This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the harmonic balancer (crankshaft damper) on the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine, including accessory drive belt removal and crankshaft seal inspection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Harmonic balancer (crankshaft damper) × 1 — Mopar 68303624AA or equivalent
• Harmonic balancer bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification - single-use stretch bolt
• Front crankshaft seal (if damaged) × 1 — Mopar 68091572AA or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
3. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands
4. Remove passenger side front wheel for improved access
5. Remove engine splash shield/skid plate if equipped
6. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive belt
   Locate the spring-loaded belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Using a breaker bar or serpentine belt tool, rotate the tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slide the belt off the pulleys and slowly release the tensioner. Remove the belt from the engine bay and inspect for wear.
2. 2

   Access harmonic balancer
   From underneath the vehicle, locate the harmonic balancer at the front of the crankshaft. Remove the passenger side inner fender liner fasteners if additional access is needed. The balancer is the large pulley with multiple grooves at the bottom front of the engine.
3. 3

   Remove crankshaft position sensor
   Locate the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor mounted near the harmonic balancer on the engine block. Disconnect the electrical connector. Remove the sensor mounting bolt and carefully extract the sensor from the block. Set aside in a clean location.
   ⚠Handle the CKP sensor carefully - the tip is magnetic and can be damaged by impact or contact with metal debris
   Torque spec

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

   Lock crankshaft rotation
   Prevent crankshaft rotation by using a crankshaft holding tool engaged with the flexplate/flywheel ring gear teeth through the starter motor opening, or use a heavy-duty strap wrench on the balancer itself. Do not use an impact wrench to remove the balancer bolt.
5. 5

   Remove harmonic balancer bolt
   Using a breaker bar and appropriate socket (typically 18mm or 19mm), remove the center crankshaft bolt. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. This bolt is very tight and may require significant force. Once broken loose, remove the bolt completely and discard it - this is a single-use stretch bolt.
   ⚠The crankshaft bolt is extremely tight (typically 130+ lb-ft) - ensure the holding tool is secure before applying force
6. 6

   Remove harmonic balancer
   Install a harmonic balancer puller with the bolts threaded into the tapped holes in the face of the balancer (not behind the balancer). Tighten the puller center bolt gradually while ensuring even pressure. The balancer will slide off the crankshaft snout. Do not pry or hammer on the balancer. Remove the puller and balancer together.
7. 7

   Inspect crankshaft and seal
   Clean the crankshaft snout with brake cleaner and a rag. Inspect the surface for scoring, grooves, or damage. Check the front crankshaft seal for oil leakage or deterioration. Inspect the Woodruff key in the crankshaft keyway - ensure it is properly seated and not damaged. Replace the seal now if any leakage is evident.
   ℹ️Any grooves or scoring on the crankshaft snout will cause the new seal to leak and must be addressed before reassembly
8. 8

   Prepare new harmonic balancer
   Clean the inner bore of the new harmonic balancer with brake cleaner. Ensure no debris, oil, or protective coating remains on the mating surface. Verify the keyway slot in the balancer aligns properly. Apply a very light coat of clean engine oil to the crankshaft snout and seal contact area.
9. 9

   Install harmonic balancer
   Align the keyway in the harmonic balancer with the Woodruff key on the crankshaft. Slide the balancer onto the crankshaft snout by hand as far as possible. Install the harmonic balancer installer tool (threaded rod and thrust bearing type) and draw the balancer onto the crankshaft using the new bolt. Tighten gradually until the balancer is fully seated against the crankshaft timing gear. Do not strike the balancer with a hammer.
   ⚠Ensure the balancer slides on smoothly - any binding indicates misalignment of the keyway and can damage the engine
10. 10

    Torque crankshaft bolt
    Install the new crankshaft bolt. Using the crankshaft holding tool, tighten the bolt to 130 Nm (96 lb-ft) in the first stage. Then rotate the bolt an additional 90 degrees (1/4 turn) for the final torque-to-yield specification. Verify the bolt is tight and the balancer is fully seated with no gaps.
    ⚠Follow the two-stage torque procedure exactly - initial torque followed by angle rotation. Mark the bolt head and balancer before the 90-degree turn to ensure accurate angle measurement
11. 11

    Reinstall crankshaft position sensor
    Clean the CKP sensor mounting hole with a rag. Apply a small amount of clean engine oil to the sensor O-ring. Insert the sensor into the mounting hole and push until fully seated. Install the mounting bolt and tighten to specification. Reconnect the electrical connector until it clicks.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall accessory drive belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the belt routing diagram on the fan shroud or underhood label. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise and slip the belt onto the final pulley. Slowly release the tensioner to apply proper tension. Verify the belt is correctly seated in all pulley grooves.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine splash shield/skid plate with all fasteners
2. Reinstall passenger side front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification (110-130 lb-ft typical)
3. Reinstall inner fender liner if removed
4. Reconnect negative battery cable
5. Lower vehicle from jack stands

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no abnormal noises or vibrations from the front of the engine
• Check that the accessory drive belt operates smoothly without slipping or squealing
• Verify no warning lights on the instrument cluster related to crankshaft position sensor
• Inspect the front crankshaft seal area for oil leakage after engine reaches operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and confirm normal engine operation under various loads
• Re-inspect harmonic balancer bolt tightness after first 50-100 miles if possible

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