Harmonic balancer/crankshaft

**mande** · 06-22-2015

I'm trying to replace my crankshaft position sensor on my 2000 Pontiac Grand prix and in doing so obviously need to take off the harmonic balancer to get to it. I've got the huge bolt off and rented the pulley system from Autozone. I had to go and buy the right bolts and washers to fit into the harmonic balancer (hb). The pulley kit I rented came with a cone shaped metal piece that goes on the end of the black pressure screw to push out the hb. In my stupidity and ignorance I noticed that the cone was too big but didn't know it wasn't supposed to be so like an idiot I started tightening it down and now have gotten that piece stuck in the hb...and it won't budge out for anything. I just need an alternate way to get the thing (the hb) off as I need to replace this sensor so that I can drive this car to work. Thanks ahead of time for any feedback.

**J57ltr** · 06-22-2015

Remove the puller part and just use the threaded rod, place it back into the cone that is stuck and wiggle it back and forth unless it is in too far you should be able to get it out. Then use the flat piece that comes with the kit instead of the cone, thread the bolt back into the crank and leave about an 1/8" clearance and put everything back together (the puller) and as you pull the balancer back up the threaded rod then the bolt until you can pull it off.

Jeff

**99GT2dr** · 06-22-2015

If you just thread the rod as far as it'll go into the crank (without the cone or anything), it'll be just enough to pop the balancer off. Just make sure you got it going in straight. I have the same puller, not sure how many times I've pulled balancers with it using this method.

**Sandman** · 06-22-2015

It it's anything like my puller the center big bolt is actually the same thread at the crank bolt. Mine lost that center cone long ago before I got it. I put a socket extension into the crank then used the puller which pushes against the extension. If you can't get it to release then use a pair of vice grips on the flywheel to keep the motor from spinning and loosen the bolt.

**Scottydoggs** · 06-22-2015

im a pro at that balancer removal now lol i got a load of the bolts too. any one needs some holla. i had to buy a bag of 25 bolts.

**Reptile** · 06-22-2015

I always use a 10mm deep socket into the hole, That way you don't have to worry about the puller threading into the crank.

**Slick2500** · 06-22-2015

Originally Posted by Reptile

I always use a 10mm deep socket into the hole, That way you don't have to worry about the puller threading into the crank.

Ditto^^^ super easy this way.

**BillBoost37** · 06-23-2015

I would try hitting it from all directions and see about loosening it up. Likely it's too hard to drill.

**Turbocharged400sbc** · 06-23-2015

ive had one of these so badly wedged we had to use a torch to blow out the puller nose to get the damper off and toss on a new one (torch damage to old one)

**bandook** · 06-23-2015

Getting it off was no problem, but getting that stinkin bolt stretched to 70° (think it is) was a royal pita. Could only get about 15° at first. Finally got to 60° out of pure rage - only had a 8" extension for my 1/2" breaker bar.

Thought my floorpans would fall off if I didnt torque it right. Then I learned most don't even bother to TTY them....

**Scottydoggs** · 06-23-2015

mine is air gun zapped on. and its a weak air gun lol

i must say even a crappy air gun makes this job so much easier. cant imagine taking it off by hand. or back on for that matter lol

**bandook** · 06-23-2015

I've never used an air gun in my life, no lie. Only time I really wished I had one was when taking axle nuts off. Probably don't realize what I'm missing.

**BillBoost37** · 06-23-2015

If you ever touched one, you'd never give it back.

**Scottydoggs** · 06-23-2015

air guns are not for every job, but when its a long ass bolt thats tight as hell. the air gun makes quick work of it. like the puller drive bolt. balancer is off a minute after the bracket is bolted on the balancer.

**Sandman** · 06-23-2015

I think I've only ever used an air gun once on my car and that was to get the crank bolt out and back in. Everything else has been the el manual method. I just prefer it that way.