Second Hand Nissan Terrano Camshaft

Yes, all engine variants fitted to the Nissan Terrano have at least one camshaft — it is a fundamental part of any petrol or diesel internal combustion engine and the Terrano was offered with both fuel types in the UK. The camshaft opens and closes the intake and exhaust valves in sequence with the pistons, and without it the engine will not run. You will need to match the replacement camshaft to your exact engine code rather than simply the model name.

No — the WD21 and R20 Terrano are entirely different generations built on different platforms with different engine families, so the camshafts are not interchangeable. The engine codes across these two generations differ significantly, and a camshaft is machined to precise tolerances for its specific engine. Always supply your engine code (found on your V5C or via a VIN check) to the breaker so they can source the correct unit.

Yes, absolutely — a diesel camshaft and a petrol camshaft are completely different components and will not interchange even if the vehicles look identical from the outside. The Terrano R20 was offered in the UK primarily with diesel engines such as the TD27 and ZD30 units, and the camshaft profiles, dimensions, and lobe geometry are specific to each engine. Confirm your engine code with the breaker to ensure they match the part precisely to your vehicle.

No, trim level has no bearing on camshaft fitment whatsoever — Sport, SE, and SGX are specification packages relating to interior and exterior equipment, not the engine internals. What determines the correct camshaft is your engine code, and two Terranos with different trim badges but the same engine code will take the same camshaft. Give your engine code to the breaker rather than the trim name and they will be able to match the part accurately.

The R20 Terrano II ran from 1993 to 2006, and there were running production changes made during that time that could affect ancillary components associated with the camshaft even within the same engine family. If the engine code is identical, the core camshaft itself is very likely compatible, but confirm with the breaker against your full registration to rule out any mid-production specification changes before purchasing.

The single most useful piece of information you can supply is your engine code, which is printed on your V5C logbook or can be obtained via a VIN check — this takes priority over year, trim, and body style when matching a camshaft. Also tell the breaker your fuel type and, where relevant for multi-cam engines, whether you need an inlet or exhaust camshaft. A reputable breaker will cross-reference these details against their stock to confirm the part is correct for your specific engine before it is sent out.