1998 Dodge Neon Timing Belt Replacement

DODGE NEON
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STAPLESA
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Hello, I recently purchased a 1998 Dodge Neon coupe. It has the 2.0 litre DOHC motor. When I bought it used it had 67,108 miles on it, and now it has 69,593 miles. I am not sure what the facotry recommended time is to replace the timing belt and water pump, but I have heard that alot of manufacturers recommend haveing the timing belt changed around the 60,000 mile mark. Do you think I should get the timing belt replaced? How about the water pump? When I do get them repaced would the Chrysler dealership be the best place to go? Your proffesional opinion on these questions would be greatly apprectiated, thanks you.
Jan 30, 2007 at 6:27 AM
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INDYUKE
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It's recommended that you replace the timing belt every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. It's not a hard and fast rule though. If you drive gently, you could probably get away with longer, but that might erode your peace of mind to do so, knowing that your timing belt is very near the end of it's lifespan and if it brakes it will cause major damage to your engine. I get really skittish at around 80,000 miles.

It's a big job to do, and since the timing belt and water pump are in the same vacinity, replace them both. Water pumps go bad too.
Jan 30, 2007 at 2:45 PM
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CARUNDELL
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Just a move test!

Chris
Feb 4, 2007 at 2:07 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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You passed. :lol:
Feb 4, 2007 at 2:37 AM
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INDYUKE
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???
Feb 5, 2007 at 2:49 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Chris was exercising his mod skills.

Indyuke--you need to be a moderator! Your help is needed with this team. :wink:
Feb 5, 2007 at 10:05 PM
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DODGE98
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I have not changed my timing belt on dodge neon till it hit 110,000 miles. The reason being i checked it myself and it looked like brand new. So you dont really need to change your timing belt at 60,000 or 104,000 which is recommended for 1998 dodge neon. On 1998 neons, timing belt is enclosed inside a timing belt case. There is a little window which as a screw on it. You can open it to check its condition, if it looks good, i recommend to leave it there. A mechanic would most likely tell you that you definetly needs to change it. They may even tell you that he sees it is all broken. You dont really have to do what they say. Secondly i had blown my water pump so now i am going to change both the water pump and timing belt. But that i mainly because getting to water pump is the same labor to just change the timing belt. Anyhow do not worry about the figure. Check it yourself and decide yourself. If not sure discuss it with someone who knows a little bit. That will help.
Oct 9, 2007 at 4:28 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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IF you have an interference, you suggestion may be fatal. I have seen belts that look, "brand new"...break.

Another thought on it, If it breaks and you don't know why you car isn't starting, you are are now looking at diagnosis time, towing, inconveniece. Hopefully it happens when you aren't on the way to somewhere important.
Oct 9, 2007 at 10:07 PM
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GILICIOUS
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i need to remove it to get to the timing belt cover and then replace the water pump. I got the bolt off, i have the 3jaw pully ,andthe bar throught the opening of the pully wedged against the block, and this thing still will not budge! What the heck do i do?! try wd-40?! lol! someone help! i need to fix my car! lol!
Nov 12, 2007 at 5:42 AM

Suggested Repair

Replace the timing belt and water pump together, typically around 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Do not rely only on a visual check, because a belt can fail even if it looks good and a break can cause major engine damage. A qualified independent shop can do the job; a dealership is not required.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Dodge Neon 2.0L DOHC with about 69,600 miles asked whether the timing belt and water pump should be replaced and whether a Chrysler dealer was best. An expert recommended replacing both together every 60,000 to 90,000 miles because they are in the same area and a broken belt can severely damage the engine. Another owner said a belt that looked good lasted to 110,000 miles, but an expert warned that appearance is not reliable and failure can lead to towing and diagnosis costs. A later request for help with a stuck pulley was not answered.

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