Dodge Nitro. Manual — part 38

Fig. 111: Flexplate Loosening/Tightening Sequence
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Position the flexplate (1) onto the crankshaft and install the bolts hand tight.

2. Tighten the flexplate retaining bolts to 95 N.m (70 ft. lbs.) in the sequence shown. See Fig. 111.

3. Install the transmission.

ROD-PISTON AND CONNECTING

DESCRIPTION

DESCRIPTION PISTON AND CONNECTING ROD

1 - FLEXPLATE

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 112: Piston & Rod Assembly
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

The pistons. See Fig. 112 (2) are made of a high strength aluminum alloy. The connecting rods (1) are made of
forged powdered metal, with a "fractured cap" design. A full floating piston pin is used to attach the piston to
the connecting rod.

STANDARD PROCEDURE

CONNECTING ROD BEARING FITTING

1 - CONNECTING ROD
2 - PISTON
3 - PISTON PIN
4 - OIL SLINGER SLOT

CAUTION: Do not use a metal stamp to mark connecting rods as damage may result,

instead use ink or a scratch awl.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 113: Scoring Caused By Insufficient Lubrication or Damaged Crankshaft Journal
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

Inspect the connecting rod bearings for scoring. Check the bearings for normal wear patterns, scoring, grooving,
fatigue and pitting. See Fig. 113. Replace any bearing that shows abnormal wear.

Inspect the connecting rod journals for signs of scoring, nicks and burrs.

Misaligned or bent connecting rods can cause abnormal wear on pistons, piston rings, cylinder walls,
connecting rod bearings and crankshaft connecting rod journals. If wear patterns or damage to any of these
components indicate the probability of a misaligned connecting rod, inspect it for correct rod alignment.
Replace misaligned, bent or twisted connecting rods.

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

Fig. 114: Bearing Insert Location
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC

1. Wipe the oil from the connecting rod journal.

2. Lubricate the upper bearing insert and position in connecting rod. Center bearing insert (2) in

connecting rod (1). See Fig. 114

1 - Connecting Rod
2 - Bearing Insert
- A, B less then .50 mm (.0196 in.)

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro