2006 Chrysler Sebring Timing Belt Issue.

SKW2878S

MEMBER
2006 CHRYSLER SEBRING
2.4L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
132,000 MILES

Recently while heading to work the Sebring sputtered and shut down everything. I am right now doing the repairs to the engine because of budgeting issues and am finding the Sebring to be quite the difficult vehicle to work on. While replacing the timing belt it was recommended to do the water pump as well, so I got the parts all ready to go, now I am stuck. The cam gear on the back is way too close to the sidewall of the engine bay, making it impossible to get a ratchet in there to break the gear free. Is there any tool I can use that will help me remove that cam gear? I have been working on this for a few days now am constantly find myself stuck because of the poor design of the engine compartment.

4 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

There is a special tool to hold the sprocket, you might be able to make something or check with auto parts they rent a lot of stuff. Also it looks like they are using a box end wrench to tighten then you'll need what is called a crow's foot wrench of proper size to torque it.

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Friday, March 13th, 2015 AT 3:22 PM

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

If your just replacing timing belt why remove the cam gear?

My info says this is an interference engine. I hope your following proper procedures?

If the cam gear has to come off, what about using box-end wrench. I admit, I can' see your problem from here?

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Friday, March 13th, 2015 AT 3:23 PM

SKW2878S

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3 POSTS

Thanks soooo much for the tool tidbit. I never knew they made that tool. It took a little longer than I had wished but I was able to get all of the parts off in order to do the water pump. Thanks again

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Friday, March 13th, 2015 AT 11:22 PM

SKW2878S

MEMBER
3 POSTS

The water pump needed to be replaced as well, so when the genius designed the engine compartment, they shoved a Mitsubishi eclipse engine in there without thinking that someone may need to replace the water pump in the future. Trust me I have told my wife that it needs to go to the junk yard because in order to replace the water pump you need to basically take apart one side of the engine and remove the timing belt cover on both sides in order to even access the water pump. From all of the pages I have been on and checked they said it was a non interference engine, when the engine died it shut off completely with no clanking or banging so I am optimistic that no further damage was done

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Friday, March 13th, 2015 AT 11:30 PM