Many people try to deal with their cars daily, however, maybe you are wondering how to remove harmonic balancer without puller or with a puller because pulling a harmonic balancer out of the engine has always been a questionable possibility.
It is no secret that dealing with car parts can sometimes be quite a struggle, especially if you do not have any appropriate tools at your disposal.
However, removing the harmonic balancer without a puller is a possible procedure, but you need to know the right method.
The removal procedure can be different for a variety of cars, but the main steps are generally the same for most vehicles. Therefore, this article will explain the most basic method that usually works.
Contents
What Is A Harmonic Balancer/ Vibration Damper?
To understand the role of a harmonic balancer inside the car, it is important to acknowledge the fact that the engine of a vehicle is a complex construction.
Namely, the engine is what enables the car to move, i.e. it is the part that makes the non-stop work of the car possible.
Therefore, if the engine is responsible for the whole work of the vehicle, it needs to have a lot of parts that will help and ease up the process.
In other words, when the car is being used, the work of the engine does not stop. So, when the engine works, it produces a lot of vibration.
You are probably aware that a lot of vibrations can damage the engine or destroy it completely.
Therefore, the engine needs something that will prevent this from happening. That is why the car engine needs a part that is called a harmonic balancer, which is also known under the name a vibration damper.
Every harmonic balancer consists of two main parts – an attached mass to the crankshaft of the engine, and a component responsible for dissipating the produced energy by the engine.
These two components have a part between them that separates them. This part is called a rubber insulator. These three parts make the structure of a harmonic balancer, and they work together to prevent the engine from being damaged.
However, over time the harmonic balancer can still show some malfunctions. For instance, the engine usually works under high pressure, and this might result in a crack of the harmonic balancer.
In addition, it might come to a separation between the two main parts. If some of these issues arise, it might come to different complications in the work of the car overall.
Many times, when there are malfunctions in the harmonic balancer, it can result in an oil leak. However, it is usually difficult to determine whether a harmonic balancer is causing issues in the work of the car.
This is because many things can cause issues in the car functions, however, it is essential to consider the harmonic balancer as one.
When Your Harmonic Balancer Needs A Replacement?
The harmonic balancer plays an essential role in the work of a car. This being said, it is clear that this part will surely need to be changed at some point.
However, it is not always simple to acknowledge when this replacement needs to take place.
It is essential to know where to look for malfunctions. Several signs can show you that your harmonic balancer requires replacement.
Nonetheless, those same signs can also signify that something else might cause trouble for your vehicle.
Some people tend to do the diagnosis by themselves, while others opt for professional checkups. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you know how to look for those signs.
Otherwise, if you are not sure what you are doing, you might mess up your car’s engine, and the results can be fatal.
Occurrences that may signalize that your harmonic balancer needs a replacement are the following:
- Squeaking noises: If you hear these noises when you start the car and turn on the AC, that means that the harmonic balancer is reducing vibrations, and it allows slippage between the engine and the belts.
- Transmission damage: The most usual symptoms that show that there are some issues with transmission in your car are oil leakages.
- Alternator malfunctions: Many times, the alternator in the car will stop charging due to malfunctions of the harmonic balancer.
- Unusual vibrations: Since the job of the harmonic balancer is to reduce the vibrations, unusual and significant increased vibrations are usually a sign that there are issues with this part of the engine.
- Damaged belts: If you notice that the edges of the belts are damaged, or the rubber in the middle is impaired, it means that the harmonic balancer needs a replacement.
- Shifted timing marks: If the two main components of the harmonic balancer separate, the timing marks can get shifted, and their placement might get thrown off.
Material Needed To Remove A Harmonic Balancer
Before you proceed to remove the harmonic balancer from the engine, it is wise to have all the necessary materials already prepared. To do the removal process, you will need the following things:
- Wrench set (Torque and Strap wrenches included)
- Breaker bar
- Jack stands
- Floor Jack
- Gear puller
- Screwdriver set
- Socket set
- New harmonic balancer
Steps for How To Remove A Harmonic Balancer with Puller
Once you make sure that you have everything to remove the harmonic balancer from the engine, you can begin the process.
By following the steps below, you will probably not encounter any issues. You might also use a video tutorial that will help you in the procedure.
Step 1: Position The Car
You will need to prepare your vehicle in the right way, so you can work with ease. Make sure that you jack your car high enough to obtain access to the harmonic balancer.
You will find the harmonic balancer on the front side of the engine.
Step 2: Detach The Drive Belts
You may remove the accessory drive belts in a few ways, but that usually depends on the type of vehicle you own.
Generally, contemporary vehicles have an automatic belt tensioner that makes the removal of the drive belts easy. This tensioner needs to be rotated, and the drive belt will be loosened up.
However, the older models of cars, as well as some new ones, require mechanical removal of the belts. Namely, you will have to use a ratchet handle, or an open-end wrench to loosen up the belt tensioner.
Step 3: Take Out The Harmonic Balancer Bolt
For this step, you will need a strap wrench that will help you hold the balancer still while removing the harmonic balancer bolt. The balancer needs to be still while the bolt is being loosened up.
The bolt can be loosened successfully by using a socket and a ratchet handle. You should be prepared to pull tight since the bolt is usually tightly attached.
Step 4: Use A Gear Puller To Remove The Harmonic Balancer
A gear puller is required, so you can remove the harmonic balancer with ease. You will have to place the hooks in a solid area that will not break easily. The recommended area for this procedure is the lip of the pulley component. However, your car might already have bolt holes in which you can position the puller.
After everything is set properly, you will have to tighten the center bolt with a breaker bar or a ratchet handle. You will need to make sure that the harmonic balancer breaks free on its own by this procedure.
Step 5: Place The New Harmonic Balancer
For this step, you will need a woodruff key with which you will align the woodruff key slot with the new harmonic balancer. After you make the alignment, you will have to place the balancer onto the crankshaft.
Make sure that the balancer is positioned correctly and tight enough.
Step 6: Reinstall The Drive Belts
After you ensure that the new harmonic balancer is positioned and placed appropriately, you will need to reinstall the drive belts. You will have to rotate and loosen the belt tensioner once again, so you can place the drive belts in their place.
Step 7: Lower The Car By Removing The Jack Stands
Once you are sure that you have placed the new harmonic balancer properly, you should remove the jack stands and lower your vehicle.
Make sure that you start the car to check whether it is working properly and whether the whole procedure was successful.
The process of removing a harmonic balancer with a gear puller is generally simple and easy. However, if you are not confident to do this by yourself, you should consult with a professional, i.e. get the job done professionally.
Material Needed To Remove A Harmonic Balancer Without A Puller
If you do not have a puller that will help you remove the harmonic balancer from the engine, you can still do the procedure by using different material. For this process you will need the following things:
- Wrench
- Working gloves
- Jack stands
- Pickle fork
- Floor jack
- Hammer
- Sockets
- Chisel
- Pulling strap
Step by step guide for How To Remove Harmonic Balancer without puller
Above, you have the explained procedure for removing a harmonic balancer in detail. When you do not have a puller at your disposal, you will still, in a way, follow the same procedure, but with different materials at hand.
Step 1: Lift The Car
You will have to jack up your vehicle to have a clear approach to the engine. Your car needs to be high enough, so you will be able to reach the harmonic balancer.
Step 2: Locate And Remove The Serpentine Belt To Get To The Harmonic Balancer
The serpentine belt is usually found under the spring tension. However, if you are not good with cars, you will need time to find this belt.
Therefore, make sure that you look at the front of the engine or from the side. If you still have trouble finding the serpentine belt, then you can look into your car’s manual.
Once you find the serpentine belt, you will have to relieve the tensioner. You will need a wrench to loosen up the tensioner and release the belt.
A socket might also be of great help since it will help you in applying pressure to the belt.
Whether you decide to use a socket or a wrench, you will have to rotate it over the bolt to release pressure. Make sure that you do not damage the belt in the process.
Step 3: Pull Out The Center Bolt
The center bolt needs to be removed from the harmonic balancer when trying to replace it. This bolt holds the components of the balancer together, i.e. it holds them in one place in the engine.
So, it will need to be removed if you want to take out the harmonic balancer safely.
For that purpose, it is recommended that you use an adequate socket since you cannot do it with bare hands. You might damage it, and you need it in good condition for later.
Step 4: Remove The Pulley
The pulley is responsible for the separation of the harmonic balancer from the center bolt. The screwdriver will help you rotate the pulley, so the bolt can loosen up. In addition, you will need a pickle fork to help you with the pulling out.
If you do not have the right screwdriver, you may use a wrench. It might seem like a more difficult procedure, however, it works.
You will have to place the wrench on the pulley bolt while blocking the other end. Next, you will need a starter motor which only needs to be turned on.
After a while, the bolt will loosen up, and your pulley will be successfully removed. While this procedure is successful in most cases, you will need to be careful when using the starter motor.
Step 5: Use A Strap Instead Of A Puller
Since you do not have a puller at your disposal, a durable strap would be the perfect substitute. Because you have already removed the center bolt, you can put something in that place.
Therefore, placing a rubber strap would be appropriate.
Once you make sure that you have successfully placed the strap around the balancer, you will have to keep pulling until the harmonic balancer breaks free.
If you have never done any replacements to your car, you might need a more visual example of the procedure. A video that shows the removal of a harmonic balance might be of great help, therefore, make sure to check it out.
FAQs about how to remove harmonic balancer without puller
01. Can You Still Drive Your Vehicle Without Replacing The Harmonic Balancer?
It is not recommended to keep driving your car if the harmonic balancer needs a replacement. A malfunctioning balancer can wear on the main bearings and completely damage the drive belts.
02. How Much Does The Replacement Of A Harmonic Balancer Cost?
The replacement of a harmonic balancer usually varies depending on the type of vehicle you use. However, the prices are usually around $200.
03. Why Does My Harmonic Balancer Shake?
If you have not aligned your balancer properly, it may result in shaking and wobbling. Usually, an over-tightened balancer might cause malfunction of the crankshaft.
04. Can You Do A Crankshaft Replacement Without Removing The Engine?
The recommended procedure calls for removing the engine before replacing the crankshaft. However, there is a possibility to remove the crankshaft without going through all the trouble of pulling out the engine.
05. How Much Does The Replacement Of A Crankshaft Pulley Cost?
Generally, the replacement of a pulley costs from $350 to $400. The parts that are needed for the replacement cost around $200, while the cost of labor might cost roughly $150.
Verdict
Although you can do the procedure of removing the harmonic balancer without the use of a puller, you should remember that it is advised to use this tool whenever you have the chance.
Tools, such as pullers are designed for a particular purpose, and they enable you to do the removal most safely.
Hello, this is Wesley Shelton, currently working in a car restoration company for over 5 years. Before that, I was a worker at a small car repair shop. As I was a car freak from a young age and worked as a professional for over half a decade, I think I now know pretty much everything about every car and its parts. To establish my name as a professional and help others by sharing my knowledge, I’ve created this website, which I work on whenever I get free time. I hope you’ve enjoyed my informative blog!
