harmonic balancer install: is the specific tools a necessity?

[fiveoho]

wondering how hard it is to replace the balancer and if you have to use the harmonic balancer puller and installer tools?

if its a have to, can those tools be borrowed from autozone i wonder with that lend-a-tool ( whatever its called )?

 

[final5-0]

wondering how hard it is to replace the balancer and if you have to use the harmonic balancer puller and installer tools?

if its a have to, can those tools be borrowed from autozone i wonder with that lend-a-tool ( whatever its called )?

This answer is one of those ... it depends upon ... kinda things

As for the removal

Almost a 100% sure fire thing you'll need a removal tool which can be
purchased or rented from a local auto parts store.

As for the install ... If ... and ONLY IF ... you can put the hb on the crank
snout and catch 3 to 5 rounds of threads with your fingers or VERY LIGHT
use of the ratchet and socket ... then I'd tell you to go on and pull it on
down with the ratchet.

I'd also tell you use some fine emery cloth on the crank snout and hb to
remove any burrs and also to use anti-seize to help things slide smoothly.

If you can't catch but one or two threads or the effort to tighten the bolt
becomes excessive quickly ... then stop and investigate things for why
such a great effort is needed.

You may feel more comfortable using an install tool
but
Just use common sense about not hosing up your crank snout threads

Now ... if you choose to go with a Romac ... Forget all that stuff
and
See what methods those folks went through with their install.

Grady

 

[fiveoho]

thanks grady.


its just a FRPP oem replacement 50oz non sfi....the ugly black one.

not sure if i have the same one, but i have read several guys have to notch the waterpump

 

[Red1990Lx]

wondering how hard it is to replace the balancer and if you have to use the harmonic balancer puller and installer tools?

if its a have to, can those tools be borrowed from autozone i wonder with that lend-a-tool ( whatever its called )?

I would definately rent or use the loaner tools to remove the balancer, it makes things ten times easier to remove. Also, this wont apply to your case, but if you were to reuse the HB; undue stress to the outside of the HB is a big no no !!! That undue stress damages the HB for obvious reasons... if that is your only ride, you may want to get the installer as well, they normally come in the same kit though...

 

[gcomfx.com]

Just rent the kit. I couldn't find one to rent, the tool is less than $20 to buy. So I have my own. Ended up using it more times than I thought I would. Cheap stock replacement HB are the debil.

 

[fiveoho]

rented the puller/installer at advance last night...holy crap. $98

course, i get all the back but jeez. we got the old one off and put the new on. but we did grind a bit on the bottom of the water pump. it was a VERY close fit, one credit card gap. now there is a easy 2 card gap between the two.

my old balancer didnt look terrible but the car is a little smooth with the new.


thanks guys!

 

[parchisi]

I had no problems just installing my HB the way Grady delineated, just be careful.