Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 63

Fig. 188: Camshaft Position Sensor, Cylinder Head & Screw 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

10. Collapse and pin primary chain tensioner. 

11. Remove secondary chain tensioners.  

1 - CYLINDER HEAD
2 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
3 - SCREW

CAUTION: Plate behind left secondary chain tensioner could fall into oil pan. 

Therefore, cover pan opening.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

12. Remove camshaft position sensor (2). See Fig. 188. 

Fig. 189: Special Tool 8428 & Camshaft Hole 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - Camshaft hole
2 - Special Tool 8428

CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage camshaft target wheel. Do not 

hold target wheel while loosening or tightening camshaft sprocket. 
Do not place the target wheel near a magnetic source of any kind. A 
damaged or magnetized target wheel could cause a vehicle no start 
condition.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

13. Remove left and right camshaft sprocket bolts.  

14. While holding the left camshaft steel tube with Camshaft Holder 8428. See Fig. 189 (2), remove the left 

camshaft sprocket. Slowly rotate the camshaft approximately 5 degrees clockwise to a neutral position.  

15. While holding the right camshaft steel tube with Camshaft Holder 8428 (2), remove the right camshaft 

sprocket.  

16. Remove idler sprocket assembly bolt.  

17. Slide the idler sprocket assembly and crank sprocket forward simultaneously to remove the primary and 

secondary chains.  

18. Remove both pivoting tensioner arms and chain guides.  

19. Remove primary chain tensioner.  

INSPECTION 

TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS 

Inspect the following components: 

Sprockets for excessive tooth wear. Some tooth markings are normal and not a cause for sprocket 
replacement.  

Idler sprocket assembly bushing and shaft for excessive wear.  

Idler sprocket assembly spline joint. The joint should be tight with no backlash or axial movement.  

Chain guides and tensioner arms. Replace these parts if grooving in plastic face is more than 1 mm (0.039 
in.) deep. If plastic face is severely grooved or melted, the tensioner lube jet may be clogged. The 
tensioner should be replaced.  

Secondary chain tensioner piston and ratcheting device. Inspect for evidence of heavy contact between 
tensioner piston and tensioner arm. If this condition exist the tensioner arm and chain should be replaced. 

Primary chain tensioner plastic faces. Replace as required.  

INSTALLATION 

TIMING CHAIN AND SPROCKETS 

CAUTION: Do not forcefully rotate the camshafts or crankshaft independently of 

each other. Damaging intake valve to piston contact will occur. 
Ensure negative battery cable is disconnected to guard against 
accidental starter engagement.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 190: Resetting Secondary Chain Tensioners 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Using a vise, lightly compress the secondary chain tensioner piston (5) until the piston step is flush with 

the tensioner body. Using a pin or suitable tool, release ratchet pawl by pulling pawl back against spring 
force through access hole on side of tensioner. While continuing to hold pawl back, Push ratchet device to 
approximately 2 mm from the tensioner body. Install Tensioner pin 8514 (3) into hole on front of 

1 - VISE
2 - TENSIONER BODY
3 - INSERT LOCK PIN
4 - RATCHET
5 - PISTON

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 3.7L - Service Information - Nitro