CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil
pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Excessive end play. 6. Check thrust bearing for wear on
flanges.
7. Crankshaft journal out-of-round
or worn.7. Replace crankshaft or grind
journals.
8. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.8. Tighten to correct torque.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sensor/switch. 2. Replace oil pressure sensor/
switch.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pressure sensor/switch
and main bearing oil clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Install new oil filter.
5. Worn parts in oil pump. 5. Replace worn parts or pump.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil to correct viscosity.
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 7. Remove valve and inspect, clean,
or replace.
8. Oil pump suction tube loose. 8. Remove oil pan and install new
tube or clean, if necessary.
9. Oil pump cover warped or
cracked.9. Install new oil pump.
10. Excessive bearing clearance. 10. Measure bearings for correct
clearance.
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated
gaskets.1. Replace gasket(s).
2. Loose fastener, broken or porous
metal part.2. Tighten, repair or replace the
part.
3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup or
threaded plug.3. Replace as necessary.
RSENGINE 2.4L9-7
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)
INSTALLATION - ENGINE ASSEMBLY
(1) Position engine and transmission assembly
under vehicle and slowly lower the vehicle over the
engine and transmission.
(2) Align engine and transmission mounts to
attaching points. Install mounting bolts at the right
(Fig. 9) and left mounts (Fig. 10).
(3) Remove safety straps.
(4) Slowly raise vehicle enough to remove the
engine dolly and cradle Special Tools 6135 and 6710.
(5) Install rear mount bracket and rear mount
through bolt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
MOUNTING/REAR MOUNT - INSTALLATION)
(6) Install the flex plate to torque converter bolts.
(7) Install structural collar. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
ENGINE BLOCK/STRUCTURAL COVER - INSTAL-
LATION)
(8) Install front mount bracket and front mount
through bolt. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE
MOUNTING/FRONT MOUNT - INSTALLATION)
(9) Connect exhaust system to manifold (Fig. 7).
(10) Install crossmember cradle plate (Fig. 6).
(11) Install new oil filter.
(12) Install power steering pump and bracket.
(13) Connect power steering supply line to pump
and remove pinch-off pliers.(14) Connect A/C compressor hoses to compressor.
(15) Install accessory drive belts. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(16) Install axle shafts. (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/HALF SHAFT - INSTALLA-
TION)
(17) Install accessory drive belt splash shield.
(18) Install front wheels and tires.
(19) Remove plugs from transmission cooler hoses
and install transaxle oil cooler line service splice kit.
Refer to instructions included with kit.
(20) Connect the transaxle shift linkage and elec-
trical connectors.
(21) Connect heater hoses (Fig. 5).
(22) Install ground straps.
(23) Connect all engine and throttle body electrical
connections.
(24) Connect all vacuum lines.
(25) Connect the throttle cables.
(26) Connect the fuel line. (Refer to 14 - FUEL
SYSTEM/FUEL DELIVERY/QUICK CONNECT FIT-
TING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(27) Connect radiator lower and upper hoses.
(28) Install radiator fans. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - INSTALLATION)
(29) Fill cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(30) Connect battery cables.
(31) Install air cleaner and inlet hose.
(32) Fill engine crankcase with proper oil to cor-
rect level.
Fig. 9 RIGHT MOUNT TO RAIL AND ENGINE
1 - BOLT - MOUNT TO RAIL 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
2 - BOLT - MOUNT TO ENGINE 54 N´m (40 ft. lbs.)
3 - BOLT - MOUNT TO RAIL (HORIZONTAL) 68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.)
4 - RIGHT ENGINE MOUNT
5 - RIGHT FRAME RAIL
Fig. 10 LEFT MOUNT TO FRAME BRACKET
1 - FRAME BRACKET
2 - FRAME RAIL - LEFT
3 - BOLT
4 - TRANSAXLE MOUNT
9 - 16 ENGINE 2.4LRS
ENGINE 2.4L (Continued)
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
MAIN BEARING NOISE 1. Insufficient oil supply. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Low oil pressure. 2. Check engine oil level. Inspect oil
pump relief valve and spring.
3. Thin or diluted oil. 3. Change oil to correct viscosity.
4. Thick oil 4. (a) Change engine oil and filter.
(b) Run engine to operating
temperature.
(c) Change engine oil and filter
again.
5. Excessive bearing clearance. 5. Measure bearings for correct
clearance. Repair as necessary.
6. Excessive end play. 6. Check thrust bearing for wear on
flanges.
7. Crankshaft journal out-of-round
or worn.7. Replace crankshaft or grind
journals.
8. Loose flywheel or torque
converter.8. Tighten to correct torque.
OIL PRESSURE DROP 1. Low oil level. 1. Check engine oil level.
2. Faulty oil pressure sensor/switch. 2. Replace oil pressure sensor/
switch.
3. Low oil pressure. 3. Check oil pressure sensor/switch
and main bearing oil clearance.
4. Clogged oil filter. 4. Install new oil filter.
5. Worn parts in oil pump. 5. Replace worn parts or pump.
6. Thin or diluted oil. 6. Change oil to correct viscosity.
7. Oil pump relief valve stuck. 7. Remove valve and inspect, clean,
or replace.
8. Oil pump suction tube loose. 8. Remove oil pan and install new
tube or clean, if necessary.
9. Oil pump cover warped or
cracked.9. Install new oil pump.
10. Excessive bearing clearance. 10. Measure bearings for correct
clearance.
OIL LEAKS 1. Misaligned or deteriorated
gaskets.1. Replace gasket(s).
2. Loose fastener, broken or porous
metal part.2. Tighten, repair or replace the
part.
3. Misaligned or deteriorated cup or
threaded plug.3. Replace as necessary.
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9-81
ENGINE 3.3/3.8L (Continued)
VIBRATION DAMPER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Remove the right front wheel and inner splash
shield.
(4) Remove the accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(5) Remove vibration damper bolt.
(6) Insert Special Tool 8450 into crankshaft nose
(Fig. 83).
(7) Position 3-jaw puller Special Tool 1026 on
damper as shown in (Fig. 83). Turn puller forcing
screw until damper releases from crankshaft.
(8) Remove the crankshaft vibration damper.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install crankshaft vibration damper using the
forcing screw, nut, and thrust bearing/washer from
Special Tool 8452 (Fig. 84).NOTE: To minimize friction and prolong tool life,
lubricate the threads on the forcing screw of Spe-
cial Tool 8452.
(2) Position vibration damper on crankshaft.
(3) Screw Special Tool 8452 into crankshaft until
the bolt seats. Turn the nut to install damper until it
seats fully.
(4) Remove Special Tool 8452.
(5) Install vibration damper bolt. Torque bolt to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(6) Install the accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
INSTALLATION)
(7) Install inner splash shield and right front
wheel.
(8) Connect negative cable to battery.
Fig. 83 Vibration Damper - Removal
1 - SPECIAL TOOL 8450 - INSERT
2 - SPECIAL TOOL 1026-3JAWPULLER
Fig. 84 Vibration Damper - Installation
1 - FORCING SCREW / NUT FROM SPECIAL TOOL 8452
2 - VIBRATION DAMPER
3 - THRUST BEARING / WASHER
9 - 130 ENGINE 3.3/3.8LRS
VALVE TIMING
STANDARD PROCEDURE
STANDARD PROCEDURE - VALVE TIMING
VERIFICATION
(1) Remove front cylinder head cover and all 6
spark plugs.
(2) Rotate engine until the #2 piston is at TDC of
the compression stroke.
(3) Install a degree wheel on the crankshaft pulley.
(4) With proper adaptor, install a dial indicator
into #2 spark plug hole. Using the indicator find TDC
on the compression stroke.
(5) Position the degree wheel to zero.
(6) Remove dial indicator from spark plug hole.
(7) Place a 5.08 mm (0.200 in.) spacer between the
valve stem tip of #2 intake valve and rocker arm pad.
Allow tappet to bleed down to give a solid tappet
effect.
(8) Install a dial indicator so plunger contacts the
#2 intake valve spring retainer as nearly perpendic-
ular as possible. Zero the indicator.
(9) Rotate the engine clockwise until the intake
valve has lifted .254 mm (0.010 in.).
CAUTION: Do not turn crankshaft any further clock-
wise as intake valve might bottom and result in
serious damage.
(10) Degree wheel should read 6 degrees BTDC to
6 degrees ATDC.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MEASURING
TIMING CHAIN WEAR
NOTE: This procedure must be performed with the
timing chain cover removed (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/
VALVE TIMING/TIMING CHAIN COVER - REMOVAL).
(1) Position a scale next to timing chain so that
any movement of chain may be measured (Fig. 132).
(2) Position a torque wrench and socket on the
camshaft sprocket attaching bolt. Apply force in the
direction of crankshaft rotation to take up slack to
the following torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
NOTE: With torque applied to the camshaft
sprocket bolt, crankshaft should not be permitted to
move. It may be necessary to block crankshaft to
prevent rotation.
(3) Holding a measuring scale along edge of chain
links (Fig. 132).(4) Apply force in the reverse direction to the fol-
lowing torque:
²41 N´m (30 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads installed
²20 N´m (15 ft. lb.) with cylinder heads removed
(5) Measure amount of sprocket/chain movement.
(6) Install a new timing chain and sprockets if
movement exceeds 3.175 mm (1/8 in.).
TIMING CHAIN COVER
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative cable from battery.
(2) Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE)
(3) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(4) Drain engine oil.
(5) Remove right wheel and inner splash shield.
(6) Remove oil pan. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE/LUBRI-
CATION/OIL PAN - REMOVAL)
(7) Remove oil pick-up tube (Fig. 133).
(8) Remove accessory drive belt. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL)
(9) Remove A/C compressor and set aside.
(10) Remove crankshaft vibration damper. (Refer
to 9 - ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION
DAMPER - REMOVAL)
(11) Remove radiator lower hose.
(12) Remove heater hose from timing chain cover
housing (Fig. 134) or water pump inlet tube (if
engine oil cooler equipped) (Fig. 135).
(13) Remove the right side engine mount. (Refer to
9 - ENGINE/ENGINE MOUNTING/RIGHT MOUNT
- REMOVAL)
(14) Remove idler pulley from engine bracket (Fig.
136).
(15) Remove the engine mount bracket (Fig. 136).
Fig. 132 Measuring Timing Chain Wear
1 - TORQUE WRENCH
RSENGINE 3.3/3.8L9 - 153
(1) Install the main bearing upper shells with the
lubrication groove and oil hole in the engine block
(Fig. 6).
(2) Make certain oil holes in block line up with oil
hole in bearings and bearing tabs seat in the block
tab slots.
NOTE: If the crankshaft is sent out for machine
work, it must be balenced as an assembly with the
target ring installed.
(3) Clean crankshaft and target ring with
MOPARtbrake parts cleaner and dry with com-
pressed air to ensure that the crankshaft mating sur-
face and target ring mounting holes are free from oil
and lock patch debris.
NOTE: Always use NEW mounting screws whether
installing original or new target ring.
(4) InstallNEWmounting screws finger tight
starting with the #1 location. (Fig. 7) Make sure
engagment occurs with the shoulder of the screw and
mounting hole before starting all other screws.
(5) Torque all mounting screws with T30 torx bit
to 13 Nm (110 in-lbs) following the torque sequence.
CAUTION: Use extreme care when handling crank-
shaft. Tone wheel damage can occur if crankshaft is
mis-handled.
CAUTION: Do not get oil on the bed plate mating
surface. It will affect the ability of the sealer to seal
the bed plate to cylinder block.(6) Oil the bearings and journals. Install crank-
shaft in the engine block.
CAUTION: Use only MoparTBed Plate Sealant on
the bed plate or damage may occur to the engine.
(7) Install lower main bearings into main bearing
cap/bed plate. Make certain the bearing tabs are
seated into the bed plate slots and apply oil.
(8) Apply 1.5 to 2.0 mm (0.059 to 0.078 in.) bead of
MopartBed Plate Sealant to bed plate as shown in
(Fig. 8).
Fig. 6 Installing Main Bearing Upper Shell
1 - LUBRICATION GROOVES
2 - OIL HOLESFig. 7 Target Ring Torque Sequence
Fig. 8 Bed Plate Sealing
9s - 8 ENGINE 2.4L SUPPLEMENTRS
CRANKSHAFT (Continued)
FRAME & BUMPERS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
page page
BUMPERS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE...............1
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL.............................1
INSTALLATION..........................1
FRONT BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................2
INSTALLATION..........................2
REAR FASCIA
REMOVAL.............................2
INSTALLATION..........................2
REAR BUMPER REINFORCEMENT
REMOVAL.............................3
INSTALLATION..........................3
REAR FASCIA - SCUFF PAD
REMOVAL.............................3INSTALLATION..........................4
FRAME
SPECIFICATIONS
FRAME DIMENSIONS...................4
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE.............9
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER
DESCRIPTION
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER.......................9
DESCRIPTION - FRONT CRADLE
CROSSMEMBER THREAD REPAIR.........9
REMOVAL.............................10
INSTALLATION.........................11
FRONT CROSSMEMBER MOUNT BUSHINGS
REMOVAL.............................12
INSTALLATION.........................12
BUMPERS
SPECIFICATIONS - TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´m Ft. Lbs. In. Lbs.
Front bumper reinforcement attaching nut 54 40 Ð
Rear bumper reinforcement attaching nut 27 20 Ð
FRONT FASCIA
REMOVAL
(1) Release hood latch and open hood.
(2) Remove the headlamp assemblies (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
HEADLAMP - REMOVAL).
(3) Hoist vehicle and support with safety stands.
(4) Remove the five bolts attaching bottom of fas-
cia/air dam to radiator closure panel.
(5) Remove front wheels.
(6) Remove front wheelhouse splash shields fasten-
ers as necessary to gain access to bolts attaching
front fascia to fender. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERI-
OR/ WHEELHOUSE SPLASH SHIELD -
REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the two bolts and two nuts attaching
fascia to the front fenders (Fig. 1).
(8) Disconnect fog lamp wire connectors, if neces-
sary.
(9) Lower vehicle.(10) Remove two bolts attaching the upper grille
support to the headlamp mounting panel at each side
of the grille.
(11) Remove bumper fascia from vehicle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position front bumper fascia on vehicle.
(2) Install the two bolts attaching fascia to head-
lamp mounting panel at each side of grille.
(3) Hoist vehicle and support with safety stands.
(4) Install the two bolts and two nuts attaching
fascia to the front fenders (Fig. 1). The fascia should
be flush to fender.
(5) Install front wheelhouse splash shields fasten-
ers. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/ WHEEL-
HOUSE SPLASH SHIELD - INSTALLATION).
(6) Install front wheels.
(7) Connect fog lamp wire connectors, if necessary.
(8) Install the five bolts attaching bottom of fascia
to radiator closure panel.
(9) Lower the vehicle.
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-1
INSTALLATION
NOTE: If cradle crossmember requires replacement.
Refer to Group 2, Suspension, to transfer suspen-
sion components and Group 19, Steering, to trans-
fer steering components.
(1) Support crossmember on suitable lifting device
(Fig. 15).
(2) Position crossmember to vehicle.
(3) Loosely install bolts attaching cradle cross-
member to front frame rails.
(4) Align crossmember to previously made marks
on frame rails.(5) Tighten bolts attaching cradle crossmember to
frame rails.
(6) Install through bolt attaching rear engine
mount to cradle crossmember (Fig. 13) and tighten to
68 N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
(7) Install the rear mount heat shield (Fig. 12).
(8) Connect lower ball joints to steering knuckles
(Refer to 2 - SUSPENSION/FRONT/LOWER BALL
JOINT - INSTALLATION)
(9) Connect stabilizer bar links to ends of stabi-
lizer bar.
(10) Install bolts attaching anti-lock brake sensor
leads to cradle crossmember.
(11) Install high pressure hose to pump.
(12) Connect return hose to metal tube.
(13) Tighten hose clamp at the cradle crossmember
coupling.
(14) Remove pinch-off pliers.
(15) Position steering so front wheels are straight
ahead.
(16) Install steering column coupling to telescoping
steering gear shaft.
(17) Install clinch bolt attaching steering column
coupling to steering gear shaft.
(18) Install steering column cover backing plate
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEER-
ING COLUMN COVER BACKING PLATE -
INSTALLATION)
(19) Install steering column lower cover from
instrument panel (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRU-
MENT PANEL/STEERING COLUMN OPENING
COVER - INSTALLATION).
(20) Connect battery negative cable.
Fig. 12 REAR MOUNT HEAT SHIELD
1 - BOLT
2 - HEAT SHIELD
3 - CLIP
4 - REAR ENGINE MOUNT
Fig. 13 REAR MOUNT
1 - BOLT
2 - REAR MOUNT BRACKET
3 - THROUGH BOLT
4 - REAR MOUNT
Fig. 14 CRADLE CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
1 - CROSSMEMBER MOUNT
2 - BRAKE HOSE MOUNT
3 - STEERING TIE ROD
4 - FRONT CROSSMEMBER
5 - FRAME RAIL
RSFRAME & BUMPERS13-11
FRONT CRADLE CROSSMEMBER (Continued)