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HOMESERVICE MANUALSNISSAN-DATSUN2003FRONTIER BASE, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE MECHANICALENGINE MECHANICAL (KA24DE)TIMING CHAINREMOVALLOWER TIMING CHAIN
2003 Nissan-Datsun Frontier Base, Standard

Lower Timing Chain

2003 Nissan-Datsun Frontier Base, StandardSECTION Lower Timing Chain
  1. Drain the coolant by removing the cylinder block drain plug and opening the radiator drain cock. Refer to , "Changing Engine Coolant".
  2. Drain the engine oil. Refer to , "Changing Engine Oil".
  3. Remove the intake air duct.
  4. Remove the following parts:
    • Generator drive belt
    • A/C compressor drive belt
    • Cooling fan with coupling
    • Radiator shroud
  5. Remove the A/C compressor without disconnecting the A/C hoses and position it to the side, supporting it with wire.
  6. Remove the idler pulley and bracket.
  7. Set the No. 1 piston to TDC on its compression stroke.
  8. Remove the distributor.
    Fig 1: Identifying No. 1 Piston At TDC Position (Lower Timing Chain)
    G02102246Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  9. Remove the crankshaft bolt.
    • If necessary, remove the rear plact and install Tool to prevent crankshaft rotation.

      Tool number: - (J-45499) 

      Fig 2: Installing Tool (J-45499)
      G02102247Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  10. Remove the crankshaft pulley with a suitable puller.
    Fig 3: Removing Crankshaft Pulley With Puller
    G02102248Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  11. Remove the oil pan. Refer to "REMOVAL ".
  12. Remove the oil pump, distributor drive shaft, and the oil pickup strainer.
  13. Remove the front cover.
    CAUTION: Be careful not to tear or damage the cylinder head gasket.
  14. Remove the following parts.
    • Release the timing chain tensioner by pushing the piston in and inserting a suitable pin into the pin hole.
    • Chain tension arm
    • Lower timing chain guide
    • Air duct
      Fig 4: Removing Chain Tension Arm And Lower Timing Chain Guide
      G02102249Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  15. Remove the upper timing chain. Refer to "UPPER TIMING CHAIN ".
  16. Wipe off the links of the timing chain next to the timing marks on the sprockets. Put paint marks on the timing chain, matching them with the timing marks on the crankshaft sprocket and idler sprocket.
    Fig 5: Locating Paint Mark On Lower Timing Chain
    G02102250Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  17. Remove the lower timing chain, crankshaft sprocket, and idler sprocket.
RENDER: 1.0x

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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.