OEM 2002 Dodge Dakota Camshaft

2002 Dodge Dakota Camshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Remove and Install Camshaft Bearings and the Camshaft in an Engine on 2002 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Be sure to drive out the rear cam bearing core hole plug while the engine is already taken apart. Insert suitable size adapters and horseshoe washers from Camshaft Bearing Remover/Installer Tool C-3132-A into the rear of every bearing shell to remove them. Before taking out the camshaft, cut off the car's battery negative, take out the radiator and intake manifold, remove the distributor assembly and cylinder head covers, the rocker arms, push rods and tappets and note each part to replace everything properly. After that, remove the timing chain cover, make sure the timing marks are aligned and remove both the timing chain and sprockets. Clean out the block area by taking out the three tensioner bolts as well as the whole tensioner piece. Place a long bolt through the front of the camshaft to help in removing it, making certain you don't hurt the cam bearings. New camshaft bearings should be installed using the Camshaft Bearing Remover/Installer Tool C-3132-A by putting the new bearing shell on the right adapter, holding the rear bearing in the tool, using the horseshoe lock and carefully driving the bearing shell into its spot. Make sure the oil holes on the bearings connect with those in the main bearing and install a new core hole plug at the back of the camshaft so it is not leaking. While installing the camshaft, lubricate the lobes and bearing journals and insert it until it rests about within 51 mm of its required position. Hold the camshaft by using the Camshaft Holding Tool C-3509 and a distributor lockplate bolt, so that it does not push in too deep. Put the timing chain tensioner into place and tighten its bolts using 24 Nm. Squeeze the tensioner shoe and place a proper pin to hold it while you set the chain. Place the sprockets for both the camshaft and crankshaft on the bench so their timing marks are matched. Slide the timing chain over both sprockets. Place the crankshaft and camshaft in the keyway, raise the sprockets and chain, carefully place them on their shafts and ensure the marks are aligned with the straightedge as you move them. Assemble the camshaft bolt and cup washer, make sure they are tightened to 68 Nm. Check camshaft end play and if it's over the limit, order a replacement timing chain tensioner. Set each tappet in its old location before you replace the camshaft and swap out all the hydraulic tappets afterward. After everything is back in place, put in the timing chain cover, intake manifold, distributor, cylinder head covers and radiator, fill the cooling system, hook up the battery negative cable and ensure there are no leaks by starting the engine.