1999 DODGE NEON wheel alignment

incorporates main bearing caps. Rear seal retainer is
integral with the block.
CRANKSHAFTA nodular cast iron crankshaft is
used. The engine has 5 main bearings, with number
3 flanged to control thrust. The 52 mm diameter
main and 48 mm diameter crank pin journals (all)
have undercut fillet radiuses that are deep rolled for
added strength. To optimize bearing loading 8 coun-
terweights are used. Hydrodynamic seals provide end
sealing, where the crankshaft exits the block.
Anaerobic gasket material is used for parting line
sealing. A sintered iron timing belt sprocket is
mounted on the crankshaft nose. This sprocket pro-
vides motive power; via timing belt to the camshaft
sprocket providing timed valve actuation.
PISTONSThe DOHC EngineDO NOThave pro-
vision for a free wheeling valve train. Non free
wheeling valve train means, in the event of a broken
timing belt Pistons will contact the Valves. All
engines use pressed-in piston pins to attach forged
powdered metal connecting rods. The connecting rods
are a cracked cap design and are not repairable. Hex
head cap screw are used to provide alignment and
durability in the assembly.
PISTON RINGSThe piston rings include a
molybdenum faced top ring for reliable compression
sealing and a taper faced intermediate ring for addi-
tional cylinder pressure control. Oil Control Ring
Package contains of 2 steel rails and a expander
spacer.
CYLINDER HEADFeatures a Dual Over Head
Camshaft (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder cross flow
design. The valves are arranged in two in-line banks,
with the ports of the bank of two intake valves per
cylinder facing toward the radiator side of engine
and ports of the bank of two exhaust valves per cyl-
inder facing toward the dash panel. Incorporates
powder metal valve guides and seats. Integral oil gal-
leys within the cylinder head supplies oil to the
hydraulic lash adjusters, camshaft and valve mecha-
nisms.
CAMSHAFTSThe nodular iron camshafts have
six bearing journals and 2 cam lobes per cylinder.
Flanges at the rear journals control camshaft end
play. Provision for cam position sensor is located on
the intake camshaft at the rear of cylinder head. A
hydrodynamic oil seal is used for oil control at the
front of the camshaft.
VA LV E SFour valves per cylinder are actuated by
roller cam followers which pivot on stationary
hydraulic lash adjusters. All valves have 6 mm diam-
eter chrome plated valve stems. The valve sizes are
34.8 mm (1.370 inch.) diameter intake valves and
30.5 mm (1.20 inch.) diameter exhaust valves. Viton
rubber valve stem seals are integral with the springseats. Valve springs, spring retainers, and locks are
conventional.
INTAKE MANIFOLDThe intake manifold is a
two piece aluminum casting, attached to the cylinder
head with ten fasteners. This long branch fan design
enhances low and mid-speed torque.
EXHAUST MANIFOLDThe exhaust manifold is
made of nodular cast iron for strength and high tem-
peratures. Exhaust gasses exit through a machined,
articulated joint connection to the exhaust pipe.
COMPONENT REPLACEMENT
If any of the following parts have been changed or
replaced:
²Camshaft
²Camshaft Position Sensor
²Camshaft Position Sensor Target Magnet
²Cylinder Block
²Cylinder Head
²Water Pump
²Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
²Timing Belt and Timing Belt Tensioner
The camshaft and crankshaft timing relearn proce-
dure must be performed. Refer to the component
Removal and Installation procedure outlined in this
Group.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
CHECKING ENGINE OIL PRESSURE
(1) Remove oil pressure switch and install gauge
assembly C-3292 with adaptor.
(2) Run engine until thermostat opens.
CAUTION: If oil pressure is 0 at idle, Do Not per-
form the 3000 RPM test in the next step.
(3) Oil Pressure:Curb Idle25 kPa (4 psi) mini-
mum3000 RPM170-550 kPa (25-80 psi).
(4) If oil pressure is 0 at idle. Shut off engine,
check for pressure relief valve stuck open, a clogged
oil pick-up screen or a damaged oil pick-up tube
O-ring.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CYLINDER BORE AND PISTON SIZING
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 4). The cylin-
der bore out-of-round is 0.050 mm (.002 inch)
maximum and cylinder bore taper is 0.051 mm (0.002
inch) maximum. If the cylinder walls are badly
scuffed or scored, the cylinder block should be
rebored and honed, and new pistons and rings fitted.
Whatever type of boring equipment is used, boring
and honing operation should be closely coordinated
9 - 60 2.0L DOHC ENGINEPL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION (Continued)

FRAMES
INDEX
page page
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER....... 3
SPECIFICATIONS
STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS................ 4TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS................ 10
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
WARNING: IF SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER IS
REPLACED DUE TO COLLISION DAMAGE, INSPECT
THE STEERING COLUMN TO STEERING GEAR
COUPLING FOR DAMAGE. REFER TO GROUP 19,
STEERING FOR INSTRUCTIONS.
Before removing front suspension crossmem-
ber, index mark location of crossmember on
frame to aid installation.
The front suspension crossmember must be prop-
erly installed to achieve design camber, caster set-
tings and wheel stagger. The crossmember can be
installed out of position on the frame rails due to its
design. Bolts and cage nuts hold the rear of the
crossmember to the frame torque boxes. Bolts and
J-nuts hold the front of the crossmember to the
frame rails. No designed in locating device is used to
position the crossmember in the vehicle. Before
removing the crossmember mark the frame torque
box around the rear mounting location to aid instal-
lation. A crossmember that is removed during service
must be installed in the same position from which it
was removed. To verify that crossmember is in the
proper position, refer to the dimensions provided.
Front end dimensions are gauged from the principal
locating point (PLP) holes located under the frame
torque boxes rearward of the front wheels. After
removal and installation of the crossmember is per-
formed, verify that front suspension alignment is
within specifications. If camber, caster settings and
wheel stagger is not within specifications, loosen and
reposition crossmember to bring suspension within
specifications. Refer to Group 2, Front Suspension
and Driveshaft for additional information.
REMOVAL
(1) Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands.
(2) Using a suitable marking device, mark the out-
line of the suspension crossmember on the frame
torque box around the rear mounting location.(3) Remove front wheels from vehicle.
(4) Remove pinch bolts holding front ball joints to
spindles.
(5) Separate ball joints from spindles.
(6) Position a suitable lifting device under the
crossmember.
(7) Remove bolts holding suspension crossmember
to frame rails above lower control arms (Fig. 1).
(8) Remove bolts holding crossmember to frame
torque boxes and allow front of crossmember to
swing down.
(9) Remove bolts holding steering gear to cross-
member.
(10) Separate steering gear from crossmember.
(11) Tie steering gear to a suitable structure above
to support gear after crossmember is removed.
(12) Separate front suspension crossmember from
vehicle.
INSTALLATION
If a new crossmember is to be installed, transfer
stabilizer bar and lower control arms from original
crossmember. Refer to Group 2, Suspension and
Driveshaft for proper procedures.
(1) Place front suspension crossmember in position
on vehicle.
(2) Remove tie device supporting steering gear.
Fig. 1 Front Suspension Crossmember
PLFRAME AND BUMPERS 13 - 3

(3) Place steering gear in position on crossmember.
(4) Install bolts to hold steering gear to crossmem-
ber.
(5) Position lifting device under the crossmember.
(6) Lift crossmember to frame rails.
(7) Engage bolts to hold crossmember rear mounts
into cage nuts in the frame torque boxes. Do not
tighten bolts.
(8) Install bolts to hold crossmember to frame rails
above lower control arms.
(9) Lower and remove lifting device.
(10) Align crossmember to index marks. Verify
that crossmember is at the specified dimensions from
the PLPs (Fig. 2).
(11) Tighten bolts to hold suspension crossmember
to frame rails and torque boxes.
(12) Insert ball joints into spindles.
(13) Install pinch bolts to hold front ball joints to
spindles.(14) Install front wheels on vehicle.
(15) Lower vehicle and verify front suspension
alignment. If camber, caster settings and wheel stag-
ger is not within specifications, loosen and reposition
crossmember to bring suspension within specifica-
tions. Refer to Group 2, Front Suspension and Drive-
shaft for additional information.
SPECIFICATIONS
STRUCTURAL DIMENSIONS
Structural dimensions are listed in metric mea-
surements. All dimensions are from center to center
of Principal Locating Point (PLP), or from center to
center of PLP and fastener location (Fig. 3), (Fig. 4),
(Fig. 5), (Fig. 6), (Fig. 7), and (Fig. 8).
Fig. 2 Forward Frame and Suspension Crossmember
13 - 4 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

POOR RETURN TO CENTER
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION.1. Tires not inflated to specified
pressure.1. Inflate tires to specified pressure.
2. Improper front wheel alignment. 2. Check and adjust as necessary.
3. Lack of lubrication in front
suspension control arm ball joints.3. Lubricate ball joints if ball joints
are not a lubricated for life type of
ball joint. If ball joint is a lubricated
for life ball joint, replace ball joint or
control arm.
4. Steering column U-joints
misaligned.4. Realign steering column U-joints.
5. Mispositioned dash cover. 5. Reposition dash cover.
To evaluate items 6 and 7,
disconnect the intermediate shaft.
Turn the steering wheel and feel or
listen for internal rubbing in steering
column.
6. Steering wheel rubbing. 6. Adjust steering column shrouds to
eliminate rubbing condition.
7. Damaged, mis-positioned or
un-lubricated steering column
coupler to dash seal.7. Determine condition which exists
and correct.
8. Binding upper strut bearing. 8. Correct binding condition in strut
bearing.
9. Tight shaft bearing
in steering column assembly.9. Replace the steering column
assembly.
10. Excessive friction in steering
column coupler.10. Replace steering column coupler.
11. Excessive friction in steering
gear.11. Replace steering gear.
19 - 6 STEERINGPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

LOOSE STEERING
VEHICLE LEADS TO THE SIDE
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL
KICKBACK OR TO MUCH
STEERING WHEEL FREE PLAY.1. Air in the fluid of the power
steering system.1. Fill power steering fluid reservoir
to the specified level. Perform
procedure to bleed the air out of the
power steering system. Perform
leakage diagnosis.
2. Steering gear loose on front
suspension crossmember.2. Check steering rear to front
suspension crossmember mounting
bolts. Tighten to specified torque if
found to be loose.
3. Worn, broken or loose steering
column to steering gear coupler.3. Check for worn universal joint,
broken isolator or loose fasteners.
4. Free play in steering column.
4.Check components of the steering
system and repair or replace as required.
5. Loose front suspension control
arm ball joints.5. Check and or replace the ball joint
or control arm as required.
6. Loose steering knuckle to ball
joint stud pinch bolt.6. Check pinch bolts and tighten if
required to specified torque.
7. Front wheel bearings loose or
worn.7. Tighten hub nut to specified
torque or replace with new parts as
necessary.
8. Loose outer tie rod ends. 8. Check free play of outer tie rod
ends and replace if required.
9. Loose inner tie rod ends. 9. Replace steering gear assembly.
10 Defective steering gear rotary
valve.10. Replace steering gear assembly.
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION.1. Radial tire lead. 1.Rotate tires as recommended in
the Tire And Wheel Group of this
service manual.
2. Front suspension misaligned. 2. Align the front suspension as
required. Refer to the Wheel
Alignment Procedure in the
Suspension Group of this service
manual for the required wheel
alignment procedure.
3. Wheel braking. 3. Check for dragging brakes. Refer
to the procedures in the Brake
Group of this service manual.
4. Unbalanced steering gear valve. (If
this is the cause, the steering efforts will
be very light in direction of lead and
heavier in the opposite direction.4. Replace steering gear.
STEERING WHEEL HAS FORE
AND AFT LOOSENESS.1. Steering wheel to steering column
shaft retaining nut not properly
tightened and torqued.1. Tighten the retaining nut to its
specified torque specification.
2. Steering column lower bearing
spring retainer slipped on steering
column shaft.2. Replace steering column.
PLSTEERING 19 - 7
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

Torque the 4 steering gear mounting bolts to 68 N´m
(50 ft. lbs.).
(2) Using the transmission jack, raise front sus-
pension crossmember and steering gear against body
and frame rails of vehicle. Start the 2 rear bolts into
tapping plates, attaching front suspension crossmem-
ber to body of vehicle (Fig. 13). Then install the 2
front bolts, attaching front suspension crossmember
to frame rails of vehicle (Fig. 13). Tighten the 4
mounting bolts, until front suspension crossmember
is against body of vehicle at the 4 mounting points.
Then torque the 4 mounting bolts to 2 N´m (20 in.
lbs.) to hold front suspension crossmember in posi-
tion.
CAUTION: When front suspension crossmember is
installed back in vehicle, crossmember MUST be
aligned with positioning marks previously scribbed
into body of vehicle (Fig. 16). This MUST be done to
maintain NET BUILD front suspension alignment
settings.
(3) Using a soft face hammer, tap front suspension
crossmember into position, until it is aligned with
the 2 previously scribbed positioning marks on body
of vehicle (Fig. 16). When front suspension cross-
member is correctly positioned, torque the 2 rear
crossmember/lower control arm mounting bolts to
163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.). Then torque the 2 front cross-
member to frame rail attaching bolts to 163 N´m (120
ft. lbs.) (Fig. 13).
(4) If vehicle is equipped with power steering,
install power steering fluid pressure and return
hoses into correct fluid ports on power steering gear
assembly (Fig. 10). Torque power steering fluid pres-
sure and return lines to steering gear tube nuts (Fig.
10) to 31 N´m (275 in. lbs.).(5) If vehicle is equipped with power steering,
install power steering pressure and return hose rout-
ing bracket and attaching screw on front suspension
crossmember (Fig. 9). Torque hose routing bracket to
crossmember attaching bolt (Fig. 9) to 23 N´m (17 ft,
lbs.).
(6) If the vehicle is equipped with power steering,
install vehicle wiring harness connector onto power
steering fluid pressure switch on steering gear
assembly (Fig. 8). Be sure locking tab on wiring har-
ness connector is securely latched to pressure switch.
(7) Install tie rod end into the steering knuckle.
Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attaching nut
onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud of tie rod
end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steering
knuckle attaching nut (Fig. 6). Then using a crowfoot
and 11/32 socket (Fig. 17), torque tie rod end attach-
ing nut to 55 N´m (40 ft. lbs.).
(8) Install engine/transaxle bobble strut (Fig. 5)
back on front suspension crossmember bracket.
Install and securely tighten the dampener to cross-
member attaching bolt.
(9) Install the wheel and tire assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel nuts to 135 N´m (100 ft.
lbs.) torque.
(10) Lower vehicle.
(11) From interior of vehicle, reconnect the steer-
ing gear coupler with the steering column shaft cou-
pler. Install steering gear coupler retaining pinch bolt
and torque to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.).Be sure to
install the upper to lower steering coupler
retaining bolt, retention pin (Fig. 4).
CAUTION: Do not use automatic transmission
fluid.
(12) Fill power steering pump fluid reservoir to the
(Full-Cold) proper level.
Fig. 16 Crossmember Aligned With Positioning
Marks
Fig. 17 Torquing Tie Rod End Attaching Nut
PLSTEERING 19 - 31
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(13) Start the engine and let run for a few seconds.
Then turn the engine off.
(14) Add fluid if necessary.
(15) Raise front wheels of vehicle off the ground.
(16) Start engine and turn steering wheel several
times from stop to stop to bleed air from fluid in sys-
tem. Stop engine, check fluid level, and inspect sys-
tem for leaks.Fill pump reservoir to correct
level with Mopart, Power Steering Fluid, or
equivalent.See Checking Fluid Level.
(17) Lower front wheels of vehicle back on the
ground.
CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the
steering gear inner tie rod boots to become twisted.
(See Wheel Alignment in the suspension section of
this service manual).
(18) Adjust the front Toe setting on the vehicle.
Refer to the Toe Setting Procedure in Front Suspen-
sion Service Procedures in this group of the service
manual. Refer to the Specifications Section at the
end of this group for the desired front Toe specifica-
tion.
(19) Tighten tie rod jam nut (Fig. 18) to 61 N´m
(45 ft.lbs.) torque.
(20) Adjust steering gear to tie rod boots at tie
rods.
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
OUTER TIE ROD
DISASSEMBLE
(1) Loosen the inner tie rod to outer tie rod jam
nut (Fig. 19). Thread the jam nut far enough up the
inner tie rod to pull the collar (Fig. 19) away fromthe outer tie rod end. Pull the collar off the end of
the outer tie rod.
(2) Remove the nut attaching the outer tie rod end
to steering knuckle (Fig. 20).Nut is to be removed
from tie rod end using the following procedure,
hold tie rod end stud with a 11/32 socket while
loosening and removing nut with wrench.
(3) Remove tie rod end from steering knuckle
using Remover, Special Tool MB-991113 (Fig. 21) .
(4) Remove outer tie rod from inner tie rod by un-
threading it from the inner tie rod.
ASSEMBLE
(1) Install the jam nut (Fig. 19) on inner tie rod
end.
Fig. 18 Outer Tie Rod End Jam Nut
Fig. 19 Outer Tie Rod
Fig. 20 Removing /Installing Tie Rod End Attaching
Nut
19 - 32 STEERINGPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

NOTE: Be sure the collar is installed on the inner
tie rod with the flat end of the collar against jam nut
and the open end of the collar facing the outer tie
rod end.
(2) Install the collar (Fig. 19) on the inner tie rod.
(3) Install outer tie rod onto inner tie rod (Fig. 19).
(4) Position the collar around the end of the outer
tie rod (Fig. 19).
(5) Thread the jam nut down the inner tie far
enough to hold the collar in place on the outer tie
rod. Do not tighten jam nut.
(6) Install the tie rod end into the steering
knuckle. Start tie rod end to steering knuckle attach-
ing nut onto stud of tie rod end. While holding stud
of tie rod end stationary, tighten tie rod end to steer-
ing knuckle attaching nut (Fig. 20). Then using a
crowfoot and 11/32 socket (Fig. 22), torque the tie rod
end attaching nut to 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: During this procedure do not allow the
steering gear boot to become twisted. (See WheelAlignment in the suspension section of this service
manual).
(7) Adjust the front Toe setting on the vehicle.
Refer to the Toe Setting Procedure in Front Suspen-
sion Service Procedures in this group of the service
manual. Refer to the Specifications Section at the
end of this group for the desired front Toe specifica-
tion.
CAUTION: Prior to tightening the jam nut to the
specified torque, check the orientation of the collar
to be sure it is in the proper position to fit up
against the outer tie rod end.
(8) Torque the tie rod jam nut (Fig. 19) to a torque
of 55 N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
(9) Adjust the steering gear to inner tie rod boots
at inner tie rod if they became twisted during Toe
adjustment.
Fig. 22 Torquing Tie Rod End Attaching NutFig. 21 Tie Rod End Removal From Steering
Knuckle
PLSTEERING 19 - 33
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)