Neon Clutch Replacement - Hard or Easy?

Ol'Jim · 08-15-2007, 08:09 AM

I know nothing about Plymouth Neon's, but have worked on cars for over 30 years. Always been a Rear-Wheel-Drive guy.
Gas prices are killing me, (long drive to work), and I have an opportunity to buy a clean-looking, Black Neon 2-Dr for $550.
It says "Needs Clutch".
I plan to go check it out this afternoon, thinking that either it does need Clutch, or maybe I'll get lucky & the Cable is broken (I don't usually get lucky), or maybe worse - trans is shot.
Wanting to hear from those who have actually replaced a Neon's clutch.
How hard are these things to work on? What repair manual provided good useful info & pictures? (Or which ones don't)?
Any tips will be appreciated, I can't hardly NOT buy this thing for the price, but I also can't afford to send it to a Dealer's shop, either.
Are we talking typical Clutch Disk, Pressure-Plate & Throw-Out Bearing once I get it opened up? Any special tools needed? Thanks! -Jim.

denisond3 · 08-15-2007, 03:51 PM

My Neon is an automatic tranny - but the Best Manual was published by Chrysler Motors; the Neon Service Manual. One volume covers everything. I got mine on ebay for less than $40 - and used it to remove the engine and put in new main seals.
With the manual tranny, I would think about replacing the 2 shifter cables along with the clutch.

inafogg · 08-15-2007, 04:09 PM

go for it it can't be that bad of job as far as manuals i use haynes $25 w/ship on internet i've done alot fwd but sorry never neon

Ol'Jim · 08-15-2007, 05:15 PM

So basically speaking, how do you get to the clutch innards on a FWD model?
Do you have to remove axle shafts or any of that stuff?
(Sorry if I sound like an old dinosaur to you younger guys, I guess I am - For me, this kind of job always meant dropping a driveshaft & trans from under the car to get to the clutch).

Also, I forgot to mention car is a 1996, if that matters...

Thanks.

inafogg · 08-15-2007, 05:49 PM

yea axles gotta go & maybe engine/trans mount so u might need to support engine with floor jack but manual should make it alot clearer look if u are mech enclined it shoud'nt be a big deal. i work from home in a driveway & usually alone trans are not that heavy so go for it after your done you will see that it was'nt that big of a deal. good luck Mike

das2123 · 08-15-2007, 08:45 PM

Once you remove the tranny it's easy to remove and install. Get a TO bearing also. It should be a modular clutch (unless it was built in Mexico) and no special tools are required.

Check the mileage on the neon and see if its over or around 100,000 miles. If so, ask if the timing belt, water pump and idler pulley have been changed. They should be replaced every 100,000 miles.

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