(2) To determine if the secondary timing chains
are worn, rotate the engine clockwise until maximum
tensioner piston extension is obtained. Measure the
distance between the secondary timing chain ten-
sioner housing and the step ledge on the piston. The
measurement at point (A) must be less than 15mm
(.5906 inches).
(3) If the measurement exceeds the specification
the secondary timing chains are worn and require
replacement. Refer to Timing Chain and Sprockets in
this section for procedure.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
TIMING VERIFICATION
CAUTION: The 3.7L is a non free-wheeling design
engine. Therefore, correct engine timing is critical.
NOTE: Components referred to as left hand or right
hand are as viewed from the drivers position inside
the vehicle.
NOTE: The blue link plates on the chains and the
dots on the camshaft drive sprockets may not line
up during the timing verification procedure. The
blue link plates are lined up with the sprocket dots
only when re-timing the complete timing drive.
Once the timing drive is rotated blue link-to-dot
alignment is no longer valid.
Engine base timing can be verified by the following
procedure:
(1) Remove the cylinder head covers. Refer to the
procedure in this section.
(2) Using a mirror, locate the TDC arrow on the
front cover (Fig. 91). Rotate the crankshaft until the
mark on the crankshaft damper is aligned with the
TDC arrow on the front cover. The engine is now at
TDC.
(3) Note the location of the V6 mark stamped into
the camshaft drive gears. If the V6 mark on each
camshaft drive gear is at the twelve o'clock position,
the engine is at TDC on the exhaust stroke. If the V6
mark on each gear is at the six o'clock position, the
engine is at TDC on the compression stroke. (Fig. 95)
(4) If both of the camshaft drive gears are off in
the same or opposite directions, the primary chain or
both secondary chains are at fault. Refer to Timing
Chain and Sprockets procedure in this section.
(5) If only one of the camshaft drive gears is off
and the other is correct, the problem is confined to
one secondary chain. Refer to Single camshaft tim-
ing, in this procedure.(6) If both camshaft drive gear V6 marks are at
the twelve o'clock or the six o' clock position the
engine base timing is correct. Reinstall the cylinder
head covers.
COUNTER BALANCE SHAFT TIMING
(1) Ensure that the engine is at TDC with both
camshaft sprocket marks are in the 12 o'clock posi-
tion. (Fig. 94)
(2) Look down the left cylinder gear chain cavity.
The timing dot on the counter balance shaft drive
gear should be in the 6 o'clock position (Fig. 92).
TIMING - SINGLE CAMSHAFT
NOTE: to adjust the timing on one camshaft, pre-
form the following procedure.
(1) Using Chain Tensioner Wedge, Special Tool
8379, stabilize the secondary chain drive. For refer-
ence purposes, mark the chain-to-sprocket position.
(Fig. 93)
(2) Remove the camshaft drive gear retaining bolt.
(3) Carefully remove the camshaft drive gear from
the camshaft.
(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.
Fig. 91 Engine Top Dead Center (TDC) Indicator
Mark
1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER
2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS
9 - 72 ENGINE - 3.7LKJ
VALVE TIMING (Continued)
IDLER SHAFT
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the primary and secondary timing
chains and sprockets. Refer to procedure in this sec-
tion.
NOTE: To remove the idler shaft, it is necessary to
tap threads into the shaft, to install the removal
tool.
(2) Using a 12 mm X 1.75 tap, cut threads in the
idler shaft center bore.
(3) Cover the radiator core with a suitable cover.
CAUTION: Use care when removing the idler shaft,
Do not strike the radiator cooling fins with the slide
hammer.
(4) Using Special Tool 8517 Slide Hammer, remove
the idler shaft.
INSTALLATION
(1) Thoroughly clean the idler shaft bore.
(2) Position the idler shaft in the bore.
NOTE: The two lubrication holes in the idler shaft
do not require any special alignment.
NOTE: Before using the retaining bolt to install the
idler shaft, coat the threads and the pilot on the
idler shaft, with clean engine oil.
(3) Using the primary idler sprocket retaining bolt
and washer, carefully draw the idler shaft into the
bore until fully seated.
(4) Coat the idler shaft with clean engine oil.
(5) Install the timing chains and sprockets. Refer
to procedure in this section.
TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKET(S
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. Refer to COOLING SYS-
TEM for procedures.
(3) Remove right and left cylinder head covers.
Refer to CYLINDER HEAD COVER.
(4) Remove radiator fan shroud. Refer to COOL-
ING SYSTEM for procedure.
(5) Rotate engine until timing mark on crankshaft
damper aligns with TDC mark on timing chain cover
(Fig. 103) (#1 cylinder exhaust stroke) and the cam-
shaft sprocket ªV6º marks are at the 12 o'clock posi-
tion (Fig. 102).
CAUTION: The nut on the right side camshaft
sprocket should not be removed for any reason, as
the sprocket and camshaft sensor target wheel is
serviced as an assembly. If the nut was removed
retorque nut to 5 N´m (44 in. lbs.).
(6) Remove power steering pump. Refer to STEER-
ING for procedure.
(7) Remove access plug from left and right cylinder
heads for access to chain guide fasteners (Fig. 104).
(8) Remove the oil fill housing to gain access to the
right side tensioner arm fastener.
(9) Remove crankshaft damper and timing chain
cover. Refer to procedures.
(10) Collapse and pin primary chain tensioner.
CAUTION: Plate behind left secondary chain ten-
sioner could fall into oil pan. Therefore, cover pan
opening.
(11) Remove secondary chain tensioners.
(12) Remove camshaft position and crankshaft
position sensors (Fig. 105) and (Fig. 106).
KJENGINE - 3.7L 9 - 77
OPERATION
The crankshaft transfers force generated by com-
bustion within the cylinder to the flywheel or flex-
plate.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - CRANKSHAFT END
PLAY
(1) Using Dial Indicator C-3339 and Mounting
Post L-4438, attach to front of engine, locating probe
perpendicular on nose of crankshaft (Fig. 40).
(2) Move crankshaft all the way to the rear of its
travel.
(3) Zero the dial indicator.
(4) Move crankshaft all the way to the front and
read the dial indicator. Refer to Engine Specifica-
tions.
REMOVAL
NOTE: Crankshaft can not be removed when engine
is in vehicle.
(1) Remove engine assembly from vehicle. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE - REMOVAL)
(2) Remove flex plate and crankshaft rear oil seal.
(3) Mount engine on a repair stand.
(4) Drain engine oil and remove oil filter.
(5) Remove the oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LU-
BRICATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(6) Remove the timing belt covers. (Refer to 9 -
ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN
COVER(S) - REMOVAL)(7) Remove the timing belt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND
SPROCKETS - REMOVAL)
(8) Remove the oil pump. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
LUBRICATION/OIL PUMP - REMOVAL)
(9) Remove balance shafts and housing assembly.
(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/BALANCE
SHAFT - REMOVAL)
(10) Remove all bedplate bolts from the engine
block (Fig. 41).
(11) Using a mallet gently tap the bedplate loose
from the engine block dowel pins.
CAUTION: Do not pry up on one side of the bed-
plate. Damage may occur to cylinder block to bed-
plate alignment and thrust bearing.
(12) Bedplate should be removed evenly from the
cylinder block dowel pins to prevent damage to the
dowel pins and thrust bearing.
(13) Lift out crankshaft from cylinder block. Do
not damage the main bearings or journals when
removing the crankshaft.
Fig. 39 Crankshaft - Typical
1 - MAIN BEARING JOURNALS
2 - COUNTER BALANCE WEIGHTS
Fig. 40 CHECKING CRANKSHAFT END PLAY
Fig. 41 Bedplate Bolt Tightenening Sequence
KJENGINE9s-33
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
WHINE OR GROWL 1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. 3. Replace pump.
SUCKING AIR SOUND 1. Loose return line clamp. 1. Replace clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.2. Replace o-ring.
3. Low fluid level. 3. Fill to proper level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir. 4. Repair as necessary.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly. 5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING1. Wrong tire size. 1. Verify tire size.
2. Wrong gear. 2. Verify gear.
3. Tire Pressure 3. Adjust Tire Pressure
BINDING AND STICKING
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS1. Low fluid level. 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. 5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Column Intermediate shaft
binding.6. Replace Intermediate Shaft.
7. Steering gear worn. 7. Replace gear.
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level. 2. Fill to proper level.
3. Loose belt. 3. Adjust or replace.
4. Low pump pressure. 4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Internal gear leak. 5. Replace gear.
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION1. Tire pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment. 2. Align front end.
3. Lack of lubrication. 3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. High friction in steering gear. 4. Replace gear.
19 - 2 STEERINGKJ
STEERING (Continued)
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings. 2. Inspect and replace bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting. 3. Tighten / replace gear mounting
bolts/ isolators to specification.
4. Gear out of adjustment. 4. Replace gear.
5. Worn or loose steering
intermediate shaft.5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
VEHICLE PULLS, DRIFTS OR
LEADS TO ONE SIDE.1. Tire Pressure. 1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Radial tire lead. 2. Rotate tires.
3. Brakes dragging. 3. Repair as necessary.
4. Wheel alignment. 4. Align front end.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
FLOW AND PRESSURE
The following procedure is used to test the opera-
tion of the power steering system on the vehicle. This
test will provide the gallons per minute (GPM) or
flow rate of the power steering pump along with the
maximum relief pressure. Perform test any time a
power steering system problem is present. This test
will determine if the power steering pump or power
steering gear is not functioning properly. The follow-
ing pressure and flow test is performed using Power
Steering Analyzer Tool kit 6815 and (Fig. 1) Adapter
Kit 6893.
FLOW AND PRESSURE TEST
(1) Check the power steering belt to ensure it is in
good condition and adjusted properly.
(2) Connect pressure gauge hose from the Power
Steering Analyzer to Tube 6844.
(3) Connect Adapter 6826 to Power Steering Ana-
lyzer test valve end.
(4) Disconnect the high pressure hose from the
power steering pump.
(5) Connect the tube to the pump hose fitting.
(6) Connect the power steering hose from the
steering gear to the adapter.
(7) Open the test valve completely.
(8) Start engine and let idle long enough to circu-
late power steering fluid through flow/pressure test
gauge and to get air out of the fluid. Then shut off
engine.
(9) Check fluid level, add fluid as necessary. Start
engine again and let idle.
(10) Check for air bubbles, Evacuate if necessary
(11) Gauge should read below 862 kPa (125 psi), if
above, inspect the hoses for restrictions and repair as
necessary. The initial pressure reading should be in
the range of 345-552 kPa (50-80 psi).
(12) Increase the engine speed to 1500 RPM and
read the flow meter. If the flow rate (GPM) is below
specification, (refer to pump specification chart for
GPM) the pump should be replaced.
CAUTION: The following test procedure involves
testing maximum pump pressure output and flow
control valve operation. Do not leave valve closed
for more than three seconds as the pump could be
damaged.
Fig. 1 Analyzer With Tube and Adapter
1 - TUBE
2 - ADAPTER FITTINGS
3 - ANALYZER
4 - GAUGE HOSE
KJSTEERING 19 - 3
STEERING (Continued)
GEAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
GEAR
DESCRIPTION.........................13
OPERATION...........................13
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4WD......................13
REMOVAL - 2WD......................14
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4WD..................14INSTALLATION - 2WD..................14
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART......................15
SPECIAL TOOLS
OUTER TIE ROD END REMOVAL TOOL....15
GEAR
DESCRIPTION
A rack and pinion steering gear (Fig. 1) is made up
of two main components, the pinon shaft and the
rack. The gear cannot be adjusted or internally ser-
viced. If a malfunction or a fluid leak occurs, the gear
must be replaced as an assembly.
OPERATION
The steering column intermediate shaft is attached
to the gear pinion. The rotation of the pinion moves
the gear rack from side-to-side. This lateral action of
the rack pushes and pulls the tie rods, which are
connected to the steering knuckles to change the
direction of the front wheels.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - 4WD
(1) Siphon the power steering fluid from the power
steering reservoir.
(2) Lock the steering wheel to prevent spinning of
the clockspring.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle.
(4) Remove the skid plate from under the front
end to gain access to the gear (Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.
NOTE: Mark the alignment adjusting cams for eas-
ier installation.
(6) Remove the lower control arms. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the front axle. (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/FRONT AXLE - REMOV-
AL).
(8) Remove the tie rod end nuts.
(9) Separate tie rod ends from the knuckles with
Puller C-3894-A.
(10) Remove the intermediate shaft lower coupler
bolt and slide the coupler off the gear (Fig. 2).
(11) Remove power steering pressure hose bracket
(Fig. 3).
(12) Remove the power steering lines from the
gear (Fig. 2).
(13) Remove the mounting bolts from the gear to
the front cradle (Fig. 3).
(14) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
Fig. 1 Rack & Pinion Steering Gear
1 - TIE ROD - INNER
2 - TIE ROD - INNER
3 - TIE ROD END - OUTER LH
4 - BOOTS
5 - TIE ROD END - OUTER RH
KJGEAR 19 - 13
REMOVAL - 2WD
(1) Siphon the power steering fluid from the power
steering reservoir.
(2) Lock the steering wheel to prevent spinning of
the clockspring.
(3) Raise and support the vehicle.
(4) Remove the skid plate from under the front
end to gain access to the gear(Refer to 13 - FRAME
& BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE -
REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
NOTE: Mark the alignment adjusting cams and tie
rod end jam nuts on the steering gear for easier
installation.
(6) Remove the tie rod end nuts.
(7) Separate tie rod ends from the knuckles with
Puller C-3894-A.
(8) Remove the lower intermediate shaft coupler
bolt and slide the coupler off the gear (Fig. 2).(9) Remove power steering pressure hose bracket
(Fig. 3).
(10) Remove the power steering lines from the
gear (Fig. 2).
(11) Remove the mounting bolts from the gear to
the front cradle (Fig. 3).
(12) Remove the steering gear from the vehicle.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - 4WD
(1) Transfer the tie rod ends to the new steering
gear (if needed).
(2) Install the steering gear to the vehicle.
(3) Install the gear mounting bolts to the front cra-
dle. (Fig. 3). Tighten the gear mounting bolts to 162
N´m (120 ft.lbs.)
(4) Install the power steering lines to the gear
(Fig. 2).
(5) Install the power steering pressure hose
bracket (Fig. 3).
(6) Install the lower coupler bolt and slide the cou-
pler on to the gear (Fig. 2).
(7) Install the tie rod end to the knuckle and
tighten the nuts.
(8) Install the front axle. (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/FRONT AXLE - INSTALLA-
TION).
(9) Install the lower control arms. (Refer to 2 -
SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER CONTROL ARM -
INSTALLATION).
(10) Install the tire and wheel assembly. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(11) Install the skid plate (Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - INSTAL-
LATION).
(12) Lower the vehicle.
(13) Unlock the steering wheel.
(14) Fill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(15) Reset the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - 2WD
(1) Transfer the outer tie rod ends to the new
steering gear (if needed).
(2) Install the steering gear to the vehicle.
(3) Install the gear mounting bolts to the front cra-
dle. (Fig. 3). Tighten the gear mounting bolts to 162
N´m (120 ft.lbs.)
(4) Install the power steering lines to the gear
(Fig. 2).
Fig. 2 COUPLER BOLT
Fig. 3 RACK & PINION
19 - 14 GEARKJ
GEAR (Continued)
(5) Install the power steering pressure hose
bracket (Fig. 3).
(6) Install the lower coupler bolt and slide the cou-
pler on to the gear (Fig. 2).
(7) Install the tie rod end to the knuckle and
tighten the nuts.
(8) Install the tire and wheel assembly. (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(9) Install the skid plate(Refer to 13 - FRAME &
BUMPERS/FRAME/FRONT SKID PLATE - INSTAL-
LATION).(10) Lower the vehicle.
(11) Unlock the steering wheel.
(12) Fill the power steering fluid (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/PUMP - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(13) Reset the toe and center the steering wheel
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/WHEEL ALIGNMENT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
SPECIFICATIONS
TORQUE CHART
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Gear to Frame Bolts162 120 Ð
Rack and Pinion Steering
Gear
Intermediate Shaft Bolt49 36 Ð
Tie Rod End
Knuckle Nut108 80 Ð
Tie Rod End
Jam Nut75 55 Ð
Power Steering Line
Pressure Line35 25 Ð
Power Steering Line
Return Line35 25 Ð
SPECIAL TOOLS
OUTER TIE ROD END REMOVAL TOOL
Puller C-3894-A
KJGEAR 19 - 15
GEAR (Continued)