2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Timing Belt Change
For years, small diesel engine manufacturers have been using overhead cam designs as a way to get the most out of a limited-displacement platform. Unfortunately, many small overhead cam mills utilize a timing belt to drive the camshafts (as opposed to a more durable timing chain), making them interference engines. This means timing belt failure can lead to piston-to-valve contact and other catastrophic internal damage, but more importantly it makes replacing the belt inevitable if you want the engine to last. Many manufacturers specify a 100,000-mile change interval; such was the case with the 2.8L VM Motori in our ’05 Jeep Liberty CRD.
Because timing belt replacement is a very important preventative maintenance measure, any questionable components should be replaced, and well-documented problem areas addressed to rule out future hassles. Since we were going this far into the engine, it behooved us to start with a fresh water pump, thermostat, new pulleys, tensioner, and, of course, the timing belt. After conducting some online research, we obtained the special timing belt service tools we needed, ordered a complete timing belt kit from Factory OEM Parts (mopar-wholesale.com), and took the Jeep to Flynn’s Shop in Alexander, Illinois, to perform the tedious task.
Parts List
Total $801.33
Part:
OE Part Number:
Price:
Timing belt
5142579AA
$161.66
Belt tensioner
5142798AA
$95.99
Idler pulley
5142573AA
$27.26 (2)
Timing cover gasket
5066921AA
$17.29
Water pump
5142985AA
$259.60
Water pump gasket
4864575
$3.13
Water pump O-ring
5159019AA
$9.15
Thermostat and housing
5142601AA
$96.72
Serpentine belt
5072437AC
$103.27
*We didn’t need the water pump O-ring due to the water pump being shipped with one.
*The new timing cover gasket isn’t crucial, as it’s simply a dust seal (the factory one can be reused).
