>> B << Timing Belt Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Dodge Stratus and 2005 Chrysler Sebring. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Align the timing marks on the camshaft sprockets with those on the rocker cover and the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket with that on the engine block as shown in the illustration.
CAUTION: The camshaft sprocket (right bank) can turn easily due to the spring force applied, so be careful not to get your fingers caught.
Install the timing belt by the following procedure so that there is no deflection in the timing belt between each sprocket and pulley.
1. Crankshaft sprocket
2. Idler pulley
3. Camshaft sprocket (Left bank)
4. Water pump pulley
5. Camshaft sprocket (Right bank)
6. Tensioner pulley
Turn the camshaft sprocket (Right bank) counterclockwise until the tension side of the timing belt is firmly stretched. Check all the timing marks again.

Fig 1: Aligning Timing Marks On Camshaft Sprockets
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Use special tool MD998767 to push the tensioner pulley into the timing belt, then temporarily tighten the center bolt.

Fig 2: Pushing Tensioner Pulley Into Timing Belt Using Special Tool MD998767
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Use special tool MD998769 to turn the crankshaft 1/4 turn counterclockwise, then turn it again clockwise until the timing marks are aligned.

Fig 3: Turning Crankshaft 1/4 Turn Counterclockwise
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

CAUTION: When tightening the center bolt, be careful that the tensioner pulley does not turn with the bolt.
Loosen the center bolt of the tensioner pulley. Use special tool MD998767 and a torque wrench to apply the tension torque to the timing belt as shown in the illustration. Then tighten the center bolt to the specified torque.
Standard value: 4.4 N.m (39 in-lb) < Timing belt tension torque >

Tightening torque: 48 +/- 6 N.m (36 +/- 4 ft-lb)

Fig 4: Adjusting Timing Belt Tension
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION
Remove the setting pin that has been inserted into the auto-tensioner.
Turn the crankshaft clockwise twice to align the timing marks.
Wait for at least five minutes, then check that the auto-tensioner pushrod extends within the standard value range.
Standard value (A): 3.8 - 5.0 mm (0.15 - 0.20 inch)
If not, repeat the operation in steps ( 5) to ( 9) above.
Check again that the timing marks of the sprockets are aligned.

Fig 5: Checking Timing Marks
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION