Removal 2.5L VIN N (Avenger & Sebring Coupe)
- Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove coolant reservoir bottle. On models with cruise control, remove cruise control actuator and set aside.
- On all models, raise and support vehicle. Remove right front wheel. Remove side panel from right wheelwell.
- Remove accessory drive belts. Remove generator and bracket from engine block, and set aside. See Fig 1Remove crankshaft vibration damper.
- Lower vehicle. Place floor jack under vehicle to support weight of engine and transaxle assembly. Remove engine mount-to-frame through-bolt. Remove engine mount-to-engine bracket nuts and bolt. Remove engine mount.
- Remove 3 bolts attaching engine support bracket to engine block. Top reamer bolt (1) may be heat seized on engine support bracket. Spray lubricant on bolt while removing. See Fig 2
- Remove power steering pump (hoses attached) and bracket from engine block, and set aside. Remove timing belt covers. See Fig 3
- Rotate crankshaft to align camshaft and crankshaft timing marks. See Fig 4.
- If reusing old timing belt, mark timing belt direction of rotation for installation reference. Loosen timing belt tensioner pulley center bolt. Remove timing belt. Remove automatic tensioner.
NOTE:
Reamer bolt head will have a "R" marking for identification.
CAUTION:
DO NOT rotate crankshaft or camshaft with timing belt removed.
CAUTION:
Water or oil on timing belt shortens its lifespan drastically, so removed belt sprocket and tensioner must be free from oil or water. These parts should not be cleaned. If parts are seriously contaminated, replace parts. If there is oil or water on each part, check front case oil seals, camshaft seals and water pump for leaks.
NOTE:
When automatic tensioner is removed from engine, it is necessary to compress plunger into tensioner body.