OEM 2001 Dodge Dakota Crankshaft

2001 Dodge Dakota Crankshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Crankshaft on 2001 Dodge Dakota?

  A: First, take out the oil pan, then detach the oil pump from the rear main bearing cap, next remove the vibration damper and finish with taking off the timing chain cover. Label each bearing cap so it matches one bearing and take them out together with each set of bearings. Pull the crankshaft away from the blocks and discard the rear as well as the front crankshaft oil seals. For the installation, give the new upper seal lips a light coating of oil and slide the new upper rear bearing oil seal in place with the white part toward the rear of the engine. Fit the crankshaft into the cylinder block and apply light oil to the seam where the lower seal will go before you install the new lower rear bearing oil seal into the bearing cap, always with the white side facing the rear end. Drop a 5 mm (0.20 inch) amount of Mopar Gasket Eliminator or similar sealant, on all sides of the rear main bearing cap and assemble it with the cylinder block immediately. During assembly, use the cap slot, alignment dowel and cap bolts to align the bearing cap, avoiding extra material removal and limiting shocks to the rear cap to two. Clean and add oil to the cap bolts and then install each main bearing cap, while alternately tightening the bolts to 115 Nm (85 ft. lbs.) torque. Set in place the oil pump, timing chain cover and vibration damper. Rub the oil pan bearing cap fitted joint with Mopar Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant, similar product, before removing surplus with a cloth from the groove. Then put on the new front crankshaft oil seal and set back the oil pan as soon as possible.