1999 Dodge Stratus Repair Question
Mileage: No information provided.
Engine belts
1999 Dodge Stratus 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 140000 miles
This is my wife's Stratus and it has a 2.4 engine, she said when it quit running as she was driving it to work that it sounded like a belt squeeling and then she lost everything, no brakes - no power stearing and the engine quit so she coasted to the side of the road and we had it towed back home. I have been told that it is probably the Serpentine belt, I was also told by my friend that also had a Dodge Stratus 2.4 that I should replace all the engine belts when I have the Serpentine Belt installed because of what is involved just to get to the Serpentine's installation? .. Please advise, and is this something that I can do? or should I have it done at my local service garage? .. Please Advise. .. Thanks, ..Regis
Answer
I think your pal is thinking of the timing belt. The timing belt is deeper in the engine, and the other belts should be replaced while you have them off.
I don't believe this is an interference engine.
I don't know your mechaical aptitude or frustration level nor what tools you have. I suggest having a shop take care of this one.
I have full sets american and metric sockets and wrenches as well as a good hydraulic floor jack and air wrenches etc. Tools are not the problem, I do not know what is involved to get to this belt system on this engine, .. the only one I did was on a '94 V-6 Dakota PU and it was a piece of cake .. this does not look to be a piece of cake and may need a more experienced mechanic, ..Please advise, ..RW
Okay I think you'll be fine. Take a read through the procedure and if you want to go after it, I'll post the figs and specs.


