So i bought a 2000 Neon with 75k last week and decided to change all fluids, belts, ect. When i did the fill and drain on the coolant at the end it was leaking through the water pump. Plus, i've been here a loud noise guessing it was the water pump. While replacing the water pump, should i just go ahead and change the timing belt? Do i really need to change the tensioner as well or just the belt? I've already changed to oil to Pennzoil 5w-30, camshaft position sensor, spark plugs, and wires. I'm planning on doing the drain and fill method with the tranny fluid plus replacing the tranny filter, bleed out the old brake fluid, replace belts, replace both passanger side engine/tranny mounts, and replace the radiator to prevent the milkshake. Any help will greatly be appreciated.

 

Yes to replacing all of those. You should do the motor mount too and save yourself the trouble now. Replacing the radiator won't necessarily prevent the problem though.

 

Thanks for the response, Darthroush. I'm having my mechanic swing by today to check out the car. I'm not to confident replacing the water pump and timing belt myself.

 

It's not too bad, but it is kind of a PITA. I bought all the parts and paid a local shop like $200 something to replace everything. It was nice not having to work on the car for once. Plus, if the timing was messed up somehow...not my bad.

 

So, my mechanic swung by and took a look at my Neon and told me he will charge me $110 to replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, two side engine mounts, and the two belts. My question is, has anybody ever bought a good quality timing belt kit on ebay? I've been searching on ebay and they have some good prices out there. Just Don't know which kit to get.

 

You can get the complete Gates timing belt replacement kit off of Amazon. You should only need the bracket if something is wrong with yours.

With bracket- $135: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ag=invihand-20
Without bracket- $93: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ag=invihand-20

 

Thanks for the link darthroush but how would i know if i need to replace the bracket? I don't really want the mechanic to take the car apart so he can tell me if i need it or not and leave it gutted out for another week to wait for the parts.

 

I am not sure without taking it apart first. It's not likely that the metal bracket broke though. IMO, I think people order it "because they should just in case" according to the parts guy behind the counter. It's your call; you're the one spending the money.

 

I went ahead and ordered the one without the bracket. Thanks for the link. It was a good price. I'll keep you posted once the whole shabang is installed.

 

The other reason people get the bracket too I think is because they think it can't be changed out perhaps. I know I thought that at first and was going to order the one with the bracket. Then I found out it's one nut in the middle and you just put the new one on and reinstall the nut. Ordered the kit without immediately following. I think all will be well!