Timing chain has a lot of slack and is rubbing against internal case. question can existing chain be tightened or must be replaced completely

If the harmonic balancer (also known as the crankshaft pulley) is rubbing against the timing cover, it's important to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage to your engine. Here are some steps to help you resolve the problem:
1. **Check for Misalignment:** Ensure that the harmonic balancer is properly aligned with the crankshaft and that it's seated correctly. A misaligned or improperly installed balancer can cause it to rub against the timing cover.
2. **Inspect for Damage:** Examine the timing cover and the harmonic balancer for signs of damage. If either component is damaged, it may need to be replaced.
3. **Check for Loose Bolts:** Inspect the bolts that secure the harmonic balancer to the crankshaft. If any of these bolts are loose, tighten them to the manufacturer's specifications.
4. **Use Spacers:** In some cases, adding a spacer between the harmonic balancer and the crankshaft can help adjust the alignment and prevent rubbing. Consult your vehicle's service manual or a mechanic for guidance on the appropriate spacer size and installation procedure.
5. **Replace the Timing Cover:** If the timing cover is severely damaged and cannot be aligned properly, it may need to be replaced. This is typically a more involved and time-consuming repair.
6. **Seek Professional Help:** If you're unsure about diagnosing or fixing the issue, it's best to consult a professional mechanic. They have the expertise and tools necessary to assess and resolve the problem correctly.
Remember that allowing the harmonic balancer to continue rubbing against the timing cover can lead to more significant engine damage and potentially costly repairs. It's essential to address this issue promptly and accurately.

there are 2 engines 2.0 / 2.3 and they both have chains if you are getting a rattling sound from the cover front the guides are worn or the chain tensioner are worn the guides have nylon chain runners on them and if they wear down the chain is rubbing against the metal arm that the nylon is mounted on if this is a high mileage motor I would suspect this because the chain can not be kept tight because of the worn guides have now caused the chain to be slack and its rubbing against the front engine cover but you must be sure before opening it up that its not the water pump or belt tensioner pulleys making the noise if that's what your hearing the water pump will sound like a marble tumbling around in a can the pulley's will sound like constant friction grinding of the dry bearing inside against the bearing race there also may be a chirping sound of the belt being made from it grabbing each time the bearing catches inside and releases the chain will sound like a constant rattling as if you drag a metal chain on a ceramic tile floor and engine running condition will be rough idling and missing a bit especially when you come to an abrupt stop it may stall

What car do you have? A repair manual cover this.

Look on this website: www.onlyrepairmanuals.com

There are a lot of steps, and you need to take your time. You will need access to a lift or jack stand, and make sure you keep the work area clean and organised, taking photos of the timing system will make your life easier when it comes to re-timing the engine.

Water Pump Replacement (2.4L)
Removal Procedure

1. Drain the coolant. Recover the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.
2. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
3. Remove the coolant intake pipe. Refer to Engine Coolant Inlet Pipe Replacement in Engine Cooling.
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the heater hose quick connect from the heater outlet pipe.
6. Remove the timing chain and tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.4L. (see below procedure)
7. Remove the water pump cover-to-cylinder block bolts.
8. Remove water pump pipe to cylinder block bolt.
9. Remove the 3?water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
10. Remove the water pump and cover assembly.
11. Remove the water pump cover-to-coolant pump assembly bolts.
12. Clean all sealing surfaces.

Installation Procedure

Important: Before you install the coolant pump, read the entire procedure. Follow the tightening sequences in order to avoid part damage and to provide proper sealing.


1. Install the pump cover bolts. Hand tighten the bolts.
2. Install water pump cover assembly.
3. Install the cover-to-block bolts. Hand tighten the bolts.
4. Install the coolant pump-to-timing chain housing nuts. Hand tighten the nuts.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

5. Torque in sequence as follows:
   1. Tighten the water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
      Tighten
      Tighten water pump to timing chain housing nuts to 26?Y (19?lb?ft).
   2. Tighten the pump cover-to-pump assembly bolts.
      Tighten
      Tighten the water pump cove to water pump bolts to 14?Y (124?lb?in).
   3. Tighten the coolant pump cover-to-engine block bolts. Tighten the bottom bolt first.
      Tighten
      Tighten water pump to engine block bolts to 26?Y (19?lb?ft).
6. Install heater hose to pipe on water pump.
7. Install the exhaust manifold and install new gaskets. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
8. Install oil level indicator tube and indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator Tube Replacement in Engine Mechanical-2.4L.
9. Connect the brake vacuum pipe to the cam housing.
10. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
11. Install catalytic converter to to manifold. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
12. Install the coolant inlet pipe. Refer to Engine Coolant Inlet Pipe Replacement.
13. Install the timing chain and tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.4L.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Connect the oxygen sensor connector.
16. Fill cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
17. Inspect the system for leaks.

Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement
Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Notice: The timing chain on the LD9 (VIN T) Twin Cam Engine is not to be replaced with the timing chain from any other model year. The timing sprockets are different on the Twin Cam engine and the shape of the links matches the sprockets. Engine damage may result if the wrong timing chain is used. The timing chain and the crankshaft sprocket must be marked so that they are reinstalled in the same side facing out at the time of reassembly.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement.
3. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine, normal rotation) until the camshaft sprocket timing dowel pin holes align with the holes in the timing chain housing.
4. Set the crankshaft sprocket keyway pointing upwards. Align with the centerline of the cylinder bores. This is the timed position.
5. Remove the timing chain guides.
6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
7. Ensure that all of the slack in the timing chain is above the tensioner assembly.
8. Remove the timing chain tensioner bolts and the tensioner.
9. Remove the tensioner shoe. Use a small locking ring plier in order to engage the hole in the locking tab and remove the shoe from the stud.
Notice: Do not attempt to pry the sprocket off the camshaft or damage to the sprocket or chain housing could occur.
Important: Mark the timing chain and the crankshaft sprocket prior to removal. If the chain or the crankshaft sprocket is installed with the wear pattern in the opposite direction, noise and increased wear may occur.

10. Mark the crankshaft sprocket and the timing chain outer surface.
11. Remove the timing chain.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Holding the intake camshaft sprocket with J 39579, remove the sprocket bolt and washer.
14. Remove the washer from the bolt and rethread the bolt back into the camshaft.
15. Using a 3-jaw puller and the relief holes in the sprocket, remove the intake camshaft sprocket.
16. Repeat this procedure for the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
17. Clean the old sealant from the bolt with a wire brush.
18. Clean the threaded hole in the camshaft with a round nylon bristle brush.
19. Inspect the parts for wear. Replace the parts as necessary.Some scoring of the timing chain shoe and the guides is normal.
20. Replace the timing chain shoe or guides if the scoring exceeds 1.12?mm (45?in).

Installation Procedure

1. Use Adhesive/Sealant Compound GM?P/N?12345493 or equivalent on the camshaft sprocket bolt. Install the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets onto the camshafts with the marked surface showing.Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
   
2. Install the retaining bolts and washers to the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets.
3. Tighten
   Tighten the bolts to 70?Y (52?lb?ft) while holding the sprockets with the J 39579.
4. Install the J 36800 through the holes in the camshaft sprockets into the holes in the timing chain housing. This will position the camshaft for correct timing.
5. If the camshafts are out of position (you must rotate the camshaft more than 1/8?turn in order to install the alignment dowel pins), use the following procedure:
   1. Rotate the crankshaft 90?degrees clockwise off of the TDC in order to give the valves adequate clearance to open.
   2. Once the camshafts are in position and the dowels installed, rotate the crankshaft counter clockwise back to the top dead center.

Notice: Do not rotate the crankshaft clockwise to TDC. Valve or piston damage could occur.
Important: The side of the timing chain that was marked during removal must be showing when the chain is installed.

6. Install the timing chain over the exhaust camshaft sprocket, around the coolant pump, and around the crankshaft sprocket.
   1. Remove the alignment dowel pin from the intake camshaft.
   2. Using the J 39579, rotate the intake camshaft sprocket counterclockwise enough in order to slide the timing chain over the intake camshaft sprocket.
   3. Release the J 39579. The length of the chain between the 2?camshaft sprockets will tighten.
   4. If properly timed the intake camshaft alignment dowel pin should slide in easily. If the dowel pin does not fully index, the camshafts are not timed correctly and the procedure must be repeated.
7. Leave the alignment dowel pins installed.
8. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
9. The timing marks on the crankshaft and on the cylinder block should be aligned when the slack is removed from the chain linking the intake camshaft sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket. If the marks are not aligned, move the chain one tooth forward or rearward, remove the slack and re-examine the marks.

Important: Use the following steps in order to reset the timing chain tensioner assembly to the zero position.

10. Reset the timing chain tensioner assembly.
    1. Insert the tensioner plunger assembly into the tensioner housing.
    2. With the tensioner plunger fully extended, turn the complete assembly upside down on a bench or other flat surface.
    3. With the plunger face against the workbench, press firmly on the bottom of the tensioner housing.
    4. Compress the plunger until the plunger is seated flush in the tensioner.


11. Check the plunger to make sure the plunger is out of the cylinder at the correct dimension. The correct dimension for the plunger to extend out of the cylinder is 1.7?mm (0.07?in) maximum.


12. Loosely install the tensioner assembly and bolts to the timing chain housing.
13. Install the timing chain tensioner shoe on the stud.
14. Apply hand pressure to the timing chain tensioner shoe until the locking tab seats in the groove in the stud.
15. Tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts. Do Not overtighten.
    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10?Y (89?lb?in).


Important: If the timing chain tensioner is not released from the installation position, engine damage will occur when the engine is started.

16. Release the timing chain tensioner plunger.
    1. Using a flat blade screwdriver, cotter pin remover, or similar tool, press firmly against the face of the timing chain tensioner plunger.
    Important: If the timing chain tensioner cannot be depressed, the plunger is not properly reset and the procedure for resetting the timing chain tensioner should be repeated.
    
    2. Depress the timing chain tensioner plunger until the plunger is bottomed out in the bore of the timing chain tensioner.
    3. Release the tensioner plunger. the plunger should press firmly against the back of the timing chain tensioner shoe.
17. Remove J 36800 from the camshaft sprockets.
18. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise 2?full rotations. Align the crankshaft keyway with the mark on the cylinder block, and reinstall the alignment dowel pins. The pins should slide in easily if the engine is timed correctly.


19. Install the timing chain guides.
20. Install the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement.
21. Connect the negative battery cable.
    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 16?Y (12?lb?ft).

needs to be replaced if has gone slack

If indeed it is coming from the drive line area, it could be a bad universal joint. It may also be a torn boot on the front axle (just thought I'd mention this), or it could be the transfer case chain has a lot of slack, causing the chain to hit against the transfer case housing internally, this would be the worst case scenario.

Assuming you have the single overhead camshaft, there is a pin you're supposed to use to align the camshaft gear--see below diagram from autozone.com:


Obviously you could substitute a phillips screwdriver of the appropriate size for the alignment pin shown. Leave it in until you complete the chain installation.

The crankshaft pully mark goes straight up:

Make sure the chain is tight on the right side when the gears are in these positions and that it doesn't slip any teeth on eight gear when you apply the tensioner. I will paste the autozone instructions below.

To install:

1. Inspect the chain for wear and damage. Check the inside diameter of the chain, it should be no more than 16.77 in. (426mm). Inspect the chain guides for wear or cracks and the timing sprockets for teeth or key wear. Replace components as necessary.
2. Verify that the crankshaft is positioned 90 degrees clockwise past TDC from the keyway (keyway at 3 o'clock).
3. Bring the camshaft up to No. 1 TDC by loosely installing the sprocket and rotating the sprocket until the timing pin can be inserted. The camshaft contains wrench flats to assist in turning the shaft. The dowel pin should be at 12 o'clock when the camshaft is at TDC and a timing pin ( 3 / 16 in. drill bit) should then install at about the 8 o'clock position.
4. If removed, install the crankshaft sprocket, then rotate the crankshaft counterclockwise 90 degrees up to No. 1 TDC (keyway at 12 o'clock).
5. Position the chain under the crankshaft sprocket and over the camshaft sprocket. If necessary remove the camshaft sprocket, then slide the camshaft sprocket into position with the chain already engaged. The timing chain should be positioned so that one silver link plate aligns with the reference mark on the camshaft sprocket and the other aligns with the downward tooth (at the 6 o'clock position) on the crankshaft sprocket. The letters FRT on the camshaft sprocket must face forward, away from the cylinder head and excess chain slack should be located on the tensioner side of the block.
6. Temporarily install the timing pin to verify proper alignment of the camshaft and sprocket, then install and tighten the sprocket bolt to 75 ft. lbs. (102 Nm). Again, use a wrench on the camshaft flats to hold the shaft in position while tightening the bolt. Do not allow the camshaft retaining bolt to torque against the timing pin or cylinder head damage will result.
7. Install the chain guides with the words FRONT facing out. Install the fixed guide first and verify the chain is snug against the guide, then install the pivot guide. Tighten the bolts to 19 ft. lbs. (26 Nm) and verify that the pivot guide moves freely.
8. Retract the tensioner plunger and pin the ratchet lever using a 1 / 8 in. No. 31 drill bit inserted in the alignment hole at the bottom front of the component. Install the tensioner and tighten the bolts to 14 ft. lbs. (19 Nm), then remove the drill bit.
9. Make one final check to verify all components are properly timed, then remove all timing pins.
10. Install the timing chain front cover.
11. Connect the negative battery cable, start the engine and check for leaks.

it may be the chain tentioner(?) spring is stuck or too slack making the chain slap against the housing

This is the procedure on it.


View Full Image

INSTALLATION

NOTE: Assemble the timing chain, crankshaft sprocket and camshaft sprocket with the timing marks aligned Fig. 5 .

1. Apply Mopar(TM) Silicone Rubber Adhesive Sealant to the keyway in the crankshaft and insert the key With the key in the keyway on the crankshaft, install the assembly on the crankshaft and camshaft.

View Full Image

Install the camshaft sprocket retaining preload bolt and washer Fig. 6 . Tighten the preload bolt to 108 N.m (80 ft. lbs.) torque.





View Full Image

To verify correct installation of the timing chain, turn the crankshaft to position the camshaft sprocket timing mark as shown in Fig. 7 . Count the number of chain pins between the timing marks of both sprockets. There must be 15 pins. NOTE: Installation of the timing chain with the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft sprockets properly aligned ensures correct valve timing. A worn or stretched timing chain will adversely affect valve timing. If the timing chain deflects more than 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) replace it. The correct timing chain has 48 pins. A chain with more than 48 pins will cause excessive slack.

Install the crankshaft oil slinger.

Replace the oil seal in the timing case cover.

Lubricate the tension spring, thrust pin and pin bore in the preload bolt with Mopar(TM) Engine Oil Supplement, or equivalent. Install the spring and thrust pin in the preload bolt head Fig. 6 .


View Full Image

Install the timing case cover and gasket.

With the key installed in the crankshaft keyway, install the vibration damper, washer and bolt. Lubricate and tighten the bolt to 108 N.m (80 ft. lbs.) torque.

Install the serpentine drive belt and tighten to the specified tension, Refer to Engine/Drive Belts, Mounts, Brackets and Accessories/Drive Belt/Service and Repair for the proper procedure.

Install the fan and hub (or Temporal fan) assembly. Install the shroud.

Connect negative cable to battery

Dear Rubbing Noise,
The correct and long term repair for this would be to replace the chain and timing chain tensioners.Only saying to replace the chain seeing as how it's been slapping on metal, where it's not supposed to.This will cure your problem and you will be a happy camper, HOPE I COULD HELP!!!