97 stratus timing belt

[dodgecar97]

Hi

My timing belt on my 97 stratus broke. I have to replace the timing belt and as a full time college student I cannot afford the $800 the garage wants :VHOT: esp. after a $310.00 towing bill :VHOT: . I really do not want to buy a auto repair manual. Where can i get instructions to replace the timing belt myself.

Thanks for you help

a very poor college student.

[corzolek]

A good source to start with for this job is the local libary. The first time I changed mine, I copied the applicable pages out of the repair manual at my local library as we can not check these books out at our library.

First thing to note is what engine is in your car. Next how many miles, if you have low miles and the belt broke you may have other problems.

Next do you have a good place to work on the car. You will need a floor jack and jack stands, as you need to go thru the passenger side wheel well and take the passenger side motor mount off. You will also need access to gear pullers.

If you have these items than you should be able to take this challenge on.

[rkfsm]

For online instructions (with photos), go here (http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1e/d0/ee/0900823d801ed0ee.jsp)

The 2.0L SOHC is given first, then the 2.4L DOHC motor.

RK