This Chilton DIY repair and service manual covers 2005-2014 Nissan Frontier and 2005-2014 Nissan Xterra 2WD and 4WD, U.S. and Canadian models.

Frontier pickups come equipped wit 2.5L OHC 4-cylinder or 4.0L OHC V6 engines. Xterra SUVs are only available with V6 engines.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through either 5- or 6-speed manual transmissions. A 5-speed automatic is also available.

TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS | REMOVAL, INSPECTION AND INSTALLATION REMOVAL
(Refer to illustrations 7.14 and 7.16)

1. Position the engine at TDC for number one cylinder (see Section 3). Relieve the fuel system pressure (see Chapter 4).
2. Drain the cooling system (see Chapter 1).
3. Remove the intake air duct connected to the intake manifold (see Chapter 4).
4. Remove the valve cover (see Section 4).
5. Remove the alternator and bracket (see Chapter 5).
6. Remove the upper radiator hose (see Chapter 3).
7. Remove the drivebelt and drivebelt tensioner (see Chapter 1).
8. Drain the engine oil and remove the oil pan and oil pump pick-up (see Sections 14 and 15).
9. Lower the vehicle and install an engine support fixture.
NOTE: After the oil pan is removed, the crossmember and front and rear mounts can be temporarily installed again for support.
10. Without disconnecting the refrigerant lines, unbolt and set aside the air conditioning compressor (see Chapter 3).
11. Remove the coolant reservoir (see Chapter 3).
12. Unbolt and set aside the power steering pump, without disconnecting the hoses (see Chapter 10).
13. Disconnect the electrical connector for the Intake Variable Valve Timing (IVT) Control solenoid.
14. Remove the bolts retaining the IVT (Intake Variable Valve timing) timing chain cover to the timing chain main cover (see illustration). Remove the IVT cover.

EXTENSION HOUSING OIL SEAL (2WD MODELS) | REPLACEMENT
(Refer to illustrations 7.4 and 7.5)

1. Oil leaks frequently occur due to wear of the extension housing oil seal. Replacement of this seal is relatively easy, since it can be performed without removing the transmission form the vehicle.
2. The extension housing oil seal is located at the extreme rear of the transmission, where the driveshaft is attached. If leakage at the seal is suspected, raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. If the seal is leaking, transmission lubricant will be built up on the front of the driveshaft and may be dripping from the rear of the transmission.
3. Remove the driveshaft (see Chapter 8).
4. Using a seal removal tool or a large screwdriver, carefully pry the oil seal out of the rear of the transmission (see illustration). Do not damage the splines on the transmission output shaft.
5. Using a seal driver, a large section of pipe or a very large deep socket as a drift, install the new oil seal (see illustration). Drive it into the bore squarely and make sure it's completely seated.
6. Lubricate the splines of the transmission output shaft and the outside of the driveshaft yoke with lightweight grease, and then install the driveshaft (see Chapter 8). Be careful not to damage the lip of the new seal.