2000 DODGE NEON differential

ferential case transfers torque from the ring gear to the
drive axles by means of differential side gears.
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle internal components
can only be serviced by separating the case halves.
CAUTION: The transaxle output shaft is serviced as
a unit. No disassembly and reassembly is possible.
Damage to the transaxle may result.
TRANSAXLE IDENTIFICATION
The transaxle model, part number, build sequence
and date are shown on a bar code label that is
attached to the front of the transaxle. This informa-
tion is also shown on a metal I.D. tag that is
attached to the end cover of the transaxle (Fig. 1).
NOTE: Transaxles use various final drive gear
ratios in different vehicle applications. Therefore, it
is necessary that the correct transaxle assembly
number is used when ordering service parts.
NOTE: There are three different versions of this
transaxle. There are no external differences
between the models. Refer to the identification tag
on the transaxle to determine which transaxle the
vehicle is equipped with.
FLUID REQUIREMENTS
NV T350 (A-578) transaxles use MopartManual
Transaxle Lubricant (MS-9417).Hypoid gear lube,
engine oil, and/or automatic transmission fluid
should not be used in this transaxle.Hard shift-
ing effort, bearing, gear, and/or synchronizer failure
may occur if incorrect fluid is used.
SPECIAL ADDITIVES
The addition of any fluids to the transaxle, other
than the fluid listed above, is not recommended. An
exception to this policy is the use of special dyes to
aid in detecting fluid leaks. The use of transmission
sealers should be avoided, since they may adversely
affect seals.
SEALANTS
The sealant used to seal the transaxle case halves
and input bearing is MopartGasket Maker, Loctitet
518, or equivalent. The sealant used for the bearing
end plate cover is MopartRTV.
GEAR RATIOS
CAUTION: All gears and shafts must not be inter-
changed with other transaxles; they will not func-
tion correctly.The differential is a conventional arrangement of
gears that is supported by tapered roller bearings.
The final output gear turns the ring gear and differ-
ential assembly, thereby turning the drive axle
shafts.
All transaxles have a torque capacity of 136 lb. ft.
The gear ratios of each transaxle are shown in the
following chart. The chart also shows which transax-
les are available with the reverse±input shaft brake.
This brake allows easier shifting into reverse and
helps eliminate reverse gear clash.
Fig. 1 NV T350 (A-578) Transaxle Identification
1 ± LAST 3 DIGITS OF PART #
2 ± DATE CODE
3 ± PRODUCTION LINE SEQUENCE CODE
4 ± FULL PART #
5 ± END COVER
6 ± METAL TAG
7 ± NVG MODEL #
8 ± LABEL
21 - 2 TRANSAXLEPL
GENERAL INFORMATION (Continued)

LOW LUBRICANT LEVEL
Insufficient transaxle lubricant is usually the
result of leaks, or inaccurate fluid level check or refill
method. Leakage is evident by the presence of oil
around the leak point. If leakage is not evident, the
condition is probably the result of an underfill.
If air±powered lubrication equipment is used to fill
a transaxle, be sure the equipment is properly cali-
brated. Equipment out of calibration can lead to an
underfill condition.
FLUID LEAKS
Fluid leaks can occur around the input shaft seal,
axleshaft seals, case split lines, and the end cover. Be
careful not to misdiagnose an input shaft seal leak
for an engine rear main seal leak. Also, the transaxle
case sealer (split line) will accumulate dirt and look
like an oil leak.
CLUTCH PROBLEMS
Worn, damaged, or misaligned clutch components
can cause difficult shifting, gear clash, and noise.
A worn or damaged clutch disc, pressure plate, or
release bearing can cause hard shifting and gear
clash.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
FLUID DRAIN AND FILL
All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a fill plug. The fill plug is located on the left side of
the transaxle differential area (Fig. 3). The fluid level
should be within 3/16 inch from the bottom of the
transaxle fill hole (vehicle must be level when check-
ing).All NV T350 (A-578) transaxles are equipped with
a drain plug. The drain plug is located on the lower
right side of the transaxle differential housing (Fig.
4). Tighten drain plug to 28 N´m (250 in. lbs.)
Dry fill lubricant capacity is approximately 1.9-2.2
liters (4.0-4.6 pints). Wipe the outside of the tran-
saxle if any lubricant spills.
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
GEARSHIFT KNOB
REMOVAL
(1)Pull shifter boot down and away from shifter knob.
(2) Push down on knob and rotate clockwise to
remove (Fig. 5).
Fig. 3 Fill Plug Location
1 ± RUBBER FILL PLUG
2 ± LEFT DRIVESHAFT SEAL
Fig. 4 Drain Plug Location
1 ± RIGHT DRIVESHAFT SEAL
2 ± DRAIN PLUG
Fig. 5 Gearshift Knob Removal
1 ± GEARSHIFT KNOB
21 - 4 TRANSAXLEPL
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING (Continued)

(11) Disconnect the vehicle speed sensor connector
(Fig. 39).
(12) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(13) Remove transaxle oil drain plug and drain oil
into a suitable container.
(14) Remove both axle shafts. Refer to Group 3,
Differential and Driveline for the correct procedures.
(15) Remove structural collar (Fig. 40).
(16) Remove the left engine-to-transaxle lateral
bending brace (Fig. 40).
(17) Remove bellhousing dust cover (Fig. 40).
(18) Remove the right engine-to-transaxle lateral
bending brace (Fig. 41).
(19) Remove starter motor (Fig. 42).
(20) Remove drive plate-to-clutch module bolts.
(21) Support engine at oil pan with screw jack and
wood block.
(22) Remove transaxle upper mount thru-bolt.
Gain access to this bolt through the driver's side
wheel house (Fig. 43).
Fig. 39 Vehicle Speed Sensor Connector
1 ± CONNECTOR
2 ± SENSOR
3 ± O-RING
4 ± SPEEDO PINION
Fig. 40 Left Lateral Bending Brace and Structural
CollarÐTypical
1 ± LATERAL BENDING BRACE
2 ± STRUCTURAL COLLAR
3 ± DUST COVER
Fig. 41 Right Lateral Bending Brace Removal/
InstallationÐTypical
1 ± TRANSAXLE
2 ± ENGINE
3 ± LATERAL BENDING BRACE
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 15
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(23) Carefully lower engine and transaxle on screw
jack until proper removal clearance is obtained.
(24) Obtain a helper to assist in holding transaxle
while removing transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts
(Fig. 44).(25) Remove transaxle from vehicle (Fig. 44).
(26) If installing a new or replacement transaxle,
remove the upper mount as shown in (Fig. 45), trans-
fer to the replacement unit and torque all bolts to 68
N´m (50 ft. lbs.) torque.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install clutch module onto input shaft. Install
transaxle into position.
(2) Install transaxle-to-engine mounting bolts (Fig.
44) and tighten to 95 N´m (70 ft. lbs.) torque.
(3) Raise engine and transaxle with screw jack
until through hole in upper mount aligns with hole
in mount bracket. Install mount bolt and tighten to
108 N´m (80 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 43).
(4) Remove screwjack.
(5) Install drive plate-to-clutch module bolts and
torque to 88 N´m (65 ft. lbs.) torque.
(6) Install starter motor and tighten bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque. Make sure to fasten ground
cable to upper starter bolt as shown in (Fig. 42).
(7) Connect starter electrical harness and tighten
positive cable nut to 10 N´m (90 in. lbs.) torque.
(8) Install bellhousing dust cover (Fig. 40).
(9) Install left engine-to-transaxle bending brace
(Fig. 40).
(10) Install structural collar (Fig. 40) as follows:
(a) Position collar and install all bolts finger
tight.
(b) Tighten the collar-to-oil pan bolts to 3 N´m
(30 in. lbs.) torque.
(c) Tighten the collar-to-transaxle bolts to 108
N´m (80 ft. lbs.) torque.
(d) Final torque the collar-to-oil pan bolts to 54
N´m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
(11) Install the right lateral bending brace and
tighten bolts to 81 N´m (60 ft. lbs.) torque (Fig. 41).
(12) Install both front axle driveshafts. Refer to
Group 3, Differential and Driveline for the correct
procedures.
(13) Fill transaxle with suitable amount of Mopart
Manual Transaxle Lubricant (PN 04874465).
(14) Lower vehicle.
(15) Connect vehicle speed sensor connector (Fig.
39).
(16) Connect shift crossover and selector cables to
shift lever. Install cables to bracket and install
retaining clips (Fig. 38).
(17) Connect clutch cable to fork and secure to
transaxle (Fig. 37).
(18) Install bellhousing cap (Fig. 37).
(19) Connect back-up lamp switch connector.
(20) Connect ground strap to transaxle upper
mount bracket.
(21) Install battery lower tray and battery, and
tighten battery hold down clamp to secure battery.
Fig. 42 Starter Motor Removal/InstallationÐTypical
1 ± BOLT
2 ± GROUND
3±STARTER
4 ± BOLT
Fig. 43 Transaxle Upper Mount Thru-BoltÐTypical
1 ± MOUNT BRACKET
2 ± BOLT
3 ± MOUNT
21 - 16 TRANSAXLEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(6) Remove bellhousing half from gear case half
(Fig. 49).
(7) Remove output shaft roller bearing from output
shaft.
(8) Remove differential assembly (Fig. 50).(9) Remove reverse idler shaft bolt (Fig. 51).
(10) Remove reverse idler shaft (Fig. 52).
Fig. 49 Bellhousing Case Half Removal
1 ± BELLHOUSING CASE HALF
2 ± DIFFERENTIAL
3 ± GEAR CASE HALF
Fig. 50 Differential Assembly Removal
1 ± INPUT SHAFT
2 ± OUTPUT SHAFT
3 ± DIFFERENTIAL
4 ± CASE
Fig. 51 Reverse Idler Shaft Bolt Removal
1 ± CASE
2 ± REVERSE IDLER SHAFT
3 ± REVERSE IDLER SHAFT BOLT
Fig. 52 Reverse Idler Shaft Removal
1 ± REVERSE IDLER SHAFT
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 19
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(21) Install reverse fork bracket and reverse lock-
out. Tighten screws to 11 N´m (96 in. lbs.) torque
(Fig. 91) (Fig. 92).(22) Install differential into gear case (Fig. 93).
BEARING ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
(1) Use extreme care when removing and install-
ing bearing cups and cones. Use only an arbor press
for installation, as a hammer may not properly align
the bearing cup or cone. Burrs or nicks on the bear-
ing seat gives a false end±play reading while gauging
for proper shims. Improperly seated bearing cups and
cones are subject to low±mileage failure.
(2) Bearing cups and cones should be replaced if
they show signs of pitting or heat distress. If distress
is seen on either the cup or bearing rollers, both cup
and cone must be replaced.
(3) Bearing preload and drag torque specifications
must be maintained to avoid premature bearing fail-
ures. Used (original) bearings may lose up to 50% of
the original drag torque after break±in. All bearing
adjustments must be made with no other component
interference or gear intermesh.
(4) Replace bearings as a pair: If one differential
bearing is defective, replace both differential bear-
ings, if one input shaft bearing is defective, replace
both input shaft bearings.
(5) Bearing cones must not be reused if removed.
(6) Turning±torque readings should be obtained
while smoothly rotating in either direction.
Fig. 91 Reverse Fork Bracket
1 ± REVERSE FORK BRACKET
2 ± REVERSE CAM BLOCKOUT
3 ± SHIFT BLOCKER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 92 Reverse Fork Screws
1 ± SCREWS (2)
2 ± REVERSE FORK BRACKET
Fig. 93 Differential Assembly
1 ± INPUT SHAFT
2 ± OUTPUT SHAFT
3 ± DIFFERENTIAL
4 ± CASE
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 29
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL BEARING PRELOAD ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: True bearing turning±torque readings can
be obtained only with the geartrain removed from
the case.
(1) Remove bearing cup and existing shim from
clutch bellhousing case.
(2) Press in new bearing cup into bellhousing case
(or use a cup that has been ground down on the
outer edge for ease of measurement).
(3) Press in new bearing cup into gear case side.
(4) Oil differential bearings with Moparttype M.
S. 9417 Manual Transaxle Fluid. Install differential
assembly in transaxle gear case. Install clutch bell-
housing over gear case. Install and torque case bolts
to 29 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(5) Position transaxle with bellhousing facing
down on workbench with C-clamps. Position dial
indicator.
(6) Apply a medium load to differential with Tool
C-4995 and a T-handle, in the downward direction.
Roll differential assembly back and forth a number of
times. This will settle the bearings. Zero the dial
indicator. To obtain end play readings, apply a
medium load in an upward direction while rolling
differential assembly back and forth (Fig. 94). Record
end play.(7) The shim required for proper bearing preload is
thetotal of end play, plus (constant) preload of
0.18mm (0.007 in.).Never combine shims to obtain
the required preload.
(8) Remove case bolts. Remove clutch bellhousing
differential bearing cup. Install shim(s) selected in
Step 7. Then press the bearing cup into clutch bell-
housing.
(9) Install clutch bellhousing. Install and torque
case bolts to 26 N´m (19 ft. lbs.).
(10) Using Special Tool C-4995 and an inch-pound
torque wrench, check turning torque of the differen-
tial assembly (Fig. 95).The turning torque should
be 6 to 12 in. lbs. If the turning torque is too
high, install a 0.05mm (0.002 inch) thinner shim.
If the turning torque is too low, install a
0.05mm (0.002 inch) thicker shim.
(11) Recheck turning torque. Repeat Step 10 until
the proper turning torque is obtained.
Once proper turning torque has been established,
place gear case on the end plate. Draw a bead of
MopartGasket Maker, Loctitet518, or equivalent,
on the flat surface of the case mating flange. Install
clutch bellhousing onto gear case. Install and tighten
case bolts to 29 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
Fig. 94 Checking Differential Bearing End Play To
Determine Shim Thickness
1 ± T-HANDLE
2 ± DIAL INDICATOR SET
3 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
Fig. 95 Checking Differential Bearing Turning
Torque
1 ± INCH-POUND TORQUE WRENCH
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4995
21 - 30 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

OUTPUT SHAFT
CAUTION: The output shaft is serviced as an
assembly. Do not try to repair any component on
the output shaft. If the 1-2 synchronizer or gear
fails, it is necessary to replace the output shaft
assembly.
It is necessary to check the synchronizer stop ring
gap. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gaps between
the stop rings and the speed gears. The correct gaps
are listed below:
²1stÐ1.04-1.72 mm (0.041-0.069 in).
²2ndÐ0.94-1.72 mm (0.038-0.069 in).
²3rdÐ1.37-1.93 mm (0.054-0.076 in).
²4thÐ1.41-1.97 mm (0.056-0.078 in).
²5thÐ1.37-1.93 mm (0.054-0.076 in).
If a stop ring gap does not fall within the specifi-
cations it must be inspected for wear and replaced. If
the 1st or 2nd synchronizer stop ring is worn beyond
specifications, the complete output shaft assembly
must be replaced.
The output shaft incorporates the 1st and 2nd
gears and synchronizers on the assembly (Fig. 115).
DIFFERENTIAL
Shim thickness need be determined only if any of
the following parts are replaced:
²Transaxle gear case
²Clutch bellhousing case
²Differential case
²Differential bearings
Refer toBearing Adjustment Procedurein the
Adjustments section at the end of this section to
determine proper shim thickness. This will provide
correct bearing preload and proper bearing turning
torque.
DIFFERENTIAL BEARINGS
Fig. 115 Output Shaft
1 ± 1ST GEAR
2 ± SLEEVE
3 ± STOP RING
4 ± OUTPUT SHAFT
5 ± 2ND SPEED GEAR
6 ± REVERSE GEAR
7 ± STOP RING
Fig. 116 Remove Differential Bearing Cone
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-293-PA
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4996
3 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
4 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-293-45
21 - 36 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)