Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 59

Fig. 175: Camshaft Sprocket V6 Marks (#1 TDC, Exhaust Stroke) 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

4. Re-index the camshaft drive gear in the chain until the V6 mark is at the same position as the V6 mark on 

the opposite camshaft drive gear. See Fig. 175(1,2).  

5. Using the Camshaft Holder 8428, rotate the camshaft until the alignment dowel on the camshaft is 

aligned with the slot in the camshaft drive gear. 

6. Position the camshaft drive gear onto the camshaft, remove oil from bolt then install the retaining bolt. 

Using Special Tools, Spanner Wrench 6958 with Adapter Pins 8346 and a suitable torque wrench, 
Tighten the retaining bolt to 122 N.m (90 ft. lbs.)  

7. Remove the Wedge Locking Tool 8379.  

8. Rotate the crankshaft two full revolutions, then verify that the camshaft drive gear V6 marks are in fact 

aligned.  

9. Install the cylinder head covers. Refer to Cylinder Head Cover in this article.  

MEASURING TIMING CHAIN WEAR 

1 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD
2 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD

CAUTION: Remove excess oil from camshaft sprocket retaining bolt before 

reinstalling bolt. Failure to do so may cause over-torqueing of bolt 
resulting in bolt failure.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 176: Checking Secondary Timing Chains for Wear 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Remove the timing chain cover. See REMOVAL.  

2. To determine if the secondary timing chains are worn, rotate the engine clockwise until maximum 

tensioner piston (2) extension is obtained. Measure the distance between the secondary timing chain 
tensioner housing and the step ledge on the piston. The measurement at point (A) must be less than 15mm 
(.5906 inches). See Fig. 176.  

1 - SECONDARY TENSIONER ARM
2 - SECONDARY CHAIN TENSIONER PISTON

NOTE:

This procedure must be performed with the timing chain cover removed.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

3. If the measurement exceeds the specification the secondary timing chains are worn and require 

replacement. See REMOVAL.  

SHAFT-BALANCE 

REMOVAL 

BALANCE SHAFT 

Fig. 177: Idler Shaft, Counterbalance Shaft Thrust Plate, Counterbalance Shaft Drive Gear & Retaining 
Bolt 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - IDLER SHAFT

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

1. Remove the primary and secondary timing chains. Refer to TIMING CHAIN and SPROCKET. 

Remove the retaining bolt (4) from the counterbalance shaft thrust plate (2). See Fig. 177. 

Fig. 178: Counterbalance Shaft Removal/Installation Tool 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

2 - COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT THRUST PLATE
3 - COUNTERBALANCE SHAFT DRIVE GEAR
4 - RETAINING BOLT

NOTE:

The balance shaft and gear are serviced as an assembly. Do not attempt to 
remove the gear from the balance shaft.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro