Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 146

2. Inspect both sides of the timing belt. Replace belt if any of the following conditions exist. See Fig. 310: 



Hardening of back rubber back side is glossy without resilience and leaves no indent when pressed 
with fingernail.  



Cracks (4) on rubber back.  



Cracks or peeling (1) of canvas.  



Cracks on rib root.  



Cracks on belt sides.  



Missing teeth (2).  



Abnormal wear (7) of belt sides. The sides are normal if they are sharp as if cut by a knife.  



Vehicle mileage or time at component maintenance requirement. Refer to DESCRIPTION .  

3. If none of the above conditions are seen on the belt, the front timing belt cover can be installed. See 

INSTALLATION.  

INSTALLATION 

CRANKSHAFT SPROCKET 

Fig. 311: Installing Crankshaft Sprocket 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1. Install crankshaft sprocket using Special Tools 6641 (1) and C-4685-C1. See Fig. 311.  

2. Install timing belt. See INSTALLATION.  

CAMSHAFT SPROCKETS 

Fig. 312: Identifying Timing Gear Components 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - INSTALL WITH SPECIAL TOOL 6641 WITH 12mm SCREW C-4685-C1 AND THRUST 
BEARING AND WASHER

CAUTION: To ensure proper installation depth of crankshaft sprocket, Special Tool 

6641 must be used.

CAUTION: The camshaft sprockets are keyed and not interchangeable from side to 

side because of the camshaft position sensor pick-up.

1 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT GEAR ALIGNMENT 
MARK

7 - LEFT CAMSHAFT GEAR

2 - RIGHT CAMSHAFT GEAR

8 - LEFT CAMSHAFT GEAR ALIGNMENT 
MARK

3 - CYLINDER HEAD TO INNER TIMING BELT 
COVER BOLTS - RIGHT

9 - CRANKSHAFT GEAR ALIGNMENT MARK

4 - TIMING BELT

10 - CRANKSHAFT GEAR

5 - WATER PUMP PULLEY

11 - TIMING BELT TENSIONER PULLEY

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

1. Install camshaft sprockets onto the camshafts. Install NEW sprocket attaching bolts into place. The 255 

mm (10 in.) bolt is to be installed in the left camshaft and the 213 mm (8 3/8 in.) bolt is to be installed 
into the right camshaft. Do not tighten the bolts; tightened at later step. Camshaft sprocket (2, 7) marks 
(1, 8) should be aligned with the marks on the cover at both sprockets. See Fig. 312. 

Fig. 313: Camshaft Thrust Plate 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

2. Install the camshaft thrust plates (1) and o-ring (3). Tighten bolts (2) to 28 N.m (250 in. lbs.). See Fig. 

313.  

3. Install the timing belt starting first at the crankshaft sprocket (10), then to remaining components in a 

counterclockwise direction.  

6 - CYLINDER HEAD TO INNER TIMING BELT 
COVER BOLTS - LEFT

12 - TIMING BELT TENSIONER

1 - CAMSHAFT THRUST PLATE
2 - BOLT
3 - O-RING

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro

  

4. Install the belt around the last sprocket. Maintain tension on the belt as it is positioned around the 

tensioner pulley (11). Each camshaft sprockets mark should still be aligned with the rear cover marks. See 
Fig. 312. 

5. Hold the tensioner pulley against the belt and install the reset (pinned) timing belt tensioner into the 

housing. Tighten attaching bolts to 28 N.m (250 in. lbs.).  

6. Remove tensioner retaining pin to allow the tensioner to extend to the pulley bracket.  

7. Using a dial indicator, position the number 1 piston at TDC.  

8. Hold the camshaft sprocket hex with a 36 mm (1 7/16 in.) wrench and tighten the camshaft bolts to the 

following: 

Right side = 102 N.m (75 ft. lbs.) +90° turn  

Left side = 102 N.m (75 ft. lbs.) +90° turn  

9. Remove dial indicator and install spark plug.  

10. Remove Special Tools 6642.  

11. Install front timing belt cover. See INSTALLATION.  

TIMING BELT 

Fig. 314: Identifying Timing Gear Components 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

NOTE:

For timing belt tensioner reset procedure, see REMOVAL. 

CAUTION: If camshafts have moved from the timing marks, always rotate camshaft 

towards the direction nearest to the timing marks (DO NOT TURN 
CAMSHAFTS A FULL REVOLUTION OR DAMAGE to valves and/or pistons 
could result).

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE 4.0L - Service Information - Nitro