2003 Dodge Ram CAM shaft

CNORTON

MEMBER
2003 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
15,200 MILES

The front dowl on the cam shaft that connects the cam sprocket for the timing chain snapped off, can I just replace the cam or do I have to replace the lifters too? Do I need to take off the heads to replace the cam or can I just replace it from the front of the motor?

Monday, June 1st, 2009 AT 11:54 AM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
34,330 POSTS

Why amputate your arm for a hang nail?

First try to remove the piece of the dowel from the camshaft with a magnet. If that doesn't work, drill a hole in the center of it, then use an "Easy Out" to try to pull it out. If that pulls out, try tapping the hole, then run a bolt into the hole. That will give you something to pull on.

You can use a long bolt with a nut and washer over a larger nut. As you tighten the nut on the bolt, it will pull the bolt out and the dowel will come out too through the large nut.

Be sure to drill in the center of the dowel. They are case hardened, but the center is usually not hardened.

Caradiodoc

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Friday, June 5th, 2009 AT 2:20 AM