service DODGE NEON 2000 Service Repair Manual

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)

INSTALLATION
(1) Install the selector lever to the shaft and fasten
with two NEW roll pins. Refer to (Fig. 34) for correct
roll pin orientation.
(2) Install selector cable to cable bracket and
install clip. Install cable to selector lever.
AXLE SHAFT SEALS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove axle shaft. Refer to Group 3, Differen-
tial and Driveline for the correct procedures.
(2) Insert a flat±blade pry tool at outer edge of
axle shaft seal (Fig. 35).
(3) Tap on the pry tool with a small hammer and
remove axle shaft seal.
INSTALLATION
(1) Clean axle shaft seal bore of any excess seal-
ant.
(2) Align axle shaft seal with axle shaft seal bore.
(3) Install axle seal on tool #6709 and C-4171 and
insert into axle shaft seal bore.
(4) Tap seal into position until seated against tran-
saxle case.
(5) Install axle shaft. Refer to Group 3, Differen-
tial and Driveline for the correct procedures.
SHIFT SHAFT SEALS
It isnotnecessary to remove the shift shafts from
the transaxle to service the shift shaft seals.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a pick tool, pry up on the shift shaft seal
and remove seal from bore.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position new shift shaft seal in bore.
(2) Install shift shaft seal into bore using an
appropriate size deep±well socket.
Fig. 33 Shift Cables at Transaxle
1 ± CROSSOVER LEVER
2 ± CROSSOVER CABLE
3 ± SELECTOR CABLE
4 ± SELECTOR LEVER
Fig. 34 Correct Orientation of Roll Pins
1 ± OUTER ROLL PIN
2 ± INNER ROLL PIN
Fig. 35 Axle Shaft Seal Removal
1 ± AXLE SEAL
2±PRYTOOL
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 13
REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY
TRANSAXLE
The NV T350 (A-578) transaxle internal compo-
nents can be serviced only by separating the gear
case from the bellhousing case.
CAUTION: The transaxle output shaft is serviced as
a unit. No disassembly and reassembly is possible.
Damage to the transaxle may result.
DISASSEMBLY
(1) Place transaxle on bench.
(2) Remove the clutch release bearing and fork.
Move the release fork and bearing to an in-line posi-
tion. Grasp the release lever with two hands in the
pivot stud socket area. Pull with even pressure to
release the fork from the pivot stud.
CAUTION: Do not use a screwdriver or pry bar to
release the fork as this may cause damage to the
fork and/or clip.
(3) Remove shift levers by driving out the roll pins.
(4) Remove transaxle case half bolts (Fig. 46).
(5) Place two screwdrivers into the slots provided
in the case halves near the dowels (Fig. 47). Separate
the case halves (Fig. 48).
Fig. 46 Case Bolts
1 ± CASE BOLTS
Fig. 47 Transaxle Case Halves
1 ± BELLHOUSING HALF
2 ± GEAR CASE HALF
Fig. 48 Separate Case Halves
1±PRYTOOL
2 ± CASE HALVES
3 ± PRY SLOT
21 - 18 TRANSAXLEPL

(23) Remove the shift blocker assembly from the
bench fixture (Fig. 71).
(24) Remove the 1-2 shift fork from the output
shaft (Fig. 72).
(25) Remove input and output shaft assemblies
from bench fixture (Fig. 73).CAUTION: The output shaft assembly 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 complete output
shaft assembly.
Fig. 70 Reverse Brake Race
1 ± REVERSE BRAKE RACE
Fig. 71 Shift Blocker Removal
1 ± 6785 BENCH FIXTURE
2 ± SHIFT BLOCKER ASSEMBLY
Fig. 72 1±2 Shift Fork Removal
1 ± 6785 BENCH FIXTURE
2 ± 1±2 SHIFT FORK
Fig. 73 Gear Train Removal
1 ± 6785 BENCH FIXTURE
2 ± INPUT AND OUTPUT SHAFTS
21 - 24 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)

DIFFERENTIAL GEARS
NOTE: The plastic speedometer drive gear must be
removed from the differential case in order to ser-
vice the differential gears. Refer to Speedometer
Drive Gear for service information.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove pinion shaft retaining pin (Fig. 126)
(Fig. 127).(2) Remove pinion shaft (Fig. 128).
Fig. 125 Drive Gear Pressed onto Differential
1 ± PRESS RAM
2 ± SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR
3 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 126 Remove Pinion Shaft Retaining Pin
1 ± RING GEAR
2 ± PINION SHAFT RETAINING PIN
3 ± SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR
Fig. 127 Retaining Pin Removed
1 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
2 ± SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR
3 ± PINION SHAFT RETAINING PIN
Fig. 128 Pinion Shaft Removal
1 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
2 ± PINION SHAFT
3 ± SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR
4 ± PINION SHAFT RETAINING PIN
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 39
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

(3) Stake pinion shaft retaining pin with a suitable
chisel (Fig. 132).
(4) Rotate the assembly two full revolutions both
clockwise and counterclockwise.
(4) Set up dial indicator as shown and record end
play (Fig. 133) (Fig. 134). Rotate side gear 90 degrees
and record another end play. Again, rotate side gear
90 degrees and record a final end play.
(5) Using the smallest end play recorded, shim
that side gear to within 0.001 to 0.013 inch. The
other side gear should be checked using the same
procedure.CAUTION: Side gear end play must be within 0.001
to 0.013 inch. Five select thrust washers are avail-
able: 0.027, 0.032, 0.037, 0.042, and 0.047 inch.
(6) After the end play is measured and adjusted,
replace speedometer drive gear with a new one.
Install drive gear lip downward. For service informa-
tion, refer to Speedometer Drive Gear service in this
section.
SYNCHRONIZER
DISASSEMBLY
Place synchronizer in a clean shop towel and wrap.
Press on inner hub. Carefully open up shop towel
and remove springs, balls, keys, hub, and sleeve.
ASSEMBLY
(1) Position synchronizer hub onto a suitable hold-
ing fixture (input shaft). The synchronizer hubs are
directional. The hubs must be installed with theU
facing upward.
(2) Install springs into hub slot (Fig. 135).
(3) Insert key into hub and spring.
(4) Apply petroleum jelly to the hole in the key.
Insert balls into each key (Fig. 136).
(5) Slide sleeve over the hub and depress balls as
you carefully slip the sleeve into position (Fig. 137).
(6) Line up stop ring tang over the keys in the hub
(Fig. 138). Install stop rings. Center the keys and
balls by pushing on both stop rings.
Fig. 132 Staking Retaining Pin
1 ± PINION SHAFT RETAINING PIN
2 ± SPEEDOMETER DRIVE GEAR
Fig. 133 Checking Side Gear End Play (Typical)
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4996 (NOTE POSITION)
2 ± DIAL INDICATOR SET
3 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
4 ± SIDE GEAR
Fig. 134 Checking Side Gear End Play (Typical)
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL C-4996 (NOTE POSITION)
2 ± DIAL INDICATOR SET
3 ± DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY
PLTRANSAXLE 21 - 41
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

SHIFT RAILS OVERHAUL
(1) Remove shift rails from the geartrain.
(2) To service the 5-R shift rail, remove the C-clip
retaining the reverse shift lever arm. Remove the 5th
shift fork roll pin and remove the 5th shift fork.
Remove the shift lug roll pin and remove the shift
lug. Replace parts as necessary.
(3) To service the 3-4 shift rail, remove the roll pin
retaining the 3-4 shift fork. Remove the shift fork.
Remove the shift lug roll pin and remove the shift
lug. Replace parts as necessary.(4) To service the 1-2 shift rail, remove the roll pin
retaining the 1-2 shift fork. Remove the shift fork
and replace parts as necessary.
TRANSAXLE CASE OVERHAUL
The sealant used to seal the transaxle case halves
is MopartGasket Maker, Loctitet518, or equivalent.
The sealant used for the bearing end±plate cover is
MopartRTV.
The components that are left in the gear cases
when the gear train is pulled out are the:
²Axle shaft seals
Fig. 135 Synchronizer Assembly
1 ± SLEEVE
2 ± BALL
3 ± KEY
4 ± SPRING
5 ± HUB
Fig. 136 Synchronizer Balls
1 ± INPUT SHAFT
2 ± HUB
3 ± KEY
4 ± BALL
Fig. 137 Synchronizer Sleeve
1 ± SLEEVE
2 ± INPUT SHAFT
3 ± KEY
Fig. 138 Keys in Hub
1 ± SNAP RING
2 ± CLUTCH
3 ± KEY
4 ± BALL
5 ± SPRING
21 - 42 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)

DIFFERENTIAL BEARING CUPS
REMOVAL
(1) Remove differential assembly from gear case
using the procedure outlined in this group.
(2) Install Miller tool #L-4518 into the differential
bearing cup (Fig. 149).
(3) Install the tool cup over the tool (Fig. 150).
(4) Tighten the tool until the race is removed from
the case.INSTALLATION
(1) Position the bearing cup into the case.
(2) Install the bearing cup onto Miller tool
#L-4520.
(3) Using Miller tool #L-4520 and C-4171 driver,
install differential bearing cup into the transaxle
case.
SHIFT RAIL BUSHINGS
REMOVAL
(1) Thread tool #6786 into shift rail bushing.
(2) Install slide hammer #3752 onto tool.
(3) Remove bushing using slide hammer and tool
assembly (Fig. 151).
INSTALLATION
(1) Line up replacement bushing in bore.
(2) Using tool #MD998343, tap bushing into bore
until flush with the chamfer in the case.
SHIFT SHAFT SEALS
It is not necessary to remove the shift shafts from
the transaxle to service the shift shaft seals.
REMOVAL
(1) Using a pick tool, pry up on the shift shaft seal
and remove seal from bore.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position new shift shaft seal in bore.
(2) Install shift shaft seal into bore using an
appropriate size deep-well socket.
Fig. 149 Tool Installed in Bearing
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4518
2 ± GEAR CASE
Fig. 150 Tool Cup Installed
1 ± GEAR CASE
2 ± SPECIAL TOOL L-4518
3 ± WRENCH
Fig. 151 Shift Rail Bushing Removal
1 ± SPECIAL TOOL 6786
2 ± SLIDE HAMMER C-3752
3 ± SHIFTER RAIL BUSHING
4 ± INPUT BEARING
21 - 46 TRANSAXLEPL
DISASSEMBLY AND ASSEMBLY (Continued)