OEM 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Crankshaft

2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser Crankshaft Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Safely Extract the Crankshaft from the Engine Assembly on 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser?

  A: Initially, lift the engine out of the vehicle and afterward take apart the transaxle from the engine to remove the crankshaft. After that, the drive plate/flex plate must be taken off, as well as the rear oil seal on the crankshaft (1). Fix the engine on a suitable workbench, open the drain valve for engine oil and pull out the oil filter. Removal of the crankshaft vibration damper comes before the engine mount support bracket must be taken off. Undo the screws and remove each of the timing belt covers; lift out the timing belt and release the rear timing belt cover. The removal of the oil pan (3) goes with the removal of the oil pump pick-up tube. After that, remove the crankshaft sprocket, the oil pump, the balance shafts and housing assembly and the crankshaft position sensor. Should you replace a piston or connecting rod, the cylinder head has to be taken out. Do not stamp or punch the connecting rod to mark the numbers; use an ink or paint marker to write the rod number on each connecting rod cap. Be sure not to damage the outer circles of the fracture rod and cap when removing all connecting rod bolts and caps. With the bolts off the engine block, give the bedplate a swinging motion using a mallet to get it loose on the dowel pins, not putting any force on any side of the bed plate, to avoid hurting the cylinder block and thrust bearing alignment. Evenly remove the bed plate from the cylinder block dowel pins so you don't damage them or the thrust bearing. Be careful with the crankshaft so you avoid damaging the target ring and then carefully lift the crankshaft out of the cylinder block to protect the main bearings or journals. After that, remove and dump the screws from the studs and carefully lift off the target ring attached to the crankshaft.