Nissan Almera N16 - a reliable car, but even with time, critical parts wear out, such as timing belt tensioner roller. If you hear a whistle under the hood or notice cracks on the belt, you cannot ignore the problem: a broken belt will lead to bending of the valves and major engine overhaul. In this article we will look at how replace the tension roller yourself on Almera N16 (including versions with motors QG15DE And QG18DE), without contacting the service.

The procedure requires accuracy and basic repair skills, but with the right approach it takes no more than 2–3 hours. We will describe in detail each stage: from diagnosing a malfunction to assembling the mechanism, and also reveal unique nuances that are not mentioned in standard instructions (for example, how to avoid displacement of the timing marks when removing the roller). At the end of the article there is a FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions and a spare parts compatibility table.

Signs of a bad tension roller: when is it time to change it?

Timing belt tensioner roller Nissan Almera N16 rarely fails suddenly - it is usually preceded by obvious symptoms. Main sign: extraneous noise from under the hood, resembling a whistling or grinding noise. The sound increases during cold starts or when the engine is under load (for example, when going uphill). This indicates that the roller bearing is worn out or seized.

Other warning signs:

  • 🔍 Cracks or delamination on the surface of the timing belt (even if the roller is still working, the belt will quickly wear out due to improper tension).
  • 🔧 Roller play during manual check (if you shake the roller by hand, it should not wobble).
  • 🚗 Power dips or unstable engine operation (displacement of valve timing due to belt slippage).
  • ⚠️ Check Engine light on with errors in the camshaft position sensor (for example, P0340).

On Almera N16 with motor QG18DE the roller lasts on average 80–100 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or oil getting on the belt, the service life is reduced to 50–60 thousand km. Critical moment: if the roller jams, the belt will fray or jump off, which will lead to the pistons hitting the valves. Repairs will cost 50–70 thousand rubles - so it is better to replace the roller in advance.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 with air conditioning, access to the roller is difficult due to the compressor. If you are not confident in your abilities, remove the air conditioner belt in advance to avoid damaging it during removal.
📊 How often do you check the condition of the timing belt?
  • Every 10 thousand km
  • Once every 30 thousand km
  • Only when there is noise
  • Never checked

What tools and spare parts will be needed

To replace the tension roller with Nissan Almera N16 you will need:

  • 🔧 Head set (10, 12, 14 mm) and a knob with an extension.
  • 🔨 19 mm socket wrench for the crankshaft pulley bolt.
  • 🛠️ Special key for tension roller (or a homemade analogue made from two M8 bolts).
  • 🔩 Torque wrench (to tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt with a torque of 100–120 Nm).
  • 🧲 Magnetic screwdriver (so as not to drop the bolts into the pan).
  • 📸 Marker or proofreader for marking belts and pulleys.

For spare parts: original tension roller from Nissan has an article number 13070-4M000 (for QG15DE/QG18DE). Analogues from NTN, Koyo or Gates will also fit, but check the compatibility in the catalog. The average price is 1,500–2,500 rubles. Important: buy a roller complete with a new timing belt (part number 13028-4M005), since the old belt cannot be used after removing the roller.

Spare part Original article Analogs (brand) Approximate price, ₽
Tension roller 13070-4M000 NTN SNR13070, Koyo TBA-009 1 800–2 500
Timing belt 13028-4M005 Gates 5536XS, Contitech CT1028 2 000–3 500
Crankshaft pulley bolt 12305-4M000 Any high-quality analogue 150–300

If you plan to replace only the pulley and the belt is still in good condition, be sure to check it for microcracks And delamination. Even minor damage under load can lead to breakage. Also prepare sealant (For example, Loctite 574) to fix the crankshaft pulley bolt - this will prevent it from unscrewing itself.

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Before buying a roller, check it for play right in the store: twist the bearing with your finger. If you hear crunching or jamming, refuse to purchase, even if it is original.

Preparing the car: how to safely remove the timing belt

Before starting work disconnect the carby removing the negative terminal from the battery. Then follow these steps:

  1. Place the machine on a level surface and secure the rear wheels with chocks. Raise the front right wheel on a jack and remove it.
  2. Remove the plastic fender liner (it is attached to 4–5 screws and 2 pistons). This will give access to the crankshaft pulley.
  3. Loosen the alternator belt tensioner (12 mm wrench) and remove the belt. On Almera N16 it goes through the crankshaft pulley, the air conditioning compressor and the alternator.
  4. Lock the flywheelby inserting a screwdriver into the hole on the clutch housing (next to the starter). This is necessary to unscrew the crankshaft pulley bolt.

Now you can unscrew the crankshaft pulley bolt (19 mm wrench). Attention: It is tightened with a large torque (100–120 Nm), so a wrench extension or pipe will be required. After removing the pulley, remove the lower timing belt protective cover (it is secured with 3 10mm bolts).

Next you need set timing marks. On Almera N16 they are located:

  • 🔄 On the camshaft pulley (must match the mark on the rear cover).
  • 🔄 On the flywheel (visible through the inspection window in the clutch housing).

If the marks do not match, carefully rotate the crankshaft by the pulley bolt (clockwise) until they align. Do not turn the crankshaft counterclockwise - this may cause the oil pump chain tensioner to become dislodged..

The battery terminal has been removed|The wheel chocks have been installed|The right front wheel and fender liner have been removed|The alternator belt has been loosened|The flywheel has been blocked|The crankshaft pulley and lower timing cover have been removed|The timing marks have been set-->

Step-by-step replacement of the tension roller: from dismantling to installation

When the timing marks are aligned, you can begin replacing the roller. Follow the instructions:

  1. Loosen the tension roller bolt (14 mm wrench), but do not unscrew it completely. The roller is spring-loaded, so once loosened it will automatically move, releasing the belt tension.
  2. Remove the timing belt from the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys. If the belt is stuck, carefully pry it off with a screwdriver without moving the pulleys.
  3. Unscrew the roller bolt completely and remove it. Please note boot - if it is torn, replace it (part number 13075-4M000).
  4. Install a new video, but do not tighten the bolt all the way. First you need to tighten the belt.

To tension the belt, use a special wrench (or a homemade device consisting of two M8 bolts inserted into the holes of the roller). Turning the key clockwise tightens the belt. Optimal tension: The belt should bend 5–7 mm when pressed with a finger between the camshaft and crankshaft pulleys.

After tightening, tighten the roller bolt to a torque 40–45 Nm. Then check timing marks: Turn the crankshaft 2 turns clockwise and make sure that the marks match. If they are out of alignment, repeat the tensioning procedure.

⚠️ Attention: On Almera N16 with motor QG18DE When replacing a roller, be sure to check the condition deflection roller (article 13091-4M000). It is located next to the pump and often wears out at the same time as the tensioner.
What to do if the timing belt is not tensioned?

If, after installing a new roller, the belt cannot be tensioned (the key turns without resistance), the reason may be the following:

1. The tensioner spring is broken — the entire roller needs to be replaced.

2. Bearing jammed — check its play.

3. Belt is too short - compare it with the original.

In this case, do not take risks - contact service or buy a new set of belt and roller.

Assembly and testing: how to avoid mistakes

After installing the new roller and tensioning the belt, proceed to assembly:

  1. Install the lower timing belt cover and secure it with bolts (torque 10 Nm).
  2. Apply thread sealant crankshaft pulley bolt and tighten it to a torque of 100–120 Nm.
  3. Install the crankshaft pulley, alternator belt and plastic fender liner.
  4. Connect the battery and start the engine.

When you first start, pay attention to:

  • 🔊 Extraneous noise (a whistling or grinding sound indicates improper belt tension).
  • 🚦 Engine stability (dips or vibrations may indicate displacement of the timing marks).
  • 💡 Check Engine Light (if it lights up, check the errors with a scanner).

If everything is in order, warm up the engine to operating temperature and check the belt tension again. On Almera N16 After replacing the roller, it is recommended to drive 50–100 km and re-inspect the belt for wear.

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The most common mistake when replacing a roller is insufficient timing belt tension. This leads to its slippage and accelerated wear. Always check the tension after 2-3 revolutions of the crankshaft!

Cost of work in the service vs independent replacement

In official services Nissan for replacing the timing belt tension roller with Almera N16 they charge from 4,000 to 6,000 rubles (excluding spare parts). In private car services the price is lower - 2,500–4,000 rubles. However, if you decide to repair it yourself, your expenses will be limited only by the cost of the parts:

  • 💰 Tension roller — 1 500–2 500 ₽.
  • 💰 Timing belt — 2,000–3,500 ₽ (if replacement is required).
  • 💰 Additional little things (bolts, sealant) - up to 500 ₽.

Total: 3 500–6 000 ₽ versus 6,500–10,000 ₽ in the service. The savings are obvious, but only if you are confident in your abilities. If you do not have a torque wrench or a special tool for tensioning, it is better to entrust the work to professionals - a mistake when installing the roller can cost many times more.

It is also worth considering that Almera N16 with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, it is often necessary to replace not only the roller, but also pumps (article 21010-4M000), since its resource is coming to an end. If the pump starts to leak after replacing the roller, you will have to disassemble the timing mechanism again.

Frequently asked questions about replacing the tension pulley on a Nissan Almera N16

Is it possible to replace only the roller and leave the old belt?

Technically yes, but highly not recommended. The old belt is already stretched and worn, so after installing a new pulley, it may slip or break. In addition, when removing the roller, the belt has to be moved, which further damages it. It is better to replace both elements as a set.

How can you tell if the roller is jammed?

Main features:

  • Timing belt won't turn when trying to turn the crankshaft.
  • I can hear it under the hood grinding or squealing, which does not disappear after warming up.
  • Visible on the belt abrasions or signs of overheating (dark stripes).

If the roller is jammed, it needs to be replaced urgently - further operation of the car is dangerous!

Which timing marks need to be checked on Almera N16?

On Almera N16 with motors QG15DE/QG18DE the marks are located:

  • On camshaft pulley (must match the ridge on the back cover).
  • On flywheel (visible through the inspection window in the clutch housing, should coincide with the triangular protrusion).
  • On crankshaft pulley (mark in the form of a dot, combined with the low tide on the oil pump).

Before removing the belt be sure to take a photo of the position of the marks - this will help avoid errors during assembly.

What happens if the timing belt is not tensioned correctly?

The consequences depend on the degree of error:

  • Weak tension: The belt slips, which leads to valve timing shift (the engine runs rough and loses power).
  • Excessive tension: accelerated wear of the belt, roller bearings and pump. The belt may break.

Check the tension after 2-3 revolutions of the crankshaft - the belt should remain in place without moving.

Do I need to change the crankshaft pulley bolt when replacing the pulley?

Officially Nissan recommends replacing the crankshaft pulley bolt (part number 12305-4M000) each time it is removed, as it becomes deformed when tightened. However, in practice, many car owners use an old bolt if it is in good condition. Be sure to apply sealant to the threads to avoid self-unscrewing.