I am somewhat new to this forum, and my very good running 2003 SXT has several issues that should be addressed at the 60,000 mile mark.
The drive belts being one, and the automatic transmission fluid change, being another.
I am a somewhat good mechanic in most repairs, and have a repair manual for the vehicle.
I do know that I have to access the belts, and including timing belt and water pump through the passenger side wheel well.
What I would like to know if there is any other suggestions from you out there that might make this a little easier, and if there is additional parts that might benefit this that should be included with these procedures.
Any Feedback would be helpful..... Jon in Las Vegas :)
alaskaneon
09-06-2008, 03:01 PM
well....not sure why you need to replace your timing belt as you say. You still have 45,000 miles before it should be replaced but if you think you must, this might help some http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198350. You will need a good assortment of tools, a hydrolic jack - once you disassemble your motor mounts on the passenger side you will have to raise and lower your engine to some rediculous extremes to remove the mount frame from the engine to get to the timing belt shroud cover. Oh, and an extra set of hands is alway nice.
Your ac/ps and alt belts are easy. just follow the instructions in your manuel. It takes me no more than 15 minutes to replace both.
TX_Firehawk
10-01-2008, 05:26 PM
Your book should walk you thru it step by step; I rebuilt the motor in my 1st Neon in my garage in this manor with little to no help and needless to say I am still running that engine in a new chassis lol.
The pic attached to the thread that AlaskaNeon posted is a good shot of the side of the motor where you will be working and I think shows it all.
One tip I will offer is this~ I always take the bolts out of the front motor mount and lower the motor down with the floor jack. That way I can get to everything from the wheel well. I am not sure if the book's suggest that or not.
Good luck.
alaskaneon
10-01-2008, 08:54 PM
There's no getting around unbolting the engine top and bottom plus the 55 torx bolt in the center and he's gotta go up and down with the engine TX. You cant do a timing belt change on a 2nd gen without raising and lowering the motor. Mostly to get the motor mount frame off the engine block. It's just the way it is.
TX_Firehawk
10-01-2008, 10:13 PM
? Not sure what you mean. Either way it is a bit of work.
dodgeneonACR98
10-02-2008, 06:05 AM
Looks like they got you covered on this already. No special tools needed.
One thing to look out for is the thru bolt for the side motor mount. If your not carefull and you don't get it lined up right you could end up boogering up the bolt putting it back in. The main tool you need is Pateince! OH and bust proof knuckles wouldn't hurt none! LOL
