🔧 Durango - Timing Belt Replacement

Your Durango’s 6.4L HEMI does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain inside the engine, so there’s no routine “timing belt replacement” service like on belt-driven engines.

Before I lay out steps, I need to confirm which job you meant so I don’t send you down the wrong path.

Difficulty Level: Advanced (timing chain) | Estimated Time: 10-16 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully; hot coolant and exhaust burn.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before any front-cover work.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle on jack stands; never rely on a jack.
• ⚠️ Timing component mistakes can cause severe engine damage; if you’re unsure, stop and ask.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Metric socket set (8mm-21mm)
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 1/2" drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench (10-250 ft-lbs)
• Torx bit set
• Trim clip removal tool
• Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
• Harmonic balancer installer (specialty)
• Timing chain holding/locking tool set for 6.4L HEMI (specialty)
• Coolant drain pan (at least 3 gallons)
• Funnel
• Gasket scraper (plastic)
• Brake cleaner spray
• Shop rags

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing chain set - Qty: 1
• Timing chain guides - Qty: 1 set
• Timing chain tensioner(s) - Qty: 1 set
• Front timing cover gasket/seal set - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Water pump gasket - Qty: 1
• Engine coolant (HOAT/OAT type specified for your Durango) - Qty: 2-3 gallons premix equivalent
• Engine oil - Qty: 7 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• RTV sealant (engine timing cover approved) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🧭 Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels.
• 🔌 Disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Two quick questions so I give the correct procedure:
  • Did you mean the timing chain (internal engine repair) or the serpentine/drive belt (external belt that runs the alternator, A/C, etc.)?
  • What symptom are you chasing (rattle on startup, check engine light, misfire, or just scheduled maintenance)?

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm the correct job

• This engine uses a timing chain, not a timing belt.
• If you answer “serpentine/drive belt,” I’ll give the simpler belt procedure instead.
• If you answer “timing chain,” continue below.

Step 2: Raise the vehicle and drain fluids

• Use a floor jack and set it securely on jack stands.
• Place a coolant drain pan under the radiator drain and drain coolant.
• Drain the engine oil into a drain pan (oil drain plug size varies by pan).

Step 3: Remove front access components

• Remove the lower splash shields using a trim clip removal tool and metric socket set.
• Remove the intake ducting and any covers using a metric socket set.
• Relieve belt tension and remove the drive belt using a breaker bar on the belt tensioner.
• Take photos before removing brackets.

Step 4: Remove the harmonic balancer and timing cover

• Remove the crank/harmonic balancer bolt using a 1/2" drive breaker bar.
• Remove the balancer using a harmonic balancer puller (specialty).
• Remove timing cover bolts using a metric socket set.
• Carefully separate the cover; use a plastic gasket scraper if needed.
• Torque specs vary by fastener location and revision; I’ll provide the exact torque list once you confirm whether you’re doing timing chain vs drive belt.

Step 5: Set engine to timing position and lock timing

• Rotate the engine by hand using a socket and ratchet on the crank until timing marks align.
• Install the timing chain holding/locking tool set (specialty). A locking tool keeps the cam/crank from moving while the chain is off.
• Never rotate the crank with the chain removed.

Step 6: Replace the timing chain components

• Remove chain tensioner(s) and guides using a metric socket set.
• Remove the timing chain and sprockets as required.
• Install new guides, chain, and tensioner(s), keeping all timing marks aligned.
• Use a torque wrench for all fasteners during reassembly.

Step 7: Re-seal and reassemble

• Clean sealing surfaces with a plastic gasket scraper and brake cleaner spray.
• Install a new front crank seal and timing cover gasket; apply RTV sealant only where specified.
• Install the harmonic balancer using a harmonic balancer installer (specialty) (do not hammer it on).
• Reinstall the drive belt, shields, and intake parts using a metric socket set.

Step 8: Refill fluids and initial start

• Refill coolant using a funnel.
• Change the oil and filter, then refill oil.
• Reconnect the battery using a 10mm socket.
• Start the engine and immediately check for leaks and abnormal noise.

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✅ After Repair

• 🧪 Let the engine reach operating temperature and confirm the heater blows hot (helps verify coolant circulation).
• 🛠️ Recheck coolant level after a full heat-soak and cool-down.
• 🔎 Check for oil seepage around the timing cover and crank seal area.
• 📟 If a check engine light appears, scan for codes and address before driving hard.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $2,000-$4,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $500-$1,500 (parts only)

You Save: $1,500-$3,000 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 10-16 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.