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 the appropriate tools.

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.

What Is A Harmonic Balancer/ Vibration Damper?

 

To understand the role of a harmonic balancer inside the car, it is important to acknowledge that the vehicle’s engine is a complex construction.

The engine enables the car to move, i.e., it is the part that makes the car’s nonstop work possible.

Therefore, if the engine is responsible for the whole work of the vehicle, it needs many parts that will help ease the process. 

In other words, when the car is being used, the engine’s work 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 engine’s crankshaft 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, the two main parts might be separated. If some of these issues arise, they might cause complications in the car’s overall operation. 

Many times, malfunctions in the harmonic balancer can result in an oil leak. However, it is usually difficult to determine whether a harmonic balancer is causing issues in the car’s work.

This is because many things can cause issues with the car’s functions; however, it is essential to consider the harmonic balancer as one. 

Also Read: Will The Heater Work Without AC Compressor In The Car

When Your Harmonic Balancer Needs A Replacement? 

The harmonic balancer plays an essential role in a car’s operation. However, 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. 

Knowing where to look for malfunctions is essential. Several signs can indicate 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, the harmonic balancer reduces vibrations and allows slippage between the engine and the belts.
• Transmission damage: Oil leakages are the most common symptoms of transmission issues in cars.
• Alternator malfunctions: Many times, the alternator in the car will stop charging due to malfunctions of the harmonic balancer. 
• Unusual vibrations: Since the harmonic balancer reduces vibrations, unusual and significantly increased vibrations usually indicate 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 to be replaced. 
• Shifted timing marks: If the two main components of the harmonic balancer separate, the timing marks can shift, and their placement might be thrown off. 

Material Needed To Remove A Harmonic Balancer 

Before you remove the harmonic balancer from the engine, it is wise to have all the necessary materials 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 

You can begin the process once you have everything you need to remove the harmonic balancer from the engine.

Following the steps below will probably prevent any issues. You can also use a video tutorial to help you through the procedure.  

Step 1: Position The Car 

You will need to prepare your vehicle properly so you can work easily. Make sure that you jack your car high enough to access 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 several ways, depending on the type of vehicle you own.

Contemporary vehicles generally have an automatic belt tensioner that makes removing the drive belts easy. This tensioner needs to be rotated, and the drive belt will be loosened. 

However, older and some new car models require mechanical belt removal. You will have to use a ratchet handle or an open-end wrench to loosen the belt tensioner.

Step 3: Take Out The Harmonic Balancer Bolt 

For this step, you will need a strap wrench to help you hold the balancer still while removing the harmonic balancer bolt. The balancer needs to be still while the bolt is being loosened. 

Using a socket and a ratchet handle, you can successfully loosen the bolt. Since the bolt is usually tightly attached, you should be prepared to pull tight.

Step 4: Use A Gear Puller To Remove The Harmonic Balancer 

A gear puller is required so you can easily remove the harmonic balancer. 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 to 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 the new harmonic balancer is positioned and placed appropriately, you must reinstall the drive belts. You will have to rotate and loosen the belt tensioner once again so you can install the drive belts. 

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.

Ensure you start the car to check whether it is working properly and whether the whole procedure was successful. 

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 materials. 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 a puller

 

You have detailed the procedure for removing a harmonic balancer above. 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, you will need time to find this belt if you are not good with cars.

Therefore, make sure to look at the front of the engine or from the side. If you still have trouble finding the serpentine belt, you can look in 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 apply pressure to the belt. 

Whether you use a socket or a wrench, you must 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 

When trying to replace the harmonic balancer, the center bolt needs to be removed. This bolt holds the balancer’s components together, i.e., 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 that 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, a durable strap would be the perfect substitute. Since you have already removed the center bolt, you can put something in its 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

01. Can You Still Drive Your Vehicle Without Replacing The Harmonic Balancer?

It is not recommended to continue driving your car if the harmonic balancer needs to be replaced. 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 cost of replacing a harmonic balancer varies depending on the type of vehicle you use. However, it is 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. An overtightened balancer might also cause the crankshaft to malfunction. 

04. Can You Do A Crankshaft Replacement Without Removing The Engine?

The recommended procedure calls for removing the engine before replacing the crankshaft. However, it is possible to remove the crankshaft without removing the engine. 

05. How Much Does The Replacement Of A Crankshaft Pulley Cost? 

Generally, replacing a pulley costs from $350 to $400. The parts needed for the replacement cost around $200, while the labor might cost roughly $150. 

Verdict 

Although you can remove the harmonic balancer without using a puller, you should remember to use this tool whenever you have the chance.

Tools such as pullers are designed for a particular purpose and enable you to remove the item safely.