How to Change Water Pump & Timing Belt Kit on Nissan Micra III (K12) – Replacement Guide
Introduction
This guide provides detailed instructions for replacing the water pump and timing belt kit on a Nissan Micra III (K12) with a 1.5 dCi engine. While the steps are specific to this model, they may vary slightly depending on the car's design. This tutorial is based on a similar procedure for the Renault Clio III Hatchback (BR0/1, CR0/1) 1.5 dCi.
Similar Video Tutorial: A video demonstrating the replacement procedure for a similar car part on another vehicle is available.
This replacement procedure can be used for: NISSAN MICRA III (K12) 1.5 dCi
The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.
This tutorial was created based on the replacement procedure for a similar car part on: RENAULT Clio III Hatchback (BR0/1, CR0/1) 1.5 dCi
Tools You Might Need
- Brake cleaner
- Copper grease
- Sealant
- Torque wrench
- Combination spanner #10
- Combination spanner #13
- Combination spanner #16
- HEX bit No.H6.
- Drive socket # 8
- Drive socket # 10
- Drive socket # 13
- Drive socket # E14
- Drive socket # 16
- Drive socket # 18
- Wheel impact socket #17
- Ratchet wrench
- Funnel
- Fluid container
- Seal scraper
- Clic-R collar pliers
- Long round nose pliers
- Clip removal tool
- Engine timing tool set
- Hydraulic transmission jack
- Fender cover
- Wheel chock
Consider purchasing necessary tools from AUTODOC for convenience.
Recommended Sequence of Steps
AUTODOC experts recommend:
- Follow the terms, recommendations, and requirements of the part operation provided by the manufacturer.
- All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Step 1: Open the bonnet.
Step 2: Use a fender protection cover.
Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.
Step 3: Unscrew battery terminals.
Unscrew the fasteners of the car battery terminals. Use a drive socket #10 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are shown using a drive socket #10 and ratchet wrench to loosen the fasteners on the car battery terminals.]
Step 4: Remove battery terminals.
[Image description: The car battery terminals are being removed.]
Step 5: Unscrew coolant reservoir cap.
[Image description: A hand is unscrewing the coolant reservoir cap.]
Step 6: Secure wheels with chocks.
[Image description: Vehicle wheels are secured with chocks to prevent rolling.]
Step 7: Loosen wheel mounting bolts.
Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
[Image description: A wheel impact socket #17 is used to loosen wheel mounting bolts.]
Step 8: Raise and support the car.
Raise the front of the car and secure it on supports.
[Image description: The front of the car is raised and supported by jack stands.]
Step 9: Unscrew wheel bolts.
[Image description: Hands are shown unscrewing wheel bolts.]
Step 10: Remove the wheel.
[Image description: A car wheel is being removed from the hub.]
Step 11: Remove wheel arch cover.
Remove the wheel arch cover. Use a clip removal tool.
[Image description: A clip removal tool is used to detach a wheel arch cover.]
Step 12: Unscrew fuel filter bracket bolts.
Unscrew the fuel filter bracket fixing bolts. Use a drive socket #13 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #13 and ratchet wrench to unscrew fuel filter bracket bolts.]
Step 13: Remove fuel filter bracket.
Remove the fuel filter fastening bracket.
[Image description: A fuel filter fastening bracket is being removed.]
Step 14: Unscrew fuel filter bracket bolts (alternative).
Unscrew the fuel filter bracket fixing bolts. Use a combination spanner #10.
[Image description: Hands are using a combination spanner #10 to unscrew fuel filter bracket bolts.]
Step 15: Remove fuel filter bracket (alternative).
Remove the fuel filter fastening bracket.
[Image description: A fuel filter fastening bracket is being removed.]
Step 16: Move V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley.
Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #16.
[Image description: A combination spanner #16 is used to move the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley.]
Step 17: Remove V-ribbed belt.
[Image description: The V-ribbed belt is being removed from the pulleys.]
Step 18: Return tensioner pulley.
Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position. Use a combination spanner #16.
[Image description: A combination spanner #16 is used to return the tensioner pulley to its resting position.]
Step 19: Support the subframe.
Support the subframe. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
[Image description: A hydraulic transmission jack is supporting the vehicle's subframe.]
Step 20: Clean subframe fasteners.
Clean the subframe fasteners. Use a wire brush and WD-40 spray.
[Image description: A wire brush and WD-40 spray are used to clean subframe fasteners.]
Step 21: Unscrew subframe reinforcement bracket bolts.
Unscrew the subframe reinforcement bracket fasteners. Use a drive socket #13 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #13 and ratchet wrench to unscrew subframe reinforcement bracket fasteners.]
Step 22: Unscrew subframe fastening.
Unscrew the subframe fastening. Use a drive socket #18 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and ratchet wrench to unscrew subframe fastening.]
Step 23: Remove subframe support.
Remove the support from under the subframe.
[Image description: The hydraulic transmission jack is being lowered to remove support from the subframe.]
AUTODOC recommends:Lower the transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging components and mechanisms.
Step 24: Unscrew TDC timing pin plug.
Unscrew the TDC timing pin plug. Use a drive socket #E14 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #E14 and ratchet wrench to unscrew the TDC timing pin plug.]
Step 25: Install crankshaft gear locking tool.
Install the crankshaft gear locking tool according to the factory marks. Use an engine timing tool set.
[Image description: An engine timing tool set is used to install a crankshaft gear locking tool.]
Step 26: Unscrew crankshaft pulley fastener.
Unscrew the crankshaft pulley fastener. Use a drive socket #18 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and ratchet wrench to unscrew the crankshaft pulley fastener.]
Step 27: Remove crankshaft pulley.
[Image description: The crankshaft pulley is being removed.]
Step 28: Screw in crankshaft pulley fastener.
Screw in the crankshaft pulley fastener. Use a drive socket #18 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and ratchet wrench to screw in the crankshaft pulley fastener.]
Step 29: Remove crankshaft gear locking tool.
[Image description: The crankshaft gear locking tool is being removed.]
Step 30: Remove lower timing cover.
[Image description: The lower timing cover is being removed.]
Step 31: Support engine in oil pan area.
Support the engine in the oil pan area. Use a hydraulic transmission jack.
[Image description: A hydraulic transmission jack is supporting the engine in the oil pan area.]
Step 32: Unscrew upper engine mount fastener.
Unscrew the upper fastener of the engine mount. Use a drive socket #16 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #16 and ratchet wrench to unscrew the upper engine mount fastener.]
Step 33: Remove upper engine mount.
Remove the upper part of the engine mount.
[Image description: The upper part of the engine mount is being removed.]
Step 34: Remove upper timing cover.
[Image description: The upper timing cover is being removed.]
Step 35: Unscrew engine mount fasteners.
Unscrew the engine mount fasteners. Use a combination spanner #10, a drive socket #10, and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a combination spanner #10, drive socket #10, and ratchet wrench to unscrew engine mount fasteners.]
Step 36: Remove engine mount.
[Image description: The engine mount is being removed.]
Step 37: Turn crankshaft gear.
Turn the crankshaft gear. Use a drive socket #18 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and ratchet wrench to turn the crankshaft gear.]
? Please note!The piston should be at its top dead centre (TDC).
Step 38: Install crankshaft gear locking tool.
Install the crankshaft gear locking tool according to the factory marks. Use an engine timing tool set.
[Image description: An engine timing tool set is used to install a crankshaft gear locking tool according to factory marks.]
Step 39: Mark crankshaft gear.
Make a mark on the crankshaft gear.
[Image description: A mark is being made on the crankshaft gear.]
Step 40: Install camshaft gear locking tool.
Install the camshaft gear locking tool according to the factory marks. Use an engine timing tool set.
[Image description: An engine timing tool set is used to install a camshaft gear locking tool according to factory marks.]
Step 41: Mark camshaft gear.
Make a mark on the camshaft gear.
[Image description: A mark is being made on the camshaft gear.]
Step 42: Loosen timing belt tensioner pulley fastener.
Loosen the fastener of the timing belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #13 and HEX No.H6.
[Image description: Hands are using a combination spanner #13 and HEX No.H6 to loosen the timing belt tensioner pulley fastener.]
Step 43: Move timing belt tensioner pulley.
Pull aside the timing belt tensioner pulley.
[Image description: The timing belt tensioner pulley is being pulled aside.]
Step 44: Remove timing belt.
[Image description: The timing belt is being removed from the pulleys.]
Step 45: Return tensioner pulley to initial position.
[Image description: The tensioner pulley is returned to its initial position.]
Step 46: Remove timing belt tensioner pulley.
[Image description: The timing belt tensioner pulley is being removed.]
Step 47: Unscrew middle timing cover fasteners.
Unscrew the fasteners of the middle timing cover. Use a drive socket #8 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #8 and ratchet wrench to unscrew the middle timing cover fasteners.]
Step 48: Unscrew serpentine belt tensioner pulley fastener.
Unscrew the fastener of the serpentine belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #13.
[Image description: Hands are using a combination spanner #13 to unscrew the serpentine belt tensioner pulley fastener.]
Step 49: Remove serpentine belt tensioner pulley.
[Image description: The serpentine belt tensioner pulley is being removed.]
Step 50: Remove middle timing cover.
[Image description: The middle timing cover is being removed.]
Step 51: Detach lower coolant pipe clamp.
Detach the clamp of the lower coolant pipe. Use long round nose pliers.
[Image description: Long round nose pliers are used to detach the clamp of the lower coolant pipe.]
Step 52: Prepare container for fluids.
[Image description: A container is placed to catch fluids.]
Step 53: Detach lower coolant pipe.
[Image description: The lower coolant pipe is being detached.]
Step 54: Drain coolant from engine.
[Image description: Coolant is being drained from the engine.]
Professionals recommend:⚠️ Caution! The coolant can be very hot.
Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.
All work should be done with the engine stopped.
Step 55: Attach lower coolant pipe.
[Image description: The lower coolant pipe is being attached.]
Step 56: Attach lower coolant pipe clamp.
Attach the clamp of the lower coolant pipe. Use clic-R collar pliers.
[Image description: Clic-R collar pliers are used to attach the clamp of the lower coolant pipe.]
Step 57: Unscrew water pump fasteners.
Unscrew the water pump fasteners. Use a drive socket #8 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #8 and ratchet wrench to unscrew water pump fasteners.]
Step 58: Remove water pump.
[Image description: The water pump is being removed.]
Tip:⚠️ Caution! Coolant may come out from the water pump channels and body.
Step 59: Clean water pump mounting seat.
Clean the water pump mounting seat. Use a seal scraper.
[Image description: A seal scraper is used to clean the water pump mounting seat.]
Step 60: Treat fastening bolts.
Treat the fastening bolts. Use a sealant.
[Image description: Fastening bolts are being treated with sealant.]
Step 61: Install water pump gasket.
[Image description: A new water pump gasket is being installed.]
Step 62: Install new water pump.
[Image description: The new water pump is being installed.]
Step 63: Tighten water pump fasteners.
Tighten the water pump fasteners. Use a drive socket #8 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 12 Nm torque.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #8 and torque wrench to tighten water pump fasteners to 12 Nm.]
Step 64: Install middle timing cover.
[Image description: The middle timing cover is being installed.]
Step 65: Screw in middle timing cover fasteners.
Screw in the fasteners of the middle timing cover. Use a drive socket #8 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #8 and ratchet wrench to screw in middle timing cover fasteners.]
Step 66: Treat fastening bolt.
Treat the fastening bolt. Use a sealant.
[Image description: A fastening bolt is being treated with sealant.]
Step 67: Install timing belt tensioner pulley.
[Image description: The timing belt tensioner pulley is being installed.]
Step 68: Install new timing belt.
Install the new timing belt according to the factory marks.
[Image description: The new timing belt is being installed onto the pulleys, aligned with factory marks.]
AUTODOC experts recommend:Be careful not to damage the timing belt.
Step 69: Adjust timing belt tension.
Adjust the timing belt tension by moving the tensioner pulley. Use HEX No.H6.
[Image description: Hands are using HEX No.H6 to adjust the timing belt tensioner pulley.]
AUTODOC recommends:Make sure that the timing belt is properly tensioned.
Step 70: Screw in timing belt tensioner pulley fastener.
Screw in the fastener of the timing belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #13.
[Image description: Hands are using a combination spanner #13 to screw in the timing belt tensioner pulley fastener.]
Step 71: Remove camshaft gear locking tool.
[Image description: The camshaft gear locking tool is being removed.]
Step 72: Remove crankshaft gear locking tool.
[Image description: The crankshaft gear locking tool is being removed.]
Step 73: Turn crankshaft gear.
Turn the crankshaft gear. Use a drive socket #18 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and ratchet wrench to turn the crankshaft gear.]
AUTODOC recommends:Make sure all the timing belt components are mounted correctly.
Step 74: Tighten timing belt tensioner pulley fastener.
Tighten the fastener of the timing belt tensioner pulley. Use a drive socket #13 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 27 Nm torque.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #13 and torque wrench to tighten the timing belt tensioner pulley fastener to 27 Nm.]
Step 75: Treat engine mount fasteners.
Treat the engine mount fasteners. Use a sealant.
[Image description: Engine mount fasteners are being treated with sealant.]
Step 76: Install engine mount.
Install the engine mount to its mounting seat.
[Image description: The engine mount is being installed into its mounting seat.]
Step 77: Tighten engine mount bolts.
Tighten the engine mount fastening bolts. Use a drive socket #10 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 40 Nm torque.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #10 and torque wrench to tighten engine mount fastening bolts to 40 Nm.]
Step 78: Install upper timing cover.
Install the upper timing cover. Make sure you hear a click indicating that it is locked in place.
[Image description: The upper timing cover is being installed, with a focus on ensuring it locks into place.]
Step 79: Install upper part of engine mount.
[Image description: The upper part of the engine mount is being installed.]
Step 80: Treat engine mount fasteners (again).
Treat the engine mount fasteners. Use a sealant.
[Image description: Engine mount fasteners are being treated with sealant.]
Step 81: Tighten upper engine mount fastener.
Tighten the upper fastener of the engine mount. Use a drive socket #16 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 76 Nm torque.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #16 and torque wrench to tighten the upper engine mount fastener to 76 Nm.]
Step 82: Remove engine support.
Remove the support from under the engine.
[Image description: The hydraulic transmission jack is being lowered to remove support from under the engine.]
Tip from AUTODOC:Lower the hydraulic transmission jack smoothly, without jerks, to avoid damaging assemblies and mechanisms.
Step 83: Install lower timing cover.
[Image description: The lower timing cover is being installed.]
Step 84: Treat fastening bolt.
Treat the fastening bolt. Use a sealant.
[Image description: A fastening bolt is being treated with sealant.]
Step 85: Install serpentine belt tensioner pulley.
[Image description: The serpentine belt tensioner pulley is being installed.]
Step 86: Tighten serpentine belt tensioner pulley fastener.
Tighten the fastener of the serpentine belt tensioner pulley. Use a drive socket #13 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 35 Nm torque.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #13 and torque wrench to tighten the serpentine belt tensioner pulley fastener to 35 Nm.]
Step 87: Unscrew crankshaft pulley fastener.
Unscrew the crankshaft pulley fastener. Use a drive socket #18 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and ratchet wrench to unscrew the crankshaft pulley fastener.]
Step 88: Install crankshaft pulley.
Install the crankshaft pulley according to the factory marks.
[Image description: The crankshaft pulley is being installed, aligned with factory marks.]
Step 89: Install crankshaft pulley locking tool.
Install the crankshaft pulley locking tool. Use an engine timing tool set.
[Image description: An engine timing tool set is used to install the crankshaft pulley locking tool.]
Step 90: Tighten crankshaft pulley fastener.
Tighten the crankshaft pulley fastener. Use a drive socket #18 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 60 Nm torque + 90°.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and torque wrench to tighten the crankshaft pulley fastener to 60 Nm plus an additional 90 degrees.]
AUTODOC recommends:❗ Important! Be sure to use new fasteners.
Step 91: Remove crankshaft pulley locking tool.
[Image description: The crankshaft pulley locking tool is being removed.]
Step 92: Screw in TDC timing pin plug.
Screw in the TDC timing pin plug. Use a drive socket #E14 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #E14 and ratchet wrench to screw in the TDC timing pin plug.]
Step 93: Move V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley.
Pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley. Use a combination spanner #16.
[Image description: Hands are using a combination spanner #16 to pull aside the V-ribbed belt tensioner pulley.]
Step 94: Install V-ribbed belt.
[Image description: The V-ribbed belt is being installed onto the pulleys.]
Tip from AUTODOC experts:Make sure that the V-ribbed belt fits all pulleys snugly.
Step 95: Return tensioner pulley to initial position.
Return the tensioner pulley to its initial position. Use a combination spanner #16.
[Image description: Hands are using a combination spanner #16 to return the tensioner pulley to its initial position.]
Step 96: Screw in subframe fasteners.
Screw in the subframe fasteners. Use a drive socket #18 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and ratchet wrench to screw in subframe fasteners.]
Step 97: Tighten subframe reinforcement bracket fasteners.
Tighten the subframe reinforcement bracket fasteners. Use a drive socket #13 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 35 Nm torque.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #13 and torque wrench to tighten subframe reinforcement bracket fasteners to 35 Nm.]
Step 98: Tighten subframe fastening.
Tighten the subframe fastening. Use a drive socket #18 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 105 Nm torque.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #18 and torque wrench to tighten the subframe fastening to 105 Nm.]
Step 99: Install fuel filter fastening bracket.
[Image description: The fuel filter fastening bracket is being installed.]
Step 100: Screw fuel filter bracket bolts.
Screw the fixing bolts of the fuel filter bracket. Use a combination spanner #10.
[Image description: Hands are using a combination spanner #10 to screw in the fuel filter bracket fixing bolts.]
Step 101: Install fuel filter fastening bracket (again).
[Image description: The fuel filter fastening bracket is being installed.]
Step 102: Screw fuel filter bracket bolts (again).
Screw the fixing bolts of the fuel filter bracket. Use a drive socket #13 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #13 and ratchet wrench to screw in the fuel filter bracket fixing bolts.]
Step 103: Install wheel arch cover.
Install the wheel arch cover to its mounting seat.
[Image description: The wheel arch cover is being installed into its mounting seat.]
Step 104: Treat brake disc contact surface.
Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use copper grease.
[Image description: Copper grease is being applied to the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim.]
Step 105: Clean brake disk surface.
Clean the brake disk surface. Use a brake cleaner.
[Image description: A brake cleaner is used to clean the brake disk surface.]
AUTODOC recommends:After applying the spray, wait a few minutes.
Step 106: Install the wheel.
[Image description: A wheel is being installed onto the hub.]
AUTODOC recommends:⚠️ To avoid injury, hold up the wheel when screwing in the fastening bolts.
Step 107: Screw in wheel bolts.
Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.
[Image description: A wheel impact socket #17 is used to screw in wheel bolts.]
Step 108: Tighten wheel bolts.
Lower the car and working in a cross order, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17 and a torque wrench. Tighten it to 105 Nm torque.
[Image description: The car is lowered, and wheel bolts are tightened in a cross pattern using a wheel impact socket #17 and torque wrench to 105 Nm.]
Step 109: Remove jacks and chocks.
[Image description: Jacks and wheel chocks are being removed from under the car.]
Step 110: Remove coolant reservoir cap.
[Image description: The coolant reservoir cap is being removed.]
Step 111: Insert funnel.
[Image description: A funnel is being inserted into the coolant reservoir.]
Step 112: Pour coolant.
Pour coolant in the coolant reservoir.
[Image description: Coolant is being poured into the coolant reservoir.]
AUTODOC recommends:Only use the coolant recommended by the manufacturer.
The coolant level should be at the MAX mark.
Wait until the air goes out of the system.
Step 113: Attach battery terminals.
Attach the terminals to the battery.
[Image description: Battery terminals are being attached to the battery posts.]
AUTODOC experts recommend:⚠️ Be careful! Do not mix up the positive and the negative terminals of the car battery.
Step 114: Screw in battery terminal fasteners.
Screw in the fasteners of the battery terminals. Use a drive socket #10 and a ratchet wrench.
[Image description: Hands are using a drive socket #10 and ratchet wrench to screw in battery terminal fasteners.]
Step 115: Run engine for a few minutes.
Run the engine for a few minutes. This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.
[Image description: The engine is running, with a view of the engine bay.]
Step 116: Shut off the engine.
Step 117: Install coolant reservoir cap.
Step 118: Screw on coolant reservoir cap.
[Image description: A hand is screwing on the coolant reservoir cap.]
Step 119: Check coolant level.
Check the coolant level. If necessary, top up to the required level.
Please note!The coolant level should be at the MAX mark.
Step 120: Remove fender protection cover.
[Image description: A fender protection cover is being removed.]
Step 121: Close the hood.
[Image description: The car hood is being closed.]
Tip from AUTODOC experts:Be sure to record the mileage at which you replaced the timing belt and water pump kits.
Completion
WELL DONE! ?
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Disclaimer
The document contains only general recommendations that may be useful for you when you perform repair or replacement work. AUTODOC shall not be liable for any loss, injury, damage of property occurring in the repair or replacement process due to incorrect use or misinterpretation of the provided information.
AUTODOC shall not be liable for any possible mistakes and uncertainties in this guide. The information provided is for information purposes only and cannot replace advice from specialists.
AUTODOC shall not be liable for incorrect or hazardous usage of equipment, tools and car parts. AUTODOC strongly recommends to be careful and observe the safety rules when performing repair or replacement works. Remember: usage of low quality auto parts does not guarantee you the appropriate level of road safety.
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