420A guys I need your help!

[GrattinoDSM]

My mom drives a 98 dodge neon, and she called me because there was an engine noise she wanted me to check out, when i listened the the sound sounded like it was coming from the passenger side(timing side) and it only happened on and off. it was a loud grinding noise, it wouldnt ever happen for more than a few seconds at a time its really loud though. i've checked the belts and pulleys and they don't seem like they have unusual play, does anyone have any ideas?

 

[boosted_ego6985]

First off does it have the SOHC or DOHC? If it's a 98 im sure it's got a few miles on it. If it is over 80k and DEF if it's over 100k you need to do a timing belt and water pump change. While doing the belt change you should replace the tensioner and pulleys or rollers as some people call them as well. I had a 95 SOHC and one of my timing pulleys seized up and caused my belt to break which was when I was in top of winding out 3rd so it also bent EVERY valve in the head. REALLY BAD learning experience for me but anyways that would be my suggestion for ya. Good luck

 

[dsmjunkie97]

^^ I agree with this guy. Also there are alot of moving parts on that side obviously so i would also check the ac compressor, alternator, and ps pump to make sure its no issues there.

 

[GrattinoDSM]

its got 130xxx its DOHC, we changed the headgasket and water pump and timing belt about 10xxx ago but if the power steering pump would be grinding like that, would her power steering be out?

 

[boosted_ego6985]

If the power steering pump is "grinding" or what I call it whining especially when you turn the wheel then you should first just try adding some fluid with stop leak to possibly fix a small leak. If it is low on fluid it will make a god awful sound and you will have little to no power steering at all. Another good thing to use is LUCAS power steering/rack and pinion stop leak. It worked VERY well for my neon when I had a small leak. Sealed it up with no further issues. From what your saying I don't believe it would be the power steering pump but give it a looking at it wouldn't hurt. Also check to make sure that your crank pulley is not dinging or grinding off the side of the car. Good Luck

 

[Fotowntalon]

power stearing is more of a 'whine' as stated than a 'grind', i'm not really sure of where its located (side wise) but are you sure it isnt coming from the tranny?

 

[GrattinoDSM]

power stearing is more of a 'whine' as stated than a 'grind', i'm not really sure of where its located (side wise) but are you sure it isnt coming from the tranny?

i dont know, it sounds like its coming from the passenger side, and it does it going down the road and while its just in park, im going to recheck pulleys tomorrow and hopefull track that down, POS neon haha

 

[Eternalsolitude]

Make sure you check the timing belt covers. Sometimes when they are reinstalled if they aren't seated just right the cam pulleys and/or the accessory pulleys will rub. That was the case in one of the 420A's I worked on.

Grant