Nissan Micra Timing Belt Installation Procedure & Torque Specs (EM-8)

This is page EM-8 of a factory service manual, covering the installation procedure for the engine timing belt. The procedure begins by confirming the No. 1 cylinder is at T.D.C. on its compression stroke, with a diagram (SEM974) showing alignment of the camshaft pulley and crankshaft pulley timing marks. Steps continue with checking that the water pump pulley and tensioner rotate smoothly, setting a clean timing belt in the correct direction (arrows painted on the belt indicate rotation direction, shown in figure SEM027B), installing the tensioner and return spring, slightly tightening the tensioner lock nut and hooking the return spring to the stopper (SEM186A), installing the lower dust cover and gasket, and installing the crankshaft pulley torqued to 69-88 N·m (7.0-9.0 kg-m, 51-65 ft-lb). After removing all spark plugs, the crankshaft is rotated at least two turns clockwise, then the tensioner lock nut is tightened to 15-17 N·m (1.5-1.7 kg-m, 11-12 ft-lb). Finally, belt tension is checked midway between the camshaft pulley and water pump pulley: deflection should be 2 mm (0.08 in) under an applied force of 2.65-5.69 N (0.27-0.58 kg, 0.60-1.28 lb).