OEM 2001 Dodge Durango Camshaft

2001 Dodge Durango Camshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Properly Remove and Install Camshaft Bearings on 2001 Dodge Durango?

  A: Make sure the engine is taken apart before you remove the camshaft bearings; first pull the rear cam bearing core plug. With Camshaft Bearing Remover/Installer Tool C-3132-A, use the recommended horsehoe washers and adapters behind each bearing shell to remove them. The camshaft, together with its oil pump and distributor drive gear, can only be removed after taking out the radiator, air conditioning condenser if equipped, engine cover, intake manifold, cylinder head covers, timing case cover, timing chain, rocker arms, push rods and tappets. After that, take off the distributor and pull out the oil pump and drive shaft and next, the camshaft thrust plate, keeping note of the oil tab's placement. Help yourself remove the camshaft by putting a thick bolt into the front, then pull the bolt out with care to preserve the cam bearings. Start by using Camshaft Bearing Remover/Installer Tool C-3132-A to slide the new outer bearing onto the adapter, place the back bearing into the tool, add the horseshoe lock and press the bearing into place with attention to its alignment with the oil passages. A hole plug at the back of the camshaft will prevent oil from leaking. Apply lubricant to the lobes and journal surfaces and then insert the engine camshaft 51 mm (2 inches) deep into the engine block. Align the tongue of Camshaft Holder Tool C-3509 against the back surface of the distributor drive gear, fasten it with a distributor lockplate bolt and do not push the camshaft in too deeply by mistake. Following installation of the chain oil tab and thrust plate, make sure the tang enters the thrust plate's lower right hole and secure with bolts to a torque of 24 Nm (210 in. lbs.). First, assemble the timing chain and gears, then measure the total end play of camshafts and in case it needs replacement, swap out the thrust plate. Restore the tappets in the proper places and change all if the camshaft has been changed, move on to the distributor and distributor drive shaft, push rods, rocker arms, timing case cover, cylinder head covers, intake manifold, engine cover, A/C condenser and lastly, the radiator. Turn on the engine and look for any leakage.