Removal and Installation: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Nissan Xterra. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove undercover with power tool.
Remove drive belts. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ".
Drain engine coolant. Refer to "ENGINE COOLANT ".
CAUTION:
- Perform this step when engine is cold.
- Do not spill engine coolant on drive belts.
Remove radiator hoses (upper and lower) and cooling fan assembly. Refer to "ENGINE COOLING FAN ".
Remove chain tensioner cover and water pump cover from front timing chain case, using Tool.
Tool number: KV10111100 (J-37228)

Fig 1: Removing Chain Tensioner Cover And Water Pump Cover From Front Timing Chain Case
Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove timing chain tensioner (primary) as follows:
1. Loosen clip of timing chain tensioner (primary), and release plunger stopper. (1)
2. Insert plunger into tensioner body by pressing slack guide. (2)
3. Keep slack guide pressed and hold plunger in by pushing stopper pin through the tensioner body hole and plunger groove. (3)
  
  Fig 2: Inserting Plunger Into Tensioner Body
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
4. Turn crankshaft pulley clockwise so that timing chain on the timing chain tensioner (primary) side is loose.
  
  Fig 3: Turning Crankshaft Pulley Clockwise
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
5. Remove bolts and remove timing chain tensioner (primary).
  CAUTION: Be careful not to drop bolts inside timing chain case.
  
  Fig 4: Removing Timing Chain Tensioner
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
Remove water pump as follows:
1. Remove three water pump bolts. Secure a gap between water pump gear and timing chain, by turning crankshaft pulley counterclockwise until timing chain looseness on water pump sprocket becomes maximum.
  
  Fig 5: Turning Crankshaft Pulley Counterclockwise
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
2. Screw M8 bolts [pitch: 1.25 mm (0.049 in) length: approx. 50 mm (1.97 in)] into water pumps upper and lower bolt holes until they reach timing chain case. Then, alternately tighten each bolt for a half turn, and pull out water pump.
  CAUTION:
  - Pull straight out while preventing vane from contacting socket in installation area.
  - Remove water pump without causing sprocket to contact timing chain.
3. Remove M8 bolts and O-rings from water pump.
  CAUTION: Do not disassemble water pump.
  
  NOTE: Do not reuse O-rings.
  
  Fig 6: Removing Water Pump
  Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.