Nissan Qashqai R9M 1.6 DCI Timing Chain Replacement

How to replace the timing chain on a 2013 Nissan Qashqai J10 fitted with the 1.6 DCI R9M engine.

Link to the Neilsen Ct4986 timing tool kit that was used for this engine:
http://www.cannontools.co.uk/product-...

This Qashqai had a rattling noise coming from the engine, hard to get the camera to pick it up over the clatter of the diesel but it was pronounced and there was also an engine management light on with codes related to the camshaft being out of synchronisation.

This car had less than 85,000 miles and it is quite disappointing that the chain was already showing signs of wear like this. However it possibly may be down to the wrong oil being used, or services being skipped.
My mate just bought the car and wanted to leave it right, hopefully with this new chain and a more rigorous service schedule the new chain should last much longer.

The R9M engine is one that was developed as part of the Renault/Nissan alliance and it seems to have replaced an older 2.0 engine. It is not the same as the smaller 1.5 DCI K9K belt driven engine.
Also the 2.0 M9R engine although its timing locking tools look similar they will not work here.

The R9M is used in a wide range of vehicles that are part of that group, also some badge engineered vehicles and Mercedes also use it in some of their vehicles. The list includes but is not limited to:

- Nissan Qashqai (J10 and the newer J11)
- Nissan X-Trail
- Renualt Megane
- Renault Scenic
- Renault Kadjar
- Renault Tailsman
- Mercedes A Class
- Mercedes C Class
- Vauxhall / Opel Vivaro
- Nissan Primastar
- Renault Trafic

The Qashqai is a tight engine bay, the worst aspect of this job is the fact the way to lock the crankshaft is via a hole located behind the starter. I have heard some mechanics can do it without removing the starter and just use tippex or marks. However being the first R9M and timing chain i have done i did not want to take any chances and followed the nissan workshop manual.
If i had another engine from a scrapyard to hand i would try to design a tool to lock the crankshaft at the timing chain side by indexing some of the bolt holes for the timing chain cover. However my mate needed this car back in a hurry so i did not have the time to design or 3D print and test a tool.

For any more in depth questions or ones that need photos/diagrams to be sent feel free to send a message on my facebook page:
  / pc2cv