Inspection After Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Nissan Maxima. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Camshaft Visual Check

Check camshaft for scratches, seizure and wear. Replace if necessary.

Camshaft Runout

Put V-block on precise flat bed and support No. 2 and No. 4 journal of camshaft as shown.
Set dial gauges vertically to No. 3 journal as shown.
Turn camshaft in one direction slowly by hand, measure the camshaft runout on the dial gauges.
- Runout is the largest indicator reading after one full revolution.
  
  Fig 1: Checking Camshaft Runout
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Camshaft Runout
  
  Standard: Less than 0.02 mm (0.0008 in)
  
  Limit: 0.05 mm (0.0020 in)
If actual runout exceeds the limit, replace the camshaft.

Camshaft Cam Lobe Height

Measure camshaft cam lobe height as shown. Refer to "CAMSHAFT ".

Fig 2: Checking Camshaft Cam Lobe Height
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
If wear has reduced the lobe height below specifications, replace the camshaft.
Camshaft Journal Clearance

Outer Diameter of Camshaft Journal
- Measure outer diameter of camshaft journal as shown.
  
  Fig 3: Checking Camshaft Journal Clearance
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  
  Standard outer diameter No. 1: 25.935 - 25.955 mm (1.0211 - 1.0218 in)
  
  Standard outer diameter No. 2, 3, 4: 23.445 - 23.465 mm (0.9230 - 0.9238 in)
Inner Diameter of Camshaft Bracket

Tighten camshaft bracket bolt with specified torque.
Using inside micrometer, measure inner diameter "A" of camshaft bearing.

Fig 4: Checking Inner Diameter Of Camshaft Bracket
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Standard inner diameter No. 1: 26.000 - 26.021 mm (1.0236 - 1.0244 in)

Standard inner diameter No. 2, 3, 4: 23.500 - 23.521 mm (0.9252 - 0.9260 in)

Calculation of Camshaft Journal Clearance

(Journal clearance) = (inner diameter of camshaft bracket) - (outer diameter of camshaft journal)

Standard No. 1: 0.045 - 0.086 mm (0.0018 - 0.0034 in)

Standard No. 2, 3, 4: 0.035 - 0.076 mm (0.0014 - 0.0030 in)

Limit: 0.15 mm (0.0059 in)
- When out of the specified range, replace either or both camshaft and cylinder head.
  NOTE: Inner diameter of camshaft bracket is manufactured together with cylinder head. Replace the whole cylinder head assembly.

Camshaft End Play

Install the camshaft in the cylinder head.
Install dial gauge in thrust direction on front end of camshaft.
Measure end play when camshaft is moved forward/backward (in direction to axis) as shown.

Fig 5: Checking Camshaft End Play
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Standard: 0.115 - 0.188 mm (0.0045 - 0.0074 in)

Limit: 0.24 mm (0.0094 in)
- If out of the specified range, replace with new camshaft and measure again.
- If out of the specified range again, replace with new cylinder head.

Camshaft Sprocket Runout

Put V-block on precise flat bed and support No. 2 and No. 4 journal of camshaft as shown.
Install camshaft sprocket on camshaft.
Measure camshaft sprocket runout.

Fig 6: Checking Camshaft Sprocket Runout
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Runout: Less than 0.15 mm (0.0059 in)
If sprocket runout exceeds the limit, replace camshaft sprocket.
Valve Lifter
- Check if the surface of the valve lifter has any excessive wear or cracks, replace as necessary.
- Measure the outer diameter of the valve lifter. Refer to "CYLINDER HEAD ".
  
  Fig 8: Checking Valve Lifter Clearance
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- If out of the specified range, replace the valve lifter.
- Using inside micrometer, measure diameter of valve lifter bore of cylinder head. Refer to "CYLINDER HEAD ".
  
  Fig 9: Checking Valve Lifter Bore Diameter
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
- If out of the specified range, replace the cylinder head assembly.
- (Valve lifter clearance) = (hole diameter for valve lifter) - (outer diameter of valve lifter) Refer to "CYLINDER HEAD ".
- If out of specified range, replace either or both valve lifter and cylinder head assembly.