Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 98

16. Connect the negative battery cable.  

CAMSHAFT(S) 

DESCRIPTION 

CAMSHAFT 

A single overhead camshaft per cylinder head provides valve actuation. The left camshaft accommodates a cam 
sensor pick-up wheel and is therefore longer. Each camshaft is supported by four bearing journals. A thrust 
plate attached to the rear of each cylinder head controls camshaft end play. Right and left camshaft driving 
sprockets support a timing mark, are keyed, and not interchangeable because of the cam sensor pick-up wheel 
on the left sprocket. Camshaft bearing lubrication is provided via a oil supply passage through each rocker shaft 
pedestal dowel. 

OPERATION 

CAMSHAFT 

The camshaft is driven by the crankshaft via drive sprockets and belt. The camshaft has precisely machined 
lobes to provide accurate valve timing and duration. 

REMOVAL 

CAMSHAFT 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Fig. 135: Spark Plug Tube, Rocker Arm Assembly, Camshaft & Seal 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - SPARK PLUG TUBE
2 - ROCKER ARM ASSEMBLY
3 - CAMSHAFT
4 - SEAL

NOTE:

Camshafts are removed from the rear of each cylinder head.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

1. Remove the cylinder head. See REMOVAL. 

2. Carefully remove the camshaft (3) from the rear of the cylinder head. See Fig. 135  

INSPECTION 

CAMSHAFT 

Fig. 136: Camshaft Inspection 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Inspect camshaft bearing journals (4) for damage and binding. If journals are binding, check the cylinder 

head for damage. Also check cylinder head oil holes for clogging. 

CAUTION: Care must be taken not to nick or scratch the journals when 

removing the camshaft.

1 - ACTUAL WEAR
2 - LEFT CAMSHAFT
3 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT
4 - BEARING JOURNAL
5 - LOBE

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

2. Check the cam lobe (5) and bearing surfaces for abnormal wear and damage. Replace camshaft if 

defective. 

3. Measure the lobe (5) actual wear and replace camshaft if out of limit. Standard value is 0.0254 mm (0.001 

in.), wear. See Fig. 136. Limit is 0.254 mm (0.010 in.).  

INSTALLATION 

CAMSHAFT 

NOTE:

If camshaft is replaced due to lobe wear or damage, always replace the 
rocker arms.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro