Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 44

2. Assemble the Damper Installer 8512A as follows, The nut is threaded onto the shaft first. Then the roller 

bearing (1) is placed onto the threaded rod (3) (The hardened bearing surface of the bearing MUST face 
the nut). Then the hardened washer slides onto the threaded rod. See Fig. 128. Once assembled coat the 
threaded rod's threads with Mopar® Nickel Anti-Seize or (Loctite No. 771). 

Fig. 129: Using Damper Installer 8512A To Press Damper Onto Crankshaft 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

CAUTION: Damper Installer 8512A, is assembled in a specific sequence. Failure 

to assemble this tool in this sequence can result in tool failure and 
severe damage to either the tool or the crankshaft.

1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8512A

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

3. Using the Damper Installer 8512A (1), press damper onto the crankshaft. See Fig. 129.  

4. Install then tighten crankshaft damper bolt to 175 N.m (130 ft. lbs.).  

5. Install accessory drive belt. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

6. Connect negative cable to battery.  

COVER-STRUCTURAL 

DESCRIPTION 

STRUCTURAL DUST COVER 

The structural dust cover is made of die cast aluminum and joins the lower half of the transmission bell housing 
to the engine bedplate. 

OPERATION 

STRUCTURAL DUST COVER 

The structural cover provides additional powertrain stiffness and reduces noise and vibration. 

REMOVAL 

STRUCTURAL COVER 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 130: Removing/Installing Structural Cover 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Raise vehicle on hoist.  

2. Remove the bolts (1) retaining structural cover. See Fig. 130.  

3. Remove the structural cover.  

INSTALLATION 

STRUCTURAL COVER 

1 - BOLT
2 - BOLT
3 - BOLT

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 131: Removing/Installing Structural Cover 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Position the structural cover in the vehicle.  

2. Install all bolts (1) retaining the cover-to-engine. DO NOT tighten the bolts at this time.  

3. Install the cover-to-transmission bolts. Do NOT tighten at this time. 

4. Starting with the two rear cover-to-engine bolts, tighten bolts (1) to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.), then tighten bolts 

(2) and (3) to 54 N.m (40 ft. lbs.) in the sequence shown. See Fig. 131

1 - BOLT
2 - BOLT
3 - BOLT

CAUTION: The structural cover must be installed as described in the following steps. 

Failure to do so will cause severe damage to the cover.

CAUTION: The structural cover must be held tightly against both the engine and 

the transmission bell housing during tightening sequence. Failure to 
do so may cause damage to the cover.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro