. They have exactly the same arms and legs as everyone else, which means that everything they can do is within the capabilities of any other person. Theoretically, this is true. In practice, anything goes.
Replacing a Nissan Xtrail timing chain is a technically complex process. More difficult than any trained person can do is backflip, for example, or play the violin. Everyone can. If he studies every day, with teachers, in a special educational institution. You will be surprised, but all installers, turners and mechanics at car service centers have a special education that allows them to perform high-quality car repair work.
If you don’t want to take risks, it’s better to leave the Nissan X-Trail in the hands of professionals. Eliminating unprofessional repair errors is usually more expensive than simply performing the necessary replacement of components. For this reason, auto repair shops strongly encourage videos and instructions for do-it-yourself repairs. Take instructional videos and car repair instructions with a grain of salt. They are no more effective than any other training videos, and you are risking your own rather expensive property completely independently and of your own free will. By the way, attempts to repair a car yourself are not insured events.
On the other hand, you can simply study the subject so that later, perhaps, you can perform some car maintenance work yourself.
How to install timing marks and timing chain on Nissan?
The timing chain (gas distribution mechanism) is considered more popular among car manufacturers than the belt. It is equipped with many different engines. The Nissan X-Treal engine was no exception. Although the chain is considered more reliable, it, like any other unit, requires replacement sooner or later and it will be more profitable to do it yourself.
Most malfunctions in the gas distribution mechanism are related to the chain. Most often it simply stretches from wear and tear. But there are cases when the chain tensioner fails, which leads to excessive free movement of the chain and, as a result, its wear. One way or another, any timing fault makes itself felt almost instantly. A problem in the timing belt can be identified by several symptoms:
- Excessive noise when the engine is running. At idle speed, the rumble of the chain is clearly audible.
- Drop in power and throttle response. Unstable operation of the power unit at idle.
- Increased fuel consumption
If one or a number of similar symptoms occur, the gas distribution system should be inspected. This is not difficult to do: you will need to remove the cover and inspect the tensioner. It should not be in the extreme position, and if so, then the chain should not have any play.
IMPORTANT. It is not always possible to judge the condition of the timing chain by inspection alone. Before replacing the chain, if you are not sure of its feasibility, have the car diagnosed at a service station.
Tips and Cautions
It would be a good idea to replace the oil seal. Also, while the belt is removed, it is recommended to inspect the compressor and tensioner bearings and replace them if there are any unusual sounds or play. When assembling QR20DE parts, the bolts must be lubricated with grease so that they do not acidify and are easier to unscrew.
Timing chain tensioner QR20DE
Please note that the crankshaft cannot be rotated counterclockwise, since the timing chain may stretch in the opposite direction, push through the tensioner and slip (therefore, the marks will be knocked off).
Necessary spare parts for timing belt replacement
Since this process is very painstaking, it makes sense to replace all the gas distribution mechanism units at once. Required parts:
- oil pump chain,
- oil pump chain tensioner,
- timing chain,
- three chain dampers,
- hydraulic timing chain tensioner,
- crankshaft oil seal.
In some cases, replacement and acquisition also require: timing stars and a phase regulator. You will also need engine oil and antifreeze in the cooling system.
Which company to choose consumables is up to you to decide, but when it comes to choosing basic spare parts, there is no particular alternative. Only original spare parts from an official representative.
For several reasons at once: firstly, the quality of these parts is an order of magnitude higher than fakes, and secondly, more or less normal fakes still need to be looked for.
- Carry out all work on a completely cooled engine.
- Before starting the process, disconnect the battery terminals.
- Carry out assembly carefully.
- Any bolt must be tightened very carefully to avoid stripping the threads.
- After assembly, wait several hours for the sealant to completely cure.
Safety regulations
To obtain the proper result and prevent possible injuries and accidents, you must adhere to the following safety rules:
Perform any manipulations only with a completely cooled engine.
Before working with the battery, disconnect its terminals.
Assemble engine components with extreme care and thoroughness.
Do not use excessive force to tighten the bolts to avoid stripping their threads.
Having completed the assembly, do not immediately turn on the mechanism, but wait until the sealant has completely hardened (this usually takes several hours).
Nissan X-Trail is a modern and improved car, as easy as possible to operate and maintain. But in case of breakdowns or the first signs of malfunction (including circuits), you cannot rely on your own strength, especially if you do not have all the necessary tools.
If you have the slightest doubt, it is better to seek help from specialists at a service station. At the same time, the Garage auto service guarantees the reliability and speed of the work performed. There is no need to skimp on the health of your car, because the lives of the driver and passengers often depend on it.
Video: Replacing the timing chain Nissan Xtrail (Nissan x trail)
Replacing the timing chain on a Nissan Xtrail is a rather labor-intensive process that requires some knowledge. If you are not confident in your abilities, or the necessary tool is missing, then it is better to contact a service station. In auto repair shops, such work is estimated at about 8 thousand rubles.
The main advantage of a timing chain drive compared to a belt drive is its much longer service life. On average, the need for a timing chain arises only after 200 thousand kilometers. Replacing a Nissan X Trail T30 timing chain is more complex than replacing a belt, but after checking out the material we offer, you will be able to handle it without any help.
When purchasing a car with significant mileage, be sure to pay attention to the degree of wear of this unit. Also, when replacing the chain (only replace it with a new one), be sure to also replace the sprockets.
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Why do we criticize the Nissan 2.5 engine (QR25DE)?
In 2001, Nissan introduced a new 2.5 liter QR25DE engine.
This engine is based on the 2-liter “four” QR20DE. An additional half-liter of displacement was obtained by increasing the piston stroke. To achieve this, the 2.5-liter engine received shortened connecting rods and an original crankshaft, providing an increased piston stroke of up to 100 mm. The cylinder diameter of the light-alloy lined block remained the same: 89 mm. There are two camshafts in the block head of this engine, driving 16 valves. There are no hydraulic compensators. The timing drive uses a leaf chain. The balancer shaft module is located under the crankshaft.
In 2007, the QR25DE engine was slightly modernized. The engine received improved pistons, reinforced connecting rods and a slightly modified balancer module, which was also moved closer to the center.
The QR25DE engine was installed in all mid-size Nissan cars, such as Primera (P12), X-Trail of two generations, Altima, Navara, Murano.
On our YouTube channel you can watch a disassembly of a QR25DE engine removed from a 2004 Nissan X-Trail.
When is it time to change?
It is not difficult to determine the degree of wear on the timing chain on a Nissan X Traill with a QR20DE engine; you just need to remove the cover and inspect the tensioner. The further it is extended, the more wear there is. If you find that the tensioner has pulled out almost completely, then this means only one thing - it’s time to replace it.
Required Tools
- two sets of wrenches: spanners and open-end wrenches;
- a set of spanners with curved ends;
- set of heads;
- gate;
- pulley puller, you can borrow from someone for a while;
- sealant 150 grams;
- installation;
- carburetor cleaner or similar fluid;
- degreaser (alcohol and acetone will do);
- new chain;
- a pair of guides;
- tensioner;
- rags;
- gloves.
Photo gallery
You can install it this way
Pulley removal
Removing the tensioner
Removing the oil receiver
Removing the side cover
Cleaning filter
There is no need to touch the balancer chain at the bottom
You need to be careful with the bolt threads
