Disassembly and Assembly: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Infiniti FX50. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Never loosen adjusting bolts (A) and mounting bolts (black color) (B) of VVEL ladder assembly. If loosened, the stroke of cam lift becomes out of adjustment. In such case, replacement of VVEL ladder assembly and cylinder head assembly is required.

NOTE: VVEL ladder assembly cannot be replaced as a single part, because it is machined together with cylinder head assembly.

Fig 1: VVEL Ladder Assembly, Adjusting And Mounting Bolts (Never Loosen)

Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove rocker covers (bank 1 and bank 2). Refer to "EXPLODED VIEW ".
Remove VVEL actuator sub assembly as per the following:
CAUTION: VVEL actuator sub assembly and VVEL control shaft position sensor are not reusable. Never remove them unless they are required.
1. Remove VVEL control shaft position sensor.
2. Fix two flat areas (C) of control shaft with a wrench to remove mounting bolts of control shaft.
  
  Fig 2: Removing VVEL Actuator Sub Assemblies
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  CAUTION:
  - During the operation, never allow a wrench to interfere with other parts.
  - Fix control shaft to prevent the interference of the stopper surface.
3. Remove VVEL actuator sub assembly.
  - Loosen mounting bolts in the reverse order as shown in the figure below.
  Fig 3: VVEL Actuator Sub Assembly Mounting Bolts Tightening Sequence
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  CAUTION:
  - When removing, prepare wastes because oil spills.
  - When installing, be careful with VVEL actuator sub assembly (bank 1) mounting bolt No. 4 because its length is different.
4. Remove actuator bracket (rear).
  - Loosen mounting bolts in the reverse order as shown in the figure below.
  Fig 4: Actuator Bracket (Rear) Mounting Bolts Tightening Sequence
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove front cover, camshaft sprockets, and timing chains. Refer to "EXPLODED VIEW ".
Remove VVEL ladder assembly.
- Loosen mounting bolts (gold color) in the reverse order as shown in the figure below.
Fig 5: VVEL Ladder Assembly Mounting Bolts Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
CAUTION:
- Never loosen adjusting bolts and mounting bolts (black color).
- When removing VVEL ladder assembly, hold the drive shaft from below so as not to drop it.
Remove camshaft (EXH).
Remove valve lifter, if necessary.
- Identify installation positions, and store them without mixing them up.