Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 36

Fig. 105: Crankshaft Damper Removal 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Disconnect negative cable from battery.  

2. Remove accessory drive belt. Refer to REMOVAL .  

3. Remove A/C compressor mounting fasteners and set aside.  

4. Drain cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .  

5. Remove upper radiator hose.  

6. Disconnect electrical connector for fan mounted inside radiator shroud. 

1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8513 I INSERT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 1026

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

7. Remove radiator shroud attaching fasteners.  

8. Remove radiator cooling fan and shroud. Refer to REMOVAL .  

9. Remove crankshaft damper bolt.  

10. Remove damper using the Crankshaft Insert 8513A (1) and the Three Jaw Puller 1026 (2). See Fig. 105. 

Fig. 106: Crankshaft Front Seal Removal 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - 
SPECIAL 
TOOL 
8511

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

11. Using Seal Remover 8511, remove crankshaft front seal (1). See Fig. 106.  

INSTALLATION 

CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL - FRONT 

Fig. 107: Crankshaft Front Seal Installation 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 8348
3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8512

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

1. Using the Seal Installer 8348 (2) and Damper Installer 8512 (3), install crankshaft front seal. See Fig. 

107.  

2. Install vibration damper. See INSTALLATION.  

3. Install radiator cooling fan and shroud. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

4. Install upper radiator hose.  

5. Install A/C compressor and tighten fasteners to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.).  

6. Install accessory drive belt refer. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

7. Refill cooling system. Refer to STANDARD PROCEDURE .  

8. Connect negative cable to battery.  

SEAL-CRANKSHAFT OIL-REAR 

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING 

REAR CRANKSHAFT OIL SEAL AREA LEAKS 

Since it is sometimes difficult to determine the source of an oil leak in the rear seal area of the engine, a more 
involved inspection is necessary. The following steps should be followed to help pinpoint the source of the leak.

If the leakage occurs at the crankshaft rear oil seal area: 

1. Disconnect the battery.  

2. Raise the vehicle.  

3. Remove torque converter or clutch housing cover and inspect rear of block for evidence of oil. Use a 

black light to check for the oil leak: 



Circular spray pattern generally indicates seal leakage or crankshaft damage.  



Where leakage tends to run straight down, possible causes are a porous block, oil galley pipe plugs, 
oil filter runoff, and main bearing cap to cylinder block mating surfaces. See Engine, for proper 
repair procedures of these items.  

4. If no leaks are detected, pressurize the crankcase as described in AIR LEAK DETECTION TEST 

METHOD. 

5. If the leak is not detected, very slowly turn the crankshaft and watch for leakage. If a leak is detected 

between the crankshaft and seal while slowly turning the crankshaft, it is possible the crankshaft seal 
surface is damaged. The seal area on the crankshaft could have minor nicks or scratches that can be 
polished out with emery cloth. 

CAUTION: To prevent severe damage to the Crankshaft, Damper or Special Tool 8512, 

thoroughly clean the damper bore and the crankshaft nose before 
installing Damper.

CAUTION: Do not exceed 20.6 kPa (3 psi).

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro