Replace Timing Belt and Water Pump?

STAPLESA

MEMBER
DODGE NEON

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.

8 Replies

INDYUKE

MECHANIC
416 POSTS

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.

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Tuesday, February 6th, 2007 AT 6:05 AM

DODGE98

MEMBER
2 POSTS

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.

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Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 AT 11:28 PM

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

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.

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Wednesday, October 10th, 2007 AT 5:07 AM

GILICIOUS

MEMBER
1 POST

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!

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Monday, November 12th, 2007 AT 1:42 PM