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