OEM 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Timing Belt

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Timing Belt Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service a Timing Belt on 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: The first thing to do when servicing the timing belt is to clear the battery, then take off the upper and lower timing belt covers. Rotate the crankshaft to line up the timing marks, since moving the camshaft after the timing belt comes off can ruin valve components. Spin the crankshaft so that the oil pump housing TDC mark is in the same spot as the crankshaft sprocket TDC mark on the trailing edge of the sprocket tooth. Undo the bolt that holds the timing belt tensioner lock, put a 6mm Allen wrench in the top plate's hexagon hole and turn clockwise to slacken the belt. If the timing belt's damage was caused by incorrect positioning, you should change both the belt tensioner pulley and bracket together. When you are installing, align the crankshaft sprocket with its marker on the oil pump housing and place the exhaust camshaft sprocket 1/2 notch below the intake camshaft sprocket, so the arrows on both camshaft sprockets face up. You should start the timing belt installation by fitting it on the crankshaft and then proceeding around the water pump sprocket, idler pulley, camshaft sprockets and tensioner. While turning the exhaust camshaft sprocket in the reverse direction, line up the marks and give some slack to the belt. Insert the 6mm Allen wrench into the hex opening at the top of the tensioner pulley and turn the top plate backwards until the setting notch is matched with the spring tang. After, hold the settings in place and tighten the tensioner lock bolt to 25 Nm by putting 220 in.lbs of torque on it. Once finished with the Allen wrench and torque wrench, rotate the crankshaft clockwise until it reaches TDC-do not miss it, instead rotate another one or two revolutions clockwise if you do. Using your hands, turn the crankshaft clockwise twice to place the belt and then check that the timing marks are in the correct places. Ensure the spring tang is positioned correctly; if it points within the designated range, you're done; if not, keep going with the steps. Then, fit the two front timing belt covers and plug the negative terminal back onto the battery.