ddbutton1

There is another "Post thread" started by a 2012 owner. Similar issues. I posted there that I have a 2009 SXT with the same issues that you all have been discussing. My Journey now has 93,000 miles and I did a full flush of the tranny at 85,000 and added a bottle of Lucas Transmission Stabilizer - no change. I can't believe the transmission has held together this long, making as much noise and clunking gear changes as it does.

The 3.5L in the 2009 Journey is the same engine as in the Charger and Challenger. I have seen some minimal instructions for replacing the belt, but only for "forward facing" engines. The basic replacement and timing arrangement is the same on the Journey, but since it is transverse mounted the disassembly from the beginning has additional obstacles. For one, there is only 1/2 inch clearance from the main pulley to the strut tower of the body; and secondly, the engine mount is in the way to get the belt out and back in. The engine was probably assembled with the mount, but when it is in the vehicle the mount traps the belt. It's like they took a lesson from the Asian manufacturers. (Goes together OK, but don't worry about maintenance.)

I do almost all of my own mechanical work, but I am concerned about changing the timing belt on the Journey 3.5L engine because the engine is transverse. The timing belt cover is up against the right strut tower and the engine mount is in the center of of the "loop". So far I can't find any repair/installation directions for the Journey. (Mopar has a service manual, but it only works on Windows 7 and earlier with Internet Explorer - I am 100% Apple) If anybody reads this and has instructions, service manual or experience changing the timing belt on the 3.5L engine in the Journey - I'm up for making a deal.

Suggestion: when you need to do brakes again, use Wagner Ceramic pads. I bought a used Journey that needed brakes on the rear (84,000mi). It appeared that the pads had been changed on the front, probably similar to your issue, but they hadn't replaced the rotors and they were below minimum thickness. I first replaced the rear pads and rotors using Wagner ceramic (cost more than the typical OEM equiv), and using Wearever (Advance Auto) rotors. I have almost 6,000 miles on these and can still detect machining marks on the rotors. Obviously the rear should not wear as quickly. I was so pleased with these that about 2,000 miles ago I did the same for the front and they still show the machining marks. Both front and rear are original calipers, pins, boots; lubed with special brake grease. Pad guides are new, included with pads, and they were greased as well. I have not driven it long enough to determine if they will exceed the 20K/40K that you relate, but the way these are after the use they are getting (mostly city miles), I am hopeful they will greatly exceed your experience. About the timing belt replacement - your experience on the Charger provides me with a glimmer of hope. I do almost all of my own mechanical work, but I am concerned about changing the belt on the Journey because the engine is transverse, where in your Charger it faces forward. The timing belt cover on the Journey 3.5L is up against the right strut tower and the engine mount is in the center of of the "loop". So far I can't find any repair/installation directions for the Journey. (Mopar has a service manual, but it only works on Windows 7 and earlier with Internet Explorer - I am 100% Apple) If anybody reads this and has instructions, service manual for the 3.5L engine in the Journey - I'm up for making a deal.