2000 DODGE NEON torque strut

NOTE: Do not reuse connecting rod bolts.
(18) Remove all main bearing cap and bedplate
bolts from the engine block (Fig. 96).
(19) Using a mallet tap the bedplate loose from the
engine block dowel pins.
CAUTION: Do not pry up on one side of the bed-
plate. Damage may occur to cylinder block and bed-
plate alignment.
(20) Bedplate should be removed evenly from the
cylinder block dowel pins.
(21) Lift out crankshaft from cylinder block (Fig.
94). Be sure not to damage the main bearings or
journals when removing the crankshaft.
CRANKSHAFT MAIN BEARINGS LOCATION
The crankshaft is supported in five main bearings.
All upper bearing shells in the crankcase have oil
grooves. All lower bearing shells installed in the (bed-
plate) main bearing cap are plain. Crankshaft endplay is controlled by a flanged bearing on the number
three main bearing journal (Fig. 97).
NOTE: The upper and lower main Bearing shells
are Not interchangeable. The lower shells have a
revised tab to prevent improper installation.
CRANKSHAFT MAIN JOURNALS INSPECTION
The crankshaft journals should be checked for
excessive wear, taper and scoring. Limits of taper or
out-of-round on any crankshaft journals should be
held to 0.025 mm (0.001 in.). Journal grinding should
not exceed 0.305 mm (0.012 in.) under the standard
journal diameter. DO NOT grind thrust faces of
Number 3 main bearing. DO NOT nick crank pin or
bearing fillets. After grinding, remove rough edges
from crankshaft oil holes and clean out all passages.
CAUTION: With the nodular cast iron crankshafts
used it is important that the final paper or cloth pol-
ish after any journal regrind be in the same direc-
tion as normal rotation in the engine.
Upper and lower Number 3 bearing halves are
flanged to carry the crankshaft thrust loads and are
NOT interchangeable with any other bearing halves
in the engine (Fig. 97). All bearing cap bolts removed
during service procedures are to be cleaned and oiled
before installation. Bearing shells are available in
standard and the following undersized: 0.016 mm
(0.0006 in.), 0.032 mm (0.0012 in.), 0.250 mm (0.010
in.). Never install an undersize bearing that will
reduce clearance below specifications.
Fig. 95 Torque Strut Bracket
1 ± BOLTS
2 ± TORQUE STRUT BRACKET
Fig. 96 Bedplate Bolts
Fig. 97 Main Bearing Identification
1 ± OIL GROOVES
2 ± UPPER BEARINGS
3 ± LOWER BEARINGS
4 ± OIL HOLES
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 53
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the main bearing shells with the lubri-
cation groove in the cylinder block. Install O-ring
into recess in the block (Fig. 98).
(2) Make certain oil holes in block line up with oil
hole in bearings and bearing tabs seat in the block
tab slots.
CAUTION: Do Not get oil on the bedplate mating
surface. It will affect the sealer ability to seal the
bedplate to cylinder block.
(3) Oil the bearings and journals and install
crankshaft in cylinder block.
CAUTION: Use only the specified anaerobic sealer
on the bedplate or damage may occur to the
engine.
(4) Apply 1.5±2.0 mm (0.059±0.078 in.) bead of
MopartBed Plate Sealant to cylinder block as shown
in (Fig. 99).
(5) Install lower main bearings into main bearing
cap/bedplate. Make certain the bearing tabs are
seated into the bedplate slots. Install the main bear-
ing/bedplate into engine block.
(6) Before installing the bolts oil threads with
clean engine oil, wipe off any excess oil.
(7) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts 11, 17 and 20 finger tight. Tighten these bolts
down together until the bedplate contacts the cylin-
der block (Fig. 100).(8) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (1±10) and torque each bolt to 81 N´m (60 ft.
lbs.) in sequence shown in (Fig. 100).
(9) Install main bearing bedplate to engine block
bolts (11±20), with baffle studs in positions 12, 13
and 16 and torque each bolt to 34 N´m (25 ft. lbs.) in
sequence shown in (Fig. 100).
(10) After the main bearing bedplate is installed,
check the crankshaft turning torque. The turning
torque should not exceed 5.6 N´m (50 in. lbs.).
(11) If crankshaft end play is to be checked, refer
to service procedures in this section.
(12) Install connecting rod bearings and caps.
Install new connecting rod bolts and tighten to 27
N´m (20 ft. lbs.) plus 1/4 turn.
(13) Install oil pump and crankshaft front oil seal.
(14) Install oil pick-up tube and oil pan. Refer to
procedure in the section.
(15) Install oil filter adapter and filter.
(16) Install lower torque strut/air conditioning
compressor mounting bracket to engine (Fig. 95).
Fig. 98 Installing Main Bearing Upper Shell
1 ± LUBRICATION GROOVES
2 ± O-RING
3 ± OIL HOLES
Fig. 99 Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Sealing
Fig. 100 Main Bearing Caps/Bedplate Torque
Sequence
9 - 54 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

CYLINDER BORE INSPECTION
The cylinder walls should be checked for out-of-
round and taper with Tool C-119 (Fig. 134). If the cyl-
inder 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 with the fitting of pistons and
rings in order that specified clearances may be main-
tained.Refer to Honing Cylinder Bores outlined
in the Standard Service Procedures for specifi-
cation and procedures.
Measure the cylinder bore at three levels in direc-
tions A and B (Fig. 134). Top measurement should be
10 mm (3/8 in.) down and bottom measurement
should be 10 mm (3/8 in.) up from bottom of bore.
For specifications, refer to Engine Specifications in
this section.
ADJUSTMENTS
ENGINE TORQUE STRUT ADJUSTMENT
The upper and lower torque struts need to be
adjusted together to assure proper engine positioning
and engine mount loading. Whenever a torque strut
bolt(s) is loosened, this procedure must be performed.
(1) Loosen the upper and lower torque strut
attaching bolt at the suspension crossmember and
shock tower bracket (Fig. 135).
(2) The engine position may now be adjusted by
positioning a suitable floor jack on the forward edge
of the transmission bell housing (Fig. 136).
NOTE: The floor jack must be positioned as shown
in (Fig. 136) to prevent minimal upward lifting of the
engine.(3) Carefully apply upward force, allowing the
upper engine to rotate rearward until the distance
between the center of the rearmost attaching stud on
the engine mount bracket (point ªAº) and the center
of the hole for the washer hose clip on the shock
tower bracket (point ªBº) is 119 mm (4.70 in.) (Fig.
137).
(4) With the engine held at the proper position,
tighten both the upper and lower torque strut bolts
to 118 N´m (87 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 135).
(5) Remove the floor jack.
Fig. 134 Checking Cylinder Bore Size
9 - 66 2.0L SOHC ENGINEPL
CLEANING AND INSPECTION (Continued)

Fig. 135 Torque Strut Bolts
1 ± BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET
3 ± TORQUE STRUT BRACKET
4 ± UPPER TORQUE STRUT5 ± CROSSMEMBER
6 ± LOWER TORQUE STRUT
7 ± BOLTS
8 ± RIGHT FENDER
Fig. 136 Floor Jack Positioning
1 ± WOOD BLOCK
2 ± FLOOR JACK
Fig. 137 Engine Position Measurement
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 67
ADJUSTMENTS (Continued)

DESCRIPTION SPECIFICATION
Exhaust 5.906±5.924 mm
(0.2326±0.2333 in.)
Valve Stem to Guide Clearance
Intake 0.048±0.066 mm
(0.0018±0.0025 in.)
Max. Allowable 0.076 mm
(0.003 in.)
Service Limit 0.25 mm
(0.010 in.)
Exhaust 0.0736±0.094 mm
(0.0029±0.0037 in.)
Max. Allowable 0.101 mm
(0.004 in.)
Service Limit 0.25 mm
(0.010 in.)
Valve Springs
Free Length (Approx.) 46.75 mm
(1.84 in.)
Nominal Force (Valve
Closed)331 N @ 39.8 mm
(70 lbs. @ 1.57 in.)
Nominal Force (Valve
Open)711 N @ 32.6 mm
(160 lbs. @ 1.28 in.)
Installed Height 40.18 mm
(1.580 in.)
TORQUE
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Camshaft Sensor
Pick-upÐBolts9.6 Ð 85
Camshaft SprocketÐBolt 115 85 Ð
Connecting Rod
CapÐBolts27 +
1¤4
turn20 +
1¤4
turnÐ
Structural CollarÐBolts Refer to Procedure
Crankshaft Main Bearing
Cap/Bedplate
ÐM8 Bolts 34 25 Ð
ÐM11 Bolts 81 60 Ð
Crankshaft Damper 136 100 Ð
Cylinder HeadÐBolts Refer to Procedure
Cylinder Head CoverÐ
Bolts12 Ð 105
DESCRIPTION N´mFt.
Lbs.In.
Lbs.
Drive Plate to Crankshaft 95 70 Ð
Engine Mount Bracket
RightÐBolts61 45 Ð
Engine Mounting Refer to Procedure
Exhaust Manifold to
Cylinder HeadÐBolts23 Ð 200
Exhaust Manifold Support
Bracket (Federal and
LEV)
ÐM8 Nut 28 Ð 250
ÐM10 Bolt 54 40 Ð
ÐM12 Bolt 95 70 Ð
Exhaust Manifold Support
Bracket (ULEV)54 40 Ð
Engine Torque Strut
Bracket to EngineÐBolts61 45 Ð
Powertrain Bending
StrutÐFront
ÐLong Bolts 101 75 Ð
ÐShort Bolts 61 45 Ð
Intake ManifoldÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Oil Filter Adaptor 80 60 Ð
Oil Filter 20 15 Ð
Oil PanÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Oil Pan DrainÐPlug 27 20 Ð
Oil Pump to Block 28 Ð 250
Oil Pump Cover
PlateÐBolts12 Ð 105
Oil Pump Pick-up
TubeÐBolt28 Ð 250
Oil Pump Relief
ValveÐCap41 30 Ð
PCV Valve 5.6 Ð 50
Rocker Arm ShaftÐBolts 28 Ð 250
Spark Plugs 28 Ð 250
Timing Belt CoverÐBolts 12 Ð 105
Timing Belt Tensioner
AssemblyÐBolts28 Ð 250
Water PumpÐBolts 12 Ð 105
PL2.0L SOHC ENGINE 9 - 71
SPECIFICATIONS (Continued)

CAUTION: After removing the steering knuckle from
the ball joint stud, do not pull outward on the knuckle.
Pulling the steering knuckle outward at this point can
separate the inner C/V joint on the driveshaft. Refer to
FRONT DRIVESHAFTS in the DIFFERENTIAL AND
DRIVELINE group for further information.
NOTE: Use caution when separating the ball joint
stud from the steering knuckle, so the ball joint seal
does not get cut.
(6) Separate each ball joint stud from the steering
knuckle by prying down on lower control arm and up
against the ball joint boss on the steering knuckle
(Fig. 3).
(7) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, remove the two screws securing the
cooler to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler and can be accessed from
above. Allow the cooler to hang out of the way.
(8) Using wire or cord, support and tie off the
power steering gear to the underbody of the vehicle,
so when the crossmember is lowered, the gear does
not fall away being held to the vehicle by only the
steering column coupler and the fluid hoses.
(9) Loosen and remove the four bolts attaching the
power steering gear to the front suspension cross-
member (Fig. 4). Remove the power steering gear
from the front suspension crossmember.
(10) Remove the bolt mounting the engine torque
strut to the right forward corner of the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 5).
NOTE: Before removing the front suspension
crossmember from the vehicle, the location of thecrossmember must be scribed on the body of the
vehicle (Fig. 9). Do this so that the crossmember
can be relocated upon reinstallation against the
body of vehicle in the same location as before
removal. If the front suspension crossmember is
not reinstalled in exactly the same location as
before removal, the preset front wheel alignment
settings (caster and camber) will be lost.
(11) Using an awl, scribe a line (Fig. 6) marking
the location of where the front suspension crossmem-
ber is mounted against the body of the vehicle.
(12) Position a transmission jack under the center
of the front suspension crossmember and raise it to
support the bottom of the crossmember.
(13) Loosen and completely remove the two front
bolts (one right and one left) attaching the front sus-
pension crossmember to the frame rails of vehicle.
The right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting
bolt figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(14) Loosen the two rear bolts (one right and one
left) attaching the front suspension crossmember and
lower control arms to the body of the vehicle until
they release from the threaded tapping plates in the
body of the vehicle. Remove the rear bolts from the
body of the vehicle, but do not completely remove the
rear bolts because they are designed to disengage
from the body threads yet stay within the lower con-
trol arm rear isolator bushing. This allows the lower
control arm to stay in place on the crossmember. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle.
(15) Lower the front suspension crossmember.
Fig. 2 Ball Joint Bolt And Nut
1 ± NUT
2 ± BOLT
3 ± BALL JOINT
Fig. 3 Pry Bar Usage
1 ± STEERING KNUCKLE
2±PRYBAR
3 ± LOWER CONTROL ARM
4 ± BALL JOINT STUD
13 - 6 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(16) Remove each lower control arm from the
crossmember by removing the front pivot bolt.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the lower control arms on the front sus-
pension crossmember. Install the pivot bolts, but do
not completely tighten them at this time.(2) Using the transmission jack, raise the front
suspension crossmember and lower control arms
until the crossmember contacts its mounting spot
against the body and frame rails of the vehicle. As
the crossmember is raised, carefully guide the power
steering gear into mounting position.
Fig. 4 Steering Gear Mounting
1 ± OUTER TIE ROD
2 ± JAM NUT3 ± STEERING GEAR
4 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 5 Mounting Bolts
1 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER MOUNTING BOLTS
2 ± ENGINE TORQUE ISOLATOR STRUT MOUNTING BOLT
3 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
Fig. 6 Marking Crossmember Location
1 ± SCRIBED LINE
2 ± FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER
3±AWL
4 ± BODY
PLFRAME AND BUMPERS 13 - 7
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

(3) Start the two rear crossmember mounting bolts
into the tapping plates mounted in the body. The
right side bolt can be viewed in the mounting bolt
figure (Fig. 5). The left side bolt is located in the
same location on the other side of the vehicle. Next,
install the two front mounting bolts attaching front
suspension crossmember to frame rails of vehicle.
Lightly tighten all four mounting bolts to a approxi-
mately 2 N´m (20 in. lbs.) to hold the front suspen-
sion crossmember in position.
NOTE: When reinstalling the front suspension
crossmember back in the vehicle, it is very impor-
tant that the crossmember be attached to the body
in exactly the same spot as when it was removed.
Otherwise, the vehicle's wheel alignment settings
(caster and camber) will be lost.
(4) Using a soft face hammer, tap the front suspen-
sion crossmember back-and-forth or side-to-side until
it is aligned with the previously scribed positioning
marks on the body of the vehicle (Fig. 6). Once the
front suspension crossmember is correctly positioned,
tighten the rear two crossmember mounting bolts to
a torque of 203 N´m (150 ft. lbs.), then tighten the
front two crossmember mounting bolts to a torque of
142 N´m (105 ft. lbs.).
(5) Tighten the lower control arm front pivot bolts
to a torque of 163 N´m (120 ft. lbs.).
(6) Attach the steering gear to the front suspen-
sion crossmember (Fig. 4). Install the four power
steering gear mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting
bolts to a torque of 61 N´m (45 ft. lbs.).
(7) Remove the wire or cord suspending the power
steering gear to the underbody.
(8) If the vehicle is equipped with a power steering
fluid cooler, install the two screws securing the cooler
to the front suspension crossmember. They are
located behind the cooler.
(9)
Install each ball joint stud into the steering
knuckle aligning the bolt hole in the knuckle boss with
the notch formed in the side of the ball joint stud.
(10) Install a new ball joint stud pinch bolt and
nut (Fig. 2). Tighten the nut to a torque of 95 N´m
(70 ft. lbs.).
(11) Fasten the engine torque strut to the right
forward corner of the front suspension crossmember
using its mounting bolt (Fig. 5). Follow the procedure
described in the ENGINE service manual group to
properly align and tighten the torque strut and it's
mounting bolts.
NOTE: Before installing the stabilizer bar, make
sure the bar is not upside-down. The stabilizer bar
must be installed with the curve on the outboard
ends of the bar facing downward to clear the con-
trol arms once fully installed (Fig. 7).(12)
First, place the stabilizer bar in position on the
front suspension crossmember. The slits in each cush-
ion must point toward the front of the vehicle and sit
directly on top of the raised beads formed into the
stamping on the crossmember. Next, install the cush-
ion retainers, matching the raised beads formed into
the cushion retainers to the grooves formed into the
cushions. Install the cushion retainer bolts, but do not
completely tighten them at this time.
(13) Install both stabilizer bar links back on vehi-
cle (Fig. 1). Start each stabilizer bar link bolt with
bushing from the bottom, through the stabilizer bar,
inner link bushings, lower control arm, and into the
upper retainer/nut and bushing. Do not fully tighten
the link assemblies at this time.
(14) Install the tire and wheel assemblies back on
vehicle. Tighten the wheel mounting nuts to 135 N´m
(100 ft. lbs.) torque.
(15) Lower the vehicle.
NOTE: It may be necessary to put the vehicle on a
platform hoist or alignment rack to gain access to
the stabilizer bar mounting bolts with the vehicle at
curb height.
(16) Tighten each stabilizer bar link by holding the
upper retainer/nut with a wrench and turning the
link bolt. Tighten each link bolt to a torque of 23
N´m (200 in. lbs.).
(17) Tighten the stabilizer bar cushion retainer
bolts to a torque of 34 N´m (300 in. lbs.).
(18) Check the front wheel alignment on the vehi-
cle. Refer to WHEEL ALIGNMENT in the SUSPEN-
SION service manual group.
Fig. 7 Downward Curve
1 ± STABILIZER BAR
2 ± LINK
3 ± DOWNWARD CURVE
4 ± CUSHION RETAINER
13 - 8 FRAME AND BUMPERSPL
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)