2021-2024 Nissan Sentra CVT Removal Tool TSB

Nissan Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB24-045, issued on September 4, 2024, provides important updates for servicing the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in 2021-2024 Nissan Sentra models. This bulletin introduces new specialized engine support tools and a revised procedure that significantly simplifies the Nissan Sentra CVT removal process. Previously, removing the CVT often necessitated the additional step of removing the entire engine, adding complexity and time to the repair.

This TSB outlines a new method that allows technicians to perform the Nissan Sentra CVT removal without engine removal, utilizing a new Engine Support Bracket and other specialized tools. This procedural change is designed to improve efficiency and reduce labor time for CVT-related services.

Important Warnings

The TSB includes several critical warnings and hints for technicians to ensure safety and proper procedure:

• "To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. Serious burns could occur from high pressure engine coolant escaping from the radiator. Wrap a thick cloth around the cap. Slowly turn it a quarter turn to allow built-up pressure to escape. Carefully remove the cap by turning it all the way."
• "To avoid the risk of minor personal injury or property damage: Perform when the engine is cold."
• "HINT: When removing components such as hoses, tubes/lines, etc., cap or plug openings to prevent fluid from spilling."
• "To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, secure the steering wheel with a string or suitable device to prevent the steering wheel from rotating and damaging the spiral cable."
• "To avoid the risk of minor personal injury or property damage: Do not reuse the outer socket cotter pins. Leave the outer socket nuts half threaded on the outer sockets to prevent damage to the threads and to prevent the tool from coming off suddenly."
• "To avoid the risk of minor personal injury or property damage, secure the front suspension member to the hydraulic lift table (or equivalent tool) while removing it."
• "HINT: Special tool NI-51307 will only work for the RE0F10D transaxle (2020-2023 Sentra). The tool will not work on the RE0F15A transaxle (2024 Sentra)."
• "To avoid the risk of minor personal injury or property damage: Always secure the transaxle assembly to the transmission jack. Do not lift or support the transaxle assembly using the bottom of the oil pan or damage can occur."
• "To avoid the risk of minor personal injury or property damage, secure the torque converter to the transaxle while removing the transaxle to prevent the torque converter from falling."
• "To avoid the risk of death or severe personal injury, ensure that the circular clip is properly engaged, otherwise the joint sub-assembly could pull away from the transaxle during vehicle operation resulting in loss of drive force and possible drive shaft damage, which may cause a crash and serious injury."
• "To avoid the risk of minor personal injury or property damage: Do not reuse the drive shaft circular clip. Make sure the new circular clip on the drive shaft is securely fastened and engaged in the groove."

Required Tools and Parts

This updated procedure for Nissan Sentra CVT removal requires several specialized tools, many of which are new or essential for the revised process. These tools are available from Tech Mate online (www.techmatetools.com) or by phone (1-833-397-3493):

• Charging pipe set (includes O-rings)
• CVT Stand Pipe Adapter Kit (NI-52584)
• Differential Side Oil Seal Protector (NI-52469-1)
• Engine Support Tool (NI-52389)
• Engine Hold Tool (NI-53377)
• CVT Transmission Jack Adapter (NI-51307) - Note: This tool is specifically for the RE0F10D transaxle (2020-2023 Sentra) and is not compatible with the RE0F15A transaxle (2024 Sentra).
• Torque Adapter
• Power Tool
• Hydraulic Lift Table
• Transmission Jack
• Driveshaft Joint Puller
• Ball Joint Remover

CVT Removal Procedure Summary

The TSB details a comprehensive, multi-step procedure for the Nissan Sentra CVT removal without requiring engine removal. This summary highlights the major phases:

1. Preparation: Begin by draining the engine coolant and removing various exterior components such as the apron bracket, front under cover, and fender protector. The steering wheel must be centered and secured to prevent damage to the spiral cable.
2. Suspension and Steering Disassembly: Remove the front wheel and tire assemblies. Disconnect the steering outer tie rods from the steering knuckle and remove the nuts from the lower ball joints. Separate the transverse link from the steering knuckle and disconnect electrical connectors from the steering gear. The stabilizer connecting rods are also separated from the struts.
3. Front Suspension Member Removal: Support the front suspension member with a jack, secure the radiator, and remove various bolts and clips before slowly lowering and removing the front suspension member.
4. Engine Compartment Component Removal: Disconnect the battery, remove the battery tray, and disconnect various wire harness connectors (e.g., MAF sensor, ECU). Remove components like the purge valve assembly, EGR tube and valve, PCV hoses, and EVAP hose.
5. Control Cable Disconnection: Disconnect the control cable from the manual lever and the CVT cable bracket.
6. Driveshaft and Differential Seal Removal: Remove bolts from the transaxle assembly and the support bearing retainer. Carefully remove the LH and RH side driveshafts from the transaxle, ensuring not to damage the drive shaft joints. The LH and RH side differential oil seals are also removed.
7. Ground Cable Disconnection: Disconnect the ground cables from the transaxle assembly and cylinder head.
8. Engine Support Tool Installation: Install the special Engine Hold Tool (NI-53377) to the cylinder head and the Engine Support Tool (NI-52389) to the frame rail and engine mounting insulator, connecting it to the Engine Hold Tool. This setup provides the necessary support for the engine during CVT removal.
9. Final Transaxle Disconnection: Remove the heater thermostat and its hoses, the water hoses from the CVT oil warmer, and the starter motor. Disconnect all remaining wire harness connectors from the CVT (including CVT unit, speed sensors, control valve, electric oil pump, and transmission range switch, depending on model year). Remove the wire harness ground bolt and retainers.
10. Transaxle Removal: Remove the torque converter nuts and support the transaxle with a suitable jack and the special CVT Transmission Jack Adapter (NI-51307). Remove the remaining bolts from the transaxle assembly, separate it from the engine, and slowly lower it from the vehicle.

Installation and Inspection

Installation proceeds in the reverse order of removal. Key steps during installation include:

• Torque Converter Inspection: Before installation, inspect the torque converter dimension (A) to ensure it's within reference value limits.
• Transaxle Installation: If reinstalling the same transaxle, replace the LH and RH side differential side oil seals. If installing a new transaxle, record its serial number. Ensure proper alignment of dowels and avoid reusing O-rings or copper sealing washers. Tighten transaxle and engine mounting bolts to specified torques.
• Driveshaft Installation: Install new circular clips on the driveshafts. Use the Differential Side Oil Seal Protector (NI-52469-1) to prevent damage to the oil seals. Ensure circular clips are properly engaged by pulling the joint sub-assembly until a clicking sound is heard.
• Post-Installation Adjustments: Perform a front wheel alignment and adjust the steering angle sensor neutral position. Inspect for coolant and CVT fluid leaks, and adjust the CVT fluid level.

Claims Information

For warranty claims related to this procedure, technicians should submit a Primary Part (PP) type line claim using the following coding:

• DESCRIPTION: CVT R & I
• OP CODE: JD01AA
• FRT: (1)

Note that this new procedure will alter the Flat Rate Time (FRT) for operations involving the Nissan Sentra CVT removal from the vehicle. Technicians should refer to the current Nissan Warranty Flat Rate Manual for the most up-to-date FRTs.

This TSB represents a significant improvement in the serviceability of the Nissan Sentra's CVT, aiming to make complex repairs more efficient for technicians.

NHTSA ID: 11007655