How do you replace the water pump on a Dodge Neon?

Answer 1

I am having my water pump replaced as we speak on my 2001 Dodge Neon. From what I under stand you have to remove the radiator and cooling fan the water pump is located under the timing belt which of course you will have to replace as well. If you are able to do the work your self your looking at about $250-350 of your going to have a shop do the work for you your looking at $700-$1200 dollars

AnswerIf a Dodge is anything like a Plymouth (which I believe they are) you would be horribly mistaken. YOU DO NOT need to at all in any circumstance need to remove the rad or the fan, you just need to drain the rad first. Mine is a 1997, and I replaced the water pump myself. The pump cost about $90cnd. you don't have to replace the timing belt if it is in good condition although I would recommend it. First you must remove the passenger side front wheel, and the splash guard. Then you must take of the accesory drive belts. The one on the alternator, and the one on the powersteering/air conditioner. Then you must take off the timing belt cover, mark your timing, remove the tensioner and the belt the camshaft gears the idler pulley and the crank shaft dampner. Then the rear timing belt cover comes off and you can access the water pump. Install the new pump and reassemble. Make sure the crank dampner and the camshaft sprokets are seated ALL THE WAY BACK, (or you'll cause yourself all kinds of problems.) When the timing belt goes back on make sure you line up the timing correctly, you can't start the engine till it is all back together and if your timing is out it won't run right or might not even start. I would not recommend taking on this job if you don't have the slightest clue of what you are doing as there is a lot to go wrong (timing is set correctly can screw up your engine), and do attempt it if you don't intend spending alot (like 10hrs) of time on it to do it right.