This procedure replaces the front crankshaft seal on the 3.6L V6 engine, requiring removal of the radiator, cooling fan, and crankshaft damper to access the timing cover seal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front crankshaft seal × 1 — Mopar 68093239AA or equivalent
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant × 1 — Mopar Engine RTV or equivalent

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool
2. Disconnect negative battery cable
3. Raise and safely support vehicle on jack stands
4. Remove engine belly pan or skid plate if equipped
5. Position drain pan under radiator drain plug
6. Place fender covers to protect paint during work

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Open radiator drain plug at bottom of radiator and drain coolant into appropriate container. Remove radiator cap to aid drainage. Once drained, close drain plug.
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator components
   Disconnect upper and lower radiator hoses at radiator. Disconnect coolant overflow hose. If equipped with automatic transmission, disconnect and plug transmission cooler lines. Remove radiator mounting bolts and carefully lift radiator from vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Disconnect electrical connector from cooling fan motor. Remove fan shroud mounting bolts. Carefully remove fan and shroud assembly as a unit. Note that fan clutch (if equipped) has reverse threads on some models.
   ⚠Fan blades can be sharp and shroud is fragile. Handle assembly carefully to avoid damage.
   Torque spec

   Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove accessory drive belt and tensioner
   Using breaker bar on tensioner pulley, rotate tensioner counterclockwise to release tension and remove serpentine belt. Remove tensioner mounting bolts and remove tensioner assembly from engine.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove crankshaft damper bolt
   Install crankshaft holding tool to prevent engine rotation. Mark the relationship between damper and crankshaft snout with paint or marker. Using appropriate socket, remove crankshaft damper center bolt. This bolt requires significant torque to remove.
   ⚠Do not use impact tools on crankshaft bolt as this can damage crankshaft position sensor tone ring or crankshaft threads.
6. 6

   Remove crankshaft damper
   Thread harmonic balancer puller into damper and tighten center bolt to press damper off crankshaft snout. Do not use a jaw-type puller as this will damage the damper. Once damper breaks free, remove puller and slide damper completely off crankshaft.
   ⚠Never strike the damper with a hammer or use excessive force as the damper is a precisely balanced component.
7. 7

   Remove timing cover bolts (front portion)
   Remove the front timing cover bolts that are accessible with radiator and damper removed. You do not need to remove the entire timing cover for this job, only enough bolts to allow the cover to be pulled forward slightly to access the seal. Typically 4-6 bolts around the perimeter.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove front crankshaft seal
   Using seal removal tool or pick, carefully pry out the old front seal from timing cover. Work around the seal perimeter evenly to avoid damaging the cover bore. Clean the seal bore thoroughly with degreaser and inspect for any damage or grooves.
   ⚠Do not scratch or gouge the seal bore surface or crankshaft sealing surface as this will prevent proper seal seating.
9. 9

   Install new front crankshaft seal
   Lightly coat the outer diameter of new seal with clean engine oil. Ensure seal is oriented correctly (spring side faces inward toward engine). Using appropriately sized seal driver, drive seal squarely into timing cover bore until fully seated and flush with cover face. Coat seal lip with clean engine oil.
   ℹ️Some technicians prefer to install the seal with the timing cover removed for easier access, but this is not necessary for this engine.
10. 10

    Reinstall timing cover bolts
    Clean timing cover gasket surface where bolts were removed. Apply small amount of RTV to bolt threads as specified by manufacturer. Reinstall timing cover bolts and torque to specification in a crisscross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall crankshaft damper
    Clean crankshaft snout and inner hub of damper thoroughly. Lightly oil crankshaft snout. Align damper to marks made during removal and slide damper onto crankshaft as far as possible by hand. Using crankshaft damper installer tool, draw damper fully onto crankshaft until seated. Install new crankshaft bolt and torque to manufacturer specification (typically 70 Nm plus 90 degree turn - verify in service manual as this is not in provided torque list).
    ⚠Never use the bolt alone to draw the damper onto the crankshaft as this can damage the crankshaft thrust bearing.
12. 12

    Reinstall accessory drive components
    Reinstall belt tensioner assembly and torque mounting bolts to specification. Route serpentine belt around all pulleys per belt routing diagram (usually on fan shroud or radiator support). Use tensioner to load belt into position.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall cooling fan and radiator
    Install cooling fan and shroud assembly, connecting electrical connector and torquing mounting bolts to specification. Reinstall radiator, connect hoses, and torque radiator mounting bolts. Reconnect transmission cooler lines if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Electrical Connector Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Refill cooling system and check for leaks
    Fill cooling system with proper Mopar OAT Purple coolant to correct level. Install radiator cap. Reconnect battery. Start engine and allow to warm to operating temperature while monitoring for leaks at front seal area. Check coolant level and top off as needed. Burp cooling system of air as per manufacturer procedure.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all cooling system hoses are properly clamped and secured
2. Verify serpentine belt is properly seated on all pulleys before starting engine
3. Double-check that crankshaft damper bolt is torqued to proper specification
4. Reinstall engine belly pan or skid plate if removed

Verification

• Start engine and inspect front seal area for any oil leakage during initial warm-up
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant leaks from radiator or hoses
• Check engine oil level and top off if needed due to residual oil loss during seal replacement
• Test drive vehicle and recheck for leaks after 50-100 miles of operation
• Monitor coolant level for first few days as system may require additional bleeding

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