Owning a crossover Nissan Murano with a VQ series engine is always a compromise between dynamic driving and careful maintenance. The resource of the gas distribution mechanism on these engines often becomes a stumbling block for owners, especially when the mileage exceeds 150 thousand kilometers. Many people mistakenly believe that a chain lasts forever, but reality dictates its own harsh operating rules.
Ignoring signs of stretching leads to fatal consequences such as chain jump and collision of valves with pistons. In this article we will look at how to recognize a problem in time, why standard replacement intervals are often too high, and what nuances exist during repairs. Nissan Murano Z50 or Z51.
Signs of timing chain wear and the need for diagnostics
It is difficult to detect a stretched chain in its early stages because modern tension compensation systems operate quietly. However, if you notice a characteristic metallic clanging sound during a cold start that disappears after a few seconds, this is the first sign. This sound is caused by the fact that the hydraulic tensioner has not yet had time to create pressure, and the weakened chain hits the body.
In addition to the noise, about the critical condition chain mechanism may indicate unstable engine operation at idle speed. The car may stall, stall or show an error in valve timing (P0011, P0021). Owners Nissan Murano with motor VQ35DE You should be especially attentive to these symptoms, as they often precede serious breakdowns.
Also, pay attention to the oil level and its color. Leaks through seals or wear debris entering the lubricant accelerate the degradation of parts. If metal particles are visible on the dipstick, and the exhaust smell has changed to a stronger one, postpone your visit to the service center. absolutely not possible.
Replacement periods and actual service life of VQ motors
The manufacturer states that the chain on VQ35 engines is a maintenance-free element and is designed for the entire service life of the vehicle. However, statistics from service centers show that the service life often does not exceed 180–200 thousand kilometers. This is due to the design features of the tensioners and the quality of fuel and lubricants.
For Nissan Murano first generation (Z50) with engine VQ35DE The critical point is often 150,000 km. On more recent models (Z51, Z52) with a motor VQ35HR or VQ35V the situation may be slightly better, but the risk remains. It is important to understand that the “service life” in technical books is ideal conditions, which do not exist in real life.
Regular oil changes are the only way to extend the life of your chain. If you change the oil less often than once every 7-8 thousand kilometers, the resource tensioners and sedatives is reduced significantly. Savings on service regulations here result in a multiple increase in the cost of repairs.
- up to 100 thousand km
- 100-200 thousand km
- more than 200 thousand km
- Bought used, unknown
Selection of components: original or high-quality analogues
When choosing spare parts to replace the timing chain with Nissan Murano A dilemma arises: to install the original or a reliable analogue. Genuine Nissan kits are really high quality, but they are often overpriced due to dealer markups. However, inside the box there may be a product from a third-party manufacturer.
There are proven brands that offer excellent analogues. Companies like Dayco, Gates or ContiTech produce chains and tensioners that are not inferior in quality to the original, but are cheaper. The main thing is to avoid cheap Chinese fakes, which can stretch after 10 thousand kilometers.
It is also important to replace not only the chain itself, but also all accompanying elements. The standard kit should include hydraulic tensioners, dampers, sprockets (in some cases) and crankshaft seals. An attempt to save money on replacing tensioners often leads to the new chain quickly failing.
For VQ35DE motors, the condition of the guides is critical. Old plastic guides will crumble and pieces can get into the oil pump or passages. Therefore, a complete replacement of the entire set is the only correct solution for the durability of the repair.
What is included in a complete timing belt kit
The kit usually includes: a timing chain (usually 3 pieces for a V-shaped engine), hydraulic tensioners (2-3 pieces), chain stabilizers (guides), camshaft sprockets (if they are worn), crankshaft oil seal, pulley mounting bolts. Sometimes the kit also includes a valve cover gasket.
Replacement technology: difficulties and nuances
Replacing the timing chain on the engine VQ35 - This is a labor-intensive procedure that requires highly qualified specialists. To access the mechanism, it is necessary to remove many attachments, including the intake manifold, generator, air conditioning compressor and subframe. This is not a job that can be done “on your knees” in a garage without a pit and special tools.
Particular attention is paid to setting labels. There are special marks on the crankshaft and camshafts that must match the marks on the sprockets. An error of even half a tooth will lead to a violation of the valve timing, which is fraught with loss of power and increased fuel consumption. In some cases, it is necessary to use a special tool to fix the shafts.
The replacement process also involves mandatory replacement oil pump or its internal elements, since it is often clogged with wear products of the old chain. Ignoring this step may lead to oil starvation of the engine after repair. It is also necessary to thoroughly rinse the oil channels from chips.
☑️ Checklist before starting work
Repair cost and economic feasibility
Financial costs for replacing the timing chain with Nissan Murano consists of the cost of spare parts and labor. A set of high-quality consumables will cost 20–40 thousand rubles, depending on the manufacturer. Replacement work takes from 12 to 18 hours, which, with an average service rate, results in 25–40 thousand rubles.
As a result, a complete replacement of the chain with related work can cost from 50 to 80 thousand rubles. This is a significant amount, but it is not comparable with the cost of overhauling the engine or replacing it entirely. If you plan to drive the car for several more years, such repairs are absolutely worth it.
Below is a table with average prices for basic operations and parts for Nissan Murano:
| Name of service/part | Price (RUB) | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Timing chain kit (original) | 35 000 - 45 000 | Includes tensioners and dampers |
| Timing chain kit (analog) | 18 000 - 25 000 | Dayco, Gates, ContiTech |
| Replacement work (full cycle) | 25 000 - 35 000 | Depends on region and service |
| Replacing the valve cover gasket | 3 000 - 5 000 | Usually included in the main scope of work |
| Replacing the oil pump | 8 000 - 12 000 | Recommended for mileage >150 thousand km |
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to save money by ordering only the chain without replacing the tensioners. Old tensioners will not be able to provide proper tension to the new chain, and it will quickly jump.
Consequences of ignoring replacement and risks
If you ignore the signs of wear and tear and continue to use it, the consequences can be dire. The most common scenario is the chain jumping one or more teeth. This instantly disrupts the valve timing and the engine stops working correctly.
Nissan VQ engines, like many other modern engines, use an interference design. This means that if the chain breaks or jumps, the pistons meet the valves. The result is bent valves, destroyed pistons and possibly damage to the cylinder head.
The cost of such repairs often exceeds the market value of the car itself. Replacing the cylinder head, grinding the surface, replacing all the valves and piston group costs hundreds of thousands of rubles. That's why timely diagnosis and replacement of the timing chain is the only way to avoid major engine repairs.
It is also worth considering that even if the engine has not stalled, working with disturbed phases leads to overheating and increased wear of other components. Oil quickly loses its properties, the turbine (if there is one) may fail due to oil starvation.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a grinding noise when starting the engine, but it quickly disappears, do not continue driving. This is a sure sign that the chain is about to jump, and every kilometer increases the risk of engine destruction.
After replacing the timing chain, be sure to adapt the engine ECU and check the phases with a scanner. Sometimes after resetting the errors, the engine is unstable for the first 50-100 km, but this is normal.
Regular maintenance and replacement of the timing chain at 150-180 thousand km is an investment in engine preservation that will save you tens of thousands of rubles in the future.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from owners
Is it necessary to change the chain at 100,000 km?
If the car was operated in a gentle manner and the oil was changed regularly, then 100,000 km is still an early mileage. However, if you hear a noise when starting, diagnostics are required regardless of mileage. Preventative replacement at this stage is not always economically justified.
Is it possible to replace the timing chain without removing the subframe?
On most models Nissan Murano With VQ35 motors, removing the subframe is a mandatory step for normal access to the chain. Attempting to do this without removing the subframe greatly complicates the work and increases the risk of errors when setting the marks.
How often does the VQ35 engine oil need to be changed?
The optimal oil change interval for VQ engines is no more than 7,500 km. This extends the life of the hydraulic tensioners and the chain itself. The use of oil with 0W-20 or 5W-30 tolerances is mandatory.
What happens if the chain jumps 1 tooth?
A jump of 1 tooth will lead to loss of power, unstable idle operation and phase errors (P0011/P0021). The engine can work, but with increased wear. If it jumps 2-3 teeth, the valves may come into contact with the pistons.
What tool is needed to replace the chain?
In addition to the standard set of keys and sockets, you need a special tool for fixing the camshafts (phase locks), a torque wrench for tightening the crankshaft and sprocket bolts, and a pulley puller. Without this tool, high-quality replacement is impossible.