Crankshaft thrust washers Nissan VK45, VK50, VK56

The Nissan VK45, VK50 and VK56 V8 engines

The VK45DD and VK45DE (4.5 litre), the VK50VE (5.0 litre) and the VK56DE and VK56VD (5.6 litre) are Nissan V8 engines. They power the Nissan Armada, Titan, Patrol, Pathfinder and NV, as well as the Infiniti FX, M, Q45, QX56, QX70 and QX80. These Nissan 90° V8 engines, with an aluminium block, have exact displacements of 4494 cc (VK45DD and VK45DE), 5026 cc (VK50VE) and 5552 cc (VK56DE and VK56VD); the VK45DE, VK56DE and VK56VD have 4 valves per cylinder and double overhead camshafts.

Thrust washers

Thrust washers take the clutch thrust and set the crankshaft end play. On a tuned engine with a reinforced clutch, this thrust increases. The uncoated ACL version restores the thrust washers to the original size.

The crankshaft is held between these half washers, which limit its movement along its axis. Each time the clutch is disengaged, the clutch thrust pushes it against them, and the thrust face then works on a thin oil film. Once worn, they let the end float grow: the crankshaft moves and its own thrust faces get damaged in turn.

Technical specifications

Technical guide

Only one face of each half washer carries lubrication grooves: it goes against the crankshaft, the plain face against the block or cap. Fitted the other way round, the washer no longer lubricates the crankshaft's thrust face, which then wears very quickly.

On assembly, coat the crankshaft-side face with assembly grease, make sure the half washers seated in the block sit flush, then fit the cap without forcing it and tighten it following the manufacturer's procedure. Finally measure the end float with a dial gauge and check it against the manufacturer's value.

The brand

ACL Bearing Company, an Australian manufacturer of high-performance engine bearings since 1949, supplies uncoated thrust washers for these engines.

Construction and advantages

Vehicle compatibility

These thrust washers fit the Nissan VK45DD, VK45DE, VK50VE, VK56DE and VK56VD V8 engines (engine codes VK45DD, VK45DE, VK50VE, VK56DE, VK56VD) of the following vehicles: