Gas distribution system in a car Nissan Murano the second generation (Z51 body) is a complex engineering unit, where auxiliary elements play a key role. Some of the most loaded parts here are rollers timing drive and auxiliary units. Their condition directly affects the stability of the engine, the noise level in the cabin and, what is critically important, the service life of the engine itself.
Crossover owners are often faced with the need to maintain this system, since factory components have a limited resource. Ignoring signs of wear can lead to costly engine repairs. In this article we will look in detail at what roller skates Nissan Murano Z51 exist, how to properly diagnose them and which brands offer the best alternative to original parts.
Design features and purpose of rollers in Z51
VQ35DE series motors installed on Nissan Murano Z51 are equipped with a sophisticated belt tensioning system. This scheme uses two main types of rollers: tension and bypass. Tensioning devices are responsible for maintaining the required timing belt tension, compensating for its natural stretching during operation. The idler rollers, in turn, change the direction of the belt, ensuring proper coverage of the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys.
Each element is made of high-strength metal with a polymer coating or metal bushings. Inside the case there is rolling bearing, which constantly operates in conditions of high temperatures and vibrations. If any of these components fail, the valve timing is disrupted, which can lead to a collision between the valves and the pistons. Therefore, regularly checking the condition of nodes is a mandatory procedure for any owner.
A special feature of the Z51 design is the presence of a hydraulic tensioner, which works in conjunction with the rollers. If the tensioner loses pressure, the entire load falls on the roller bearings, which leads to their rapid destruction. It is important to understand that replacing only the tensioner without inspecting the rollers often does not give the desired result and does not eliminate extraneous noise.
⚠️ Attention: Operating a car with a faulty roller can lead to the timing belt breaking at any time, which is guaranteed to entail a major overhaul of the VQ35DE engine.
Main wear symptoms and diagnostic methods
Understand that rollers require replacement, based on a number of characteristic signs. The most obvious symptom is the appearance of extraneous sounds in the engine compartment. A squeak, whistle, or metallic knock that gets worse as engine speed increases often indicates bearing failure or lubricant drying out. The sound may be intermittent or constant, but its presence always requires immediate inspection.
A visual inspection also provides a lot of information. If you remove the protective cover, pay attention to the presence of play in the roller axis. Rock it with your hand: any, even minimal, play indicates that bearing worked out. In addition, check the condition of the surface of the roller itself - there should be no signs of overheating (blue) or wear at the point of contact with the belt.
Another warning sign is the condition of the timing belt itself. If cracks, delamination or traces of oil are visible on it, this may indicate not only aging of the rubber, but also the incorrect operation of the tension system. A dirty or wet belt quickly loses its properties and can slip, which disrupts the synchronization of the cylinders.
- A whistling sound when the engine is cold started, which disappears after warming up.
- Metallic grinding or humming noise coming from the timing belt area.
- Visual play of the roller axis during manual rocking.
- Presence of traces of grease on the housing or protective casing.
Selection of spare parts: original versus analogues
When selecting spare parts for Nissan Murano Z51 owners often have a dilemma: buy original parts from Nissan or turn to proven analogues. The original video has perfect balance and quality materials, but its price can be significantly higher than the market average. In addition, original parts are often supplied in large sets, which is not always justified if only one element is faulty.
The auto parts market offers many high-quality alternatives. Brands like INA, Gates and SKF are official suppliers for many automakers and often produce the same products as under the brand of the car manufacturer. These companies use modern technologies for manufacturing bearings and polymer coatings, which ensures a long service life.
Saving on roller skates is a false economy. Cheap Chinese analogues often have low quality metal from which the bearing race is made, or use low-quality lubricant. Such rollers can fail after just a few thousand kilometers, again forcing you to disassemble a complex timing assembly.
- Original Nissan
- INA/Gates
- SKF
- Chinese analogues
Popular manufacturers and spare parts articles
In order not to make a mistake when purchasing, you need to know the current articles and manufacturers. There are several proven replacement options for the VQ35DE engine in the Z51 body. Original part numbers change frequently, so it is important to check the vehicle's VIN when ordering. Below is a table with the main manufacturers and their analogues.
| Manufacturer | Part type | Original number (example) | Analogue (brand) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan | Tension roller | 13028-60X00 | Original |
| INA | Idler roller | 534 0221 10 | Gates / INA |
| Gates | Timing kit | 5550XS | Gates |
| SKF | Tension roller | VKM 31130 | SKF |
Please note that the timing kit often includes not only rollers, but also the belt itself, as well as a water pump (pump). Replacing the pump along with the rollers is a standard recommendation, since access to it is blocked by a belt, and disassembling everything again in a couple of years will be expensive and labor-intensive.
Usage complete sets from brands such as Gates or Continental (ContiTech) is often the most rational solution. You receive all the necessary elements of the system in one package, which guarantees compatibility and a single resource for all components. This eliminates the situation where the new belt runs on old worn out rollers.
⚠️ Attention: Never install a new timing belt on old rollers. This will lead to rapid wear of the new belt due to play and misalignment of the old bearings.
Replacement process and necessary tools
Replacing rollers with Nissan Murano Z51 is a task of medium complexity, requiring certain skills and special tools. You will definitely need a set of sockets, a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to a certain torque, and a special tool to turn the crankshaft. You will also need a jack and support for the engine, since the engine may move when removing the mount.
Before starting work, it is necessary to dismantle the engine protection, the right wheel and fender liner, as well as the generator belt and crankshaft pulley. Only after this does access to the timing cover open. Removing the cover requires care not to damage the gasket or the housing itself. After removing the cover you will have access to the roller and tensioner system.
The replacement process involves loosening the tensioner, removing the old belt and installing new pulleys. It is important to follow the tightening sequence of the mounting bolts. Incorrect tightening torque can cause the roller to skew and jam. Use a torque wrench to avoid mistakes.
☑️ Preparation for replacement
After installing the new rollers, the belt must be tensioned correctly. For this, a specific procedure is used to check the timing marks. Errors at this stage are unacceptable, since even a slight phase shift will lead to loss of power and increased fuel consumption.
- Torque wrench for precise tightening of bolts.
- Special key for rotating the crankshaft.
- Engine support stand.
- Socket set and extension.
What to do if the labels don't match?
If the marks do not line up after installing a new belt, do not try to tighten the belt by force. Most likely, you have set the phases incorrectly. Remove the belt and check the position of the camshafts and crankshaft again using the special locking tools.
Typical mistakes when servicing the timing system
Many owners and even some craftsmen make mistakes that reduce the life of the new system. The most common mistake is trying to save money on replacing the water pump. The pump is driven by the same timing belt, and its failure will lead to overheating of the engine and the need to remove the entire timing mechanism again.
Another mistake is to ignore the condition of the crankshaft and camshaft seals. If you notice oil leaks when replacing the rollers, be sure to replace the seals. Oil destroys the rubber of the timing belt, and even a new high-quality belt will quickly become unusable if it comes into contact with oil.
It is also unacceptable to use tools that could damage the gear teeth to rotate the crankshaft. Always turn the crankshaft strictly clockwise using a special tool on the pulley bolt. Attempting to turn the engine through the alternator pulley or camshaft gear teeth may damage them.
Before installing new rollers, be sure to clean the surface of the cylinder block from old dirt and oil to ensure the timing cover is sealed and prevent leaks.
Replacement timing and maintenance recommendations
Manufacturer Nissan recommends routine replacement of the timing belt and rollers every 100,000 km or every 5 years, whichever comes first. However, taking into account operating conditions in our regions (temperature changes, fuel quality, traffic jams), experienced mechanics advise reducing this interval to 80,000 km.
Regular diagnostics of the condition of the timing system should be carried out at each scheduled maintenance. Visual inspection through an inspection window or partial disassembly can reveal early signs of bearing wear. This will help to avoid sudden belt breakage on the road and save significant money on repairs.
If you often operate your vehicle in difficult conditions (off-road, towing a trailer, city driving with frequent start-stop), check the condition of the rollers every 50,000 km. Early replacement of cheap rollers will save you from costly repairs of the VQ35DE engine, which has a high cost of labor and spare parts.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing the timing belt on the VQ35DE engine is a critical procedure that requires accurate valve timing. Any mistake can lead to a collision between the valves and the pistons.
Timely replacement of the rollers and timing belt is a guarantee of a long life for the VQ35DE engine and the absence of costly repairs in the future.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How often do you need to change the rollers on a Nissan Murano Z51?
The recommended replacement interval is 80,000 – 100,000 km or once every 5 years. However, if extraneous noise appears, replacement should be done immediately, without waiting for scheduled maintenance.
Is it possible to replace only one roller if it is worn out?
Theoretically it is possible, but it is highly not recommended. All videos work in the same system and have a similar resource. If one wears out, the others are also close to failure. It is better to replace the set of rollers and belt to avoid repeated dismantling after a short time.
What brands of casters are best for the Murano Z51?
German manufacturers are considered the best alternatives to the original INA, Gates and SKF. They produce components of the same quality as original parts, but often at a lower price. Avoid cheap analogues of unknown origin.
What happens if you ignore the whistling of the roller?
If you ignore the noise, the roller bearing may seize. This will lead to an instant break or jump of the timing belt. As a result, the valves will meet the pistons, which will require a major overhaul of the engine with the replacement of the cylinder head and piston group.
Do I need to replace the water pump when replacing the rollers?
Yes, it is highly recommended to replace the water pump (pump) at the same time as the rollers and timing belt. Since access to the pump is blocked by a belt, replacing it in the future will require complete disassembly of the timing system, which will double the cost of the work.