Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 144

Fig. 304: Identifying Timing Gear Components
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Perform fuel pressure release procedure. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

2. Disconnect negative battery cable.

3. Remove both cylinder head covers and loosen the rocker arm assemblies. See REMOVAL.

4. Remove the front timing belt cover. See REMOVAL).

5. Mark belt running direction, if timing belt is to be reused.

1 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT GEAR ALIGNMENT
MARK

7 - LEFT CAMSHAFT GEAR

2 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT GEAR

8 - LEFT CAMSHAFT GEAR ALIGNMENT
MARK

3 - CYLINDER HEAD TO INNER TIMING BELT
COVER BOLTS - RIGHT

9 - CRANKSHAFT GEAR ALIGNMENT MARK

4 - TIMING BELT

10 - CRANKSHAFT GEAR

5 - WATER PUMP PULLEY

11 - TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY

6 - CYLINDER HEAD TO INNER TIMING BELT
COVER BOLTS - LEFT

12 - TIMING BELT TENSIONER

CAUTION: The 4.0L is NOT a freewheeling engine. Therefore, loosen the valve train

rocker assemblies before servicing the timing drive.

CAUTION: When aligning timing marks, always rotate engine by turning the

crankshaft. Failure to do so will result in valve and/or piston damage.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

6. Rotate engine clockwise until crankshaft (10) mark aligns with the TDC mark on oil pump housing (9)

and the camshaft sprocket (2, 7) timing marks (1, 8) are aligned with the marks on the rear cover. See Fig.
304.

7. Remove the timing belt tensioner (12) and remove timing belt.

8. Inspect the tensioner for fluid leakage.

9. Inspect the pivot and bolt for free movement, bearing grease leakage, and smooth rotation. If not rotating

freely, replace the arm and pulley assembly.

Fig. 305: Compressing Timing Belt Tensioner
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

10. When tensioner is removed from the engine it is necessary to compress the plunger into the tensioner

body.

1 - VISE
2 - LOCKING PIN

CAUTION: Index the tensioner in the vise the same way it is installed on the

engine. This ensures proper pin orientation when tensioner is
installed on the engine.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro



Place the tensioner into a vise (1) and SLOWLY compress the plunger. Total bleed down of
tensioner should take about 5 minutes. See Fig. 305.



When plunger is compressed into the tensioner body install a pin (2) through the body and plunger
to retain plunger in place until tensioner is installed.

CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS

Fig. 306: Camshaft Thrust Plate, Bolt & O-Ring
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1 - CAMSHAFT THRUST PLATE
2 - BOLT
3 - O-RING

CAUTION: The 4.0L engine is NOT a free-wheeling design. Therefore, care should be

taken not to rotate the camshafts or crankshaft with the timing belt
removed.

NOTE:

The camshaft timing gears are keyed to the camshaft.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

1. Perform fuel pressure release procedure. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .

2. Remove front timing belt cover. See REMOVAL).

3. Position crankshaft sprocket to the TDC mark on the oil pump housing by turning crankshaft in the

clockwise direction.

4. Install a dial indicator in number 1 cylinder to check TDC of the piston. Rotate the crankshaft until the

piston is at exactly TDC.

5. Remove camshaft retainer/thrust plate (1) from rear of right cylinder head. See Fig. 306.

6. Remove the right cylinder head cover.

7. Remove the right rocker arm assembly.

8. Remove the timing belt tensioner and timing belt.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro