Question 1

Why is there a squeaking coming from the fan belt or pulleys of my 2019 Nissan Navara?

Accepted Answer

Fan belts and other rubber drive belts can squeak or squeal if they’re not correctly adjusted for tension. Usually, a too-loose belt will be the cause, and to fix it, you need to slacken off the adjuster and tighten the belt to the correct tension. In some cases, though, you may find the noise is coming from a partially seized or worn bearing in one of the pulleys. You could try a little squirt of penetrating fluid on the bearings to see if that makes the noise go away. If the bearing is really worn, however, it will need to be replaced. Sometimes the noise will be caused by coolant or water getting on to the rubber belt. Check the radiator and its hoses for leaks that could be allowing fluid on to the rubber and making it squeal.

Question 2

What tow vehicle or hybrid camper should I consider for after retirement?

Accepted Answer

The last decade of dual-cab four-wheel-drive utes have emerged as the tow-vehicles of choice, and you see them everywhere filling roles exactly like the one you have planned. Popular models include the Ford Ranger you’ve nominated, Toyota HiLux, Mazda BT-50, VW Amarok, Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara and Isuzu D-Max. But there are also cheaper alternatives including makes like the South-Korean made Ssangyong and various Chinese brands like LDV and Great Wall. Just make sure you know exactly how much you need to tow before making a decision as some of the cheaper models don’t have the same outright towing capacity and even if they do, some of them don’t have the engine performance to make towing as easy as it should be. For parts availability, the Toyota would be king in really remote areas, but any of the major brands are pretty well covered in Australia. Meantime, don’t rule out ute-based wagons such as the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuna. These offer better ride comfort when unladen thanks to more sophisticated rear suspensions and most have as much or almost as much towing capacity as their ute brethren.

Question 3

The clutch of my 2006 Nissan Navara has developed a whine

Accepted Answer

You could be dealing with a broken or worn clutch that is not disengaging as it should. This would explain the notchy shifting. But the whining noise makes me think you could have a worn or dry throw-out bearing. This is part of the clutch that allows the clutch actuator to disengage the clutch while the engine is running. If it’s worn or it runs out of grease over time, it can start to make a shrill noise and can cause iffy shifting.

Question 4

Does the 2010 Nissan Navara have a DPF?

Accepted Answer

This is a very contentious question and depending on who you talk to, you’ll get a bunch of different answers. Overall, it seems that Navara D22s from about 2007 to 2010 did, in fact, have a DPF fitted as standard. But only if they had an automatic transmission; manual versions don’t seem to have been fitted with a DPF. Why? Who knows. In any case, the definitive answer can be obtained by looking under your vehicle. The DPF will appear as a large cannister, mounted next to the chassis rail, just behind the transmission and is part of the exhaust system.

Question 5

Why is there oil in my 2014 Nissan Navara's intercooler?

Accepted Answer

This is actually a pretty common problem and there seems to be two common causes. The first is leaking seals inside the turbocharger. The turbo needs oil to lubricate it, but if its seals are leaking they can allow oil into the inlet tract and, therefore, the intercooler. The second cause is possibly even more common and involves the crankcase ventilation system allowing oil into the intake (and intercooler). A modern engine needs to consume its own crankcase fumes and burn them (rather than vent them into the atmosphere) as part of its anti-pollution systems. But in many cars (and modern turbo-diesels are the prime suspects) those fumes can contain some oil mist which, once enough of it has accumulated, will form the oil droplets you’re seeing in the intercooler. While a faulty turbocharger will need to be replaced, if the problem is the work of the crankcase ventilation system, it still should be addressed before the oil mixes with soot from the exhaust gas recirculation system (another emissions-control device) and forms a horrible, back gunk that clogs the engine’s intake system. If hat happens, costly disassembly and cleaning is required. Even if you’ve caught this in the early stages (before the gunk can build up) the oil can still cause problems with sensors inside the inlet system and could cause poor running and high fuel consumption. A good quality oil catch can is the preferred method of stopping this occurring as it 'catches' the oil mist before it gets to the inlet tract.

Question 6

Electrical issues in my 2006 Nissan Navara

Accepted Answer

It sounds very much like your car has a problem with what’s called its clockspring. This is an electrical contact that allows the functions controlled by, or mounted on, the steering wheel to operate while still allowing the wheel to be turned. Over time, the clockspring wears and finally breaks which is almost certainly why you lost the cruise control and horn functions at the same time. It’s also why the airbag light has illuminated, as the broken connector won’t allow the computer to talk to the airbag in the steering wheel. Most workshops will be able to replace the clockspring, but unless you’re a competent mechanic, leave it to the experts as anything to do with an airbag requires utmost care and respect. Even the experts will disconnect the car’s battery before tackling any airbag issue.

Question 7

There is a tapping noise from the motor of my 2007 Nissan Navara

Accepted Answer

This sounds like a classic case of a hydraulic lifter (also called a lash adjuster) that is dying a slow death. These components rely on engine oil pressure to maintain the correct clearance between the engine valves and the rockers that actuate them, and any wear will show up as a ticking noise when the engine is first started and is still building oil pressure. They can often 'tick' for a few seconds or more before going quiet. The recurrence of the noise has probably got something to do with a fall in oil pressure at idle when the engine warms up, allowing the lifter to start ticking again. But the engines in this series of Navara were also known for ticking or rattling noises as the result of worn camshaft-chain tensioners, broken or damaged cam bearing bolts and wear in the auxiliary pulleys and belt tensioners. If the noise does turn out to be a dud lifter, do the smart thing and replace them all, as wear in one means certain wear beginning in the others.

Question 8

What is the GCM of a 2005 Nissan Navara?

Accepted Answer

The towing limit on this model Navara varies enormously according to what engine and transmission is fitted. As a result, the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) also varies a lot between models. As such, the 2.4-litre petrol Navara has a GCM of 4230kg, the V6 petrol a GCM of 4850 and the turbo-diesel is much higher at 5920kg. Don't forget, the GCM includes the vehicle, whatever it's towing and everything else on board, including fuel, accessories and even passengers.

Question 9

Does my Nissan Navara have a diesel particulate filter?

Accepted Answer

You haven't given me much to go on with here, Noel. Without the year and specification of your Navara, I can't even guess if it was fitted with a DPF or not. That's because Nissan has had a bit of an on-again-off-again relationship with DPF technology. To the extent that in some versions of the Navara, the automatic variant had a DPF and the manual did not. But you can check for yourself by taking a look under the car. A DPF looks a bit like a muffler, but with a couple of metal pipes coming out of it and usually an electrical connection or two. Some of this stuff may be hidden behind heat shields, however. In most cases the Navara's DPF will be located in the middle section of the exhaust system, roughly beneath the front passenger's seat.

Question 10

How can I fix the right-front axle in a 2013 Nissan Navara?

Accepted Answer

Running over a piece of old fencing wire is not uncommon on farms and regional areas and, as you’ve discovered, it can do a lot of damage if it gets wrapped around a moving part. It sounds as though the inner CV joint is badly damaged and that’s allowing the axle to `float’ in and out of its proper position. If you’re lucky, a replacement CV joint might be all that’s required. But a word of caution: Don’t attempt to drive the vehicle as it is. If the axle jumps ship from the differential completely, it can flail about under the vehicle, causing all sorts of expensive damage.

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