2000 Dodge Stratus Timing Belt Tensioner Failed / Crankshaf

PILOT2969

MEMBER
2000 DODGE STRATUS
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
142,000 MILES

My timing belt tensioner failed while I was driving about 30/35 mph. I obviously need to get in and replace it, but I cannot get the bolt off of the crankshaft pulley. I've tried using a socket and tapping it with a hammer and straight up brute force, but I have had no luck. I do not have the funds or the ability to get this vehicle close to a set of air tools, and I am doing this by myself. I have not yet tried a breaker bar, but I really don't know how much help that is going to be. I have heard a couple suggestions on other forums about bracing the breaker bar against the frame and then turning the ignition so the starter motor torques the bolt and breaks it free, but none of those suggestions related to a Stratus. I also assume it's best not to heat the bolt. This is the only major thing between me and my objective so any help would be appreciated.

5 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

The starter method will work most of thetime. Heating thebolt wont hurt it, you dont need it red-hot, just warmed up a bit. Once that bolt is out, you will need a 3-jaw pulller to remove the pulley, you should be able to rent the correct one at a local parts store. The correct one has a rod that fits down the center to bottom out in the crank.

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 7:50 AM

PILOT2969

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15 POSTS

Now, if I use the starter method, where's the best place to brace the breaker bar? What length do you recommend? Should I remove my spark cables?

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 2:45 PM

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

Could recommend anything without seeing the car for a safe place. You can disconnect the plug wires or just unplug the connector out of the coil. As I said before, you will need a special puller for Chryslers, so you may want to locate one before going any further

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Monday, August 17th, 2009 AT 3:18 PM

PILOT2969

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I have the nut off finally, but I now need to remove the accessory drive belts. The Haynes guide and everything online are very vague on how to release the tension on the drive belt. This is the best description I found:

ACCESSORY DRIVE BELTS - 2.0/2.4L ENGINES
AIR CONDITIONING COMPRESSOR AND GENERATOR BELT
Accessory Drive Belt System - 2.0/2.4L Engines
Loosen T-Bolt locking nut A and pivot bolt B to remove and install Poly V belt and/or adjust belt tension Air Conditioning Compressor and Generator Belt Adjustment
Tighten adjusting bolt to adjust belt tension to specification shown in Belt Tension Chart.
Tighten T-Bolt locking nut A and pivot bolt B to 54 N � m (40 ft. Lbs.) Air Conditioning Compressor and Generator Belt Adjustment
POWER STEERING PUMP BELT
From the top of the vehicle loosen pivot bolt C.
From under the vehicle loosen locking bolts D and E Power Steering Belt Adjustment

However I don't know where the T-Bolt locking nut is, I assume it's the part that's holding the top of the alternator in position, I pulled that bolt but I cannot get the alternator assembly to move to release tension. Do I have to loosen the lower bolt on the alternator assembly to get it to pivot? Or am I not even in the right area?

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Thursday, August 20th, 2009 AT 2:31 PM

2CARPRO JACK