OEM 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Timing Cover

2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser Timing Cover Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to service a timing cover on 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: First, take out the bolts that keep the upper torque strut in place and side it and then remove the fasteners for the timing belt cover and pull the cover away from the engine. Lift the timing belt cover into place and secure the fasteners to 4.5 Nm (40 in. lbs.), then bolt the upper strut bolts back and check the struts using the procedure described. For the lower timing cover, disconnect the black battery cable, use a hoist to the vehicle up, remove the right front wheel and disconnect the splash shield. Subsequently, lift off the accessory drrived belts, crankshaft damper, lower torque strut, remove the exhaust pieces from the manifold and take out the A/C pressure switch at the rear of the compressor housing. Lower the car, lift the engine with a jack, let the air out of the A/C system and take off the main A/C lines from the coupling block. Unscrew the upper torque strut from the top of the strut support, take out the screw attaching the ground to the strut bracket, remove the torque strut bracket from the strut tower, then remove the upper radiator support crossmember and the power steering pump and bracket without disturbing the lines. After supporting the engine, detach the right engine mounting bolt and raise the engine until the engine support bracket bolts become visible, so you can remove them too. Take out all fasteners holding the cover and then remove the cover. After putting the timing belt cover on its proper position, tighten the bolts to 4.5 Nm (40 in. lbs.). Then put on the right engine support bracket, straightening the power steering pump in its place and tightening the bracket bolts to 61 Nm (45 ft. lbs.). Use a lift to place the engine in position; secure the right engine mount using the bolt, close the assembly to 118 Nm (87 ft. lbs.) and then replace the power steering pump and bracket, the upper radiator support crossmember and the torque strut bracket to the strut tower, tightening the ground strap to the bracket and attaching the upper torque strut. Tie the A/C lines back together and pump the coolant, elevate the car, attach the exhaust system to the manifold and hook up the A/C pressure switch connector. Install the lower torque strut, crankshaft damper and accessory drive belts. Perform the torque strut adjustment and then attach the wheel, splash shield and negative battery cable. Remove the belt, its pulley and the camshaft sprockets from behind, then take out the rear timing belt fasteners and the engine cover. To install, set the rear timing belt cover back in its place, attach the screws to 4.5 Nm (40 in. lbs.), adjust the timing belt idler, fit the camshaft sprockets with no impact wrench on the camshaft-to-sprocket dowel pin, pinch 6847 while tightening the center bolt to 101 Nm (75 ft. lbs.) and then add the timing belt.