Cleaning the EGR on a WK CRD

This information is meant for educational purposes only and the author assumes no responsibility for any damages resulting from the use/misuse of this information.

07-08 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.0L Diesel

Before you get started, make sure you put something on the fender to protect it. Also, disconnect the negative battery connection.

EGR Removal:

1) Remove the engine cover and remove the engine cover rail (two 10mm bolts) this allows you to reach your hand and tools in from the other side of the EGR valve.

2) There are two 6-point bolts holding the EGR valve in the housing. One visible and one on the other side that is not visible. I don't have a set of 6-point sockets, and my 8mm socket and wrench both got the job done.

There are two wires that need to be disconnected. The EGR connection and there is another wire directly in back of it near the turbo.  Disconnect both of these connections and move them aside.

The visible bolt can be removed with a ratchet, but on the other side there is not enough space to get a ratchet in there. If you have a very small one, that may work. In my case, I used my 8mm wrench and a lot of patience to get it out.

This is the visible bolt for the EGR:


3) Once you have both bolts out, you then need to wiggle it loose. There is a rubber O-ring type gasket on the EGR valve itself that seals against the housing once the EGR valve is fully seated. Be very gentle and very careful if you need to use a hammer. In my case, I had a screw drivers with a rubber handle and I placed the rubber handle against the housing and gently tapped the end of the screw driver with the hammer to break it loose.

4) Once the EGR is loose, you need a tool to remove hose clamps (coolant hoses). I used a hose clamp removal tool that I purchased from autozone. Be very careful in removing the hoses that you don't break or scar them. The reason for waiting for the EGR to be loose to remove them is that you can move the valve around a bit to make access easier. I only had one or two drops of coolant come out.

5) Now, with the EGR fully disconnected from everything, you can remove it. You have to be very patient, very careful, and make sure you don't damage the fittings for the EGR cooler. It is very very very tight....did I mention it is very tight? It can be done however if you are careful not to break anything.



It has a nice coating of soot....but I have seen much worse.



6) Now that you have it out, it can be cleaned. Be careful you don't get anything in the coolant ducts or electrical portion of the housing. I used throttle body cleaner and a shop rag to remove all the soot.  Once it is clean, let it sit until it is completely dry.



7) When reinstalling, reverse the order of removal. It is much tougher to get it back in then it was removing it...but like I said patience is key. If you get agitated with it, walk away and take a break.

This information is meant for educational purposes only and the author assumes no responsibility for any damages resulting from the use/misuse of this information.

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