VVEL Ladder Assembly

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.

DRIVE SHAFT OPERATIONAL CHECK

Hold the both ends of the drive shaft (A) and rotate it to check that it rotates smoothly.
CAUTION: Turn VVEL ladder assembly upside down to prevent the drive shaft from dropping off.

Fig 1: Checking Drive Shaft Operation
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CONTROL SHAFT OPERATIONAL CHECK
Move control shaft (A) to the small stopper and large stopper to check that the control shaft functions smoothly.
CAUTION: Turn VVEL ladder assembly upside down to prevent the drive shaft from dropping off.

Fig 2: Checking Control Shaft Operation
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

LINK CHECK FOR BACK-LASH (BONDING)

Check that the link and the shaft of drive shaft and control shaft are not fixed.
Check this by moving drive shaft and control shaft in the axial and rotation directions.

Fig 3: Checking Drive Shaft And Control Shaft Link Back-Lash
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
If there is an unusualness related to the above three items, replace VVEL ladder assembly & cylinder head assembly.
NOTE: VVEL ladder assembly cannot be replaced as a single part, because it is machined together with cylinder head assembly.