Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the engine under cover. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Remove the RH bank and LH bank rocker covers. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Remove the spark plugs. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Remove the drive belt. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Obtain compression TDC of No. 1 cylinder as follows:
1. Turn the crankshaft pulley clockwise to align the TDC identification notch (without paint mark) with the timing indicator on the front cover.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Crankshaft Pulley, TDC Identification Notch, Timing Indicator And White Paint Mark
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
2. At this time, make sure both intake and exhaust cam lobes of No. 1 cylinder (top front on LH bank) point outside.
  - If they do not point outside, turn crankshaft pulley once more.
    
    Fig 2: Locating Intake And Exhaust Cam Noses Of No. 1 Cylinder
    Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Disconnect and remove the camshaft position sensor (PHASE). Refer to "CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR (PHASE) ".
Disconnect and remove the intake valve timing control position sensor (LH and RH). Refer to "INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL POSITION SENSOR (BANK 1) (LH) " and "INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL POSITION SENSOR (BANK 2) (RH) ".
Disconnect and remove the intake valve timing control solenoid valve (LH and RH). Refer to "INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE (BANK1) (LH) " and "INTAKE VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE (BANK 2) (RH) ".
Remove the intake valve timing control solenoid valve cover (RH) (A) and intake valve timing control solenoid valve cover (LH) (B) as follows:
1. Loosen and remove the bolts in reverse order as shown.
2. Cut the liquid gasket and remove the covers using Tool.
Tool number: KV10111100 (J-37228)

Fig 3: Identifying Intake Valve Timing Control Solenoid Valve Cover Bolt Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.

CAUTION: Do not damage mating surfaces.
Paint alignment marks on the RH bank (A) timing chain links (C) and LH bank (B) timing chain links (D) and align with the camshaft sprocket alignment marks (E) and (F).

Fig 4: Identifying Camshaft Sprocket Alignment Marks And Timing Chain Links (RH And LH Bank)
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the chain tensioner (LH) using the following steps.
WARNING: Plunger, spring, and spring seat pop out when squeezing return-proof clip without holding plunger head. It may cause serious injuries. Always hold plunger head when removing.
1. Squeeze return-proof clip ends using suitable tool and push the plunger into the chain tensioner body.
2. Secure plunger using stopper pin.
  - Stopper pin is made from hard wire approximately 1 mm (0.04 in) in diameter.
3. Remove the bolts and the timing chain tensioner.
  
  Fig 5: Identifying Chain Tensioner Components
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE:
- Stop plunger in the fully extended position using return-proof clip (1) if stopper pin is removed.
- Push the plunger (2) into the chain tensioner body while squeezing the return-proof clip (1). Secure it using stopper pin (3).
Fig 6: Pushing Plunger Into Tensioner Body
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the chain tensioner cover from the front cover using Tool.
Tool number: KV10111100 (J-37228)

CAUTION: Do not damage mating surfaces.

Fig 7: Identifying Chain Tensioner Cover
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the chain tensioner (RH) using the following steps.
WARNING: Plunger, spring, and spring seat pop out when squeezing return-proof clip without holding plunger head. It may cause serious injuries. Always hold plunger head when removing.
1. Squeeze return-proof clip ends using suitable tool and push the plunger into the chain tensioner body.
2. Secure plunger using stopper pin.
  - Stopper pin is made from hard wire approximately 1 mm (0.04 in) in diameter.
    
    Fig 8: Identifying Chain Tensioner Components
    Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
3. Remove the bolts and the chain tensioner (RH) (A).
NOTE: If it is difficult to push plunger on chain tensioner (RH) (A), remove the plunger under extended condition.

Fig 9: Removing Chain Tensioner (RH)
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Loosen camshaft sprocket bolts as shown and remove camshaft sprockets.
CAUTION: To avoid interference between valves and pistons, do not turn crankshaft or camshaft with timing chain disconnected.

Fig 10: Locating Camshaft Sprocket Bolts
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the RH (A) front cover bolts and LH (B) front cover bolts.

Fig 11: Locating Front Cover Bolts (RH And LH)
Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove RH (A) camshaft bracket bolts and LH (C) camshaft bracket bolts in the reverse of order shown to remove camshaft brackets.
- Remove No. 1 camshaft bracket.
  NOTE: The bottom and front surface of bracket will be stuck because of liquid gasket.
- <=: Engine front
- B: Exhaust side
- D: Intake side
  
  Fig 12: Identifying Camshaft Bracket Bolts Tightening Sequence (RH And LH)
  Courtesy of NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Remove the camshaft.
Remove the valve lifters if necessary.
- Correctly identify location where each part is removed from. Keep parts organized to avoid mixing them up.