Most car owners only know how to remove a balancer using a puller. You can apply various methods to remove it. It is difficult to achieve if you don’t know how to remove harmonic balancer without puller.
And one of the ways pulling it without using a puller because it takes about 30 minutes to do that. Pulling it can vary, but that depends on the type of vehicle that you own. This blog gives you detailed information on how you can do it effortlessly. So…
What is Harmonic Balancer?
This is an important accessory that your car must have because it is tasked to maintain your crankshaft, thus ensuring it lasts for a long time. It generates a large amount of energy your vehicle requires to operate smoothly. Sometimes your engine might fall apart due to constant vibrations.
It has two fundamental pieces to enable your engine to operate seamlessly. So, the first one is a component that produces enough energy. There is a rubber insulator that separates it. Mass is the second one attached to the crankshaft.
The mass absorbs energy and forces from the crankshaft when the car engine is operational. The engine generates a large amount of pressure which can cause it to crack. This can result in several unforeseen problems.
Therefore, it inhibits the forces generated by the engine from tearing it apart. That’s why it is connected to the front part of the engine to minimize vibrations. When turning on your machine, its cylinders tend to move, creating a rotational force effect on the crankshaft.
This can cause damage to it and fail in the long run. The crankshaft is responsible for converting the energy produced, creating a natural rotational movement that enables the car wheels to move. Therefore, the harmonic balancer absorbs the effect of vibrations to prevent further damage to the engine.
If it is broken or damaged, the crankshaft might crack due to excessive vibrations. The best thing to do is to replace it immediately. To install the new one, you need to know how to remove harmonic balancer without puller to avoid replacement costs.
It has a lot of benefits; thus, it is imperative to get an aftermarket version. It is easy to install and fits well in your vehicle.
How to Remove Harmonic Balancer Without Puller
When your car engine is running, it creates vibrations that affect it negatively. For instance, the crankshaft might fail to sustain the extreme vibrations. That’s why you need to acquire a functional and original version because it plays a significant role in this process.
Ensure that when shopping for it, check if it comes with an accessory that absorbs excess energy and rotational mass. The mass helps to absorb vibrations generated by the engine. Thus preventing a possible crack effect due to excessive stress and strain.
Removing a balancer is simple and easy if you have the necessary tools to do it. Some of the equipment needed include:
- Bolts
- Screwdrivers
- Sockets
- Chisel
- Jack stands
- Goggles
- Protective gloves
- Hammer
- Strap
These are the most common tools you need to have. Now, follow the step-by-step procedure below of how to pull a harmonic balancer without a puller.
Step #1: Get your Vehicle Ready
Place it on a raised ground and support it using a jack stand. Ensure you turn off your engine and set the parking brake. Put on necessary protective gear such as goggles, gloves, etc. Raising your car enables you to locate the balancer. Now get your mounting kit.
Step #2: Take out the Serpentine Belt to Reach the Balancer
To locate the serpentine belt beneath the spring tension, you should get rid of engine covers. Use a wrench to push the spring tension on the opposite side to release the belt. Now remove it from the pulley at the bottom and all the other accessories.
A serpentine belt is an essential accessory because it links the engine with the balancer. It also provides the necessary power to air condition, compressors, and several other vehicle systems. Some cars have at least two or more serpentine belts to manage all the tasks.
Step #3: Do away with the Center Bolt
Before you remove the center bolt, you need first to locate it. It is situated in front of the crankshaft, and it is responsible for holding your harmonic balancer firmly in place. It is incredibly tight; therefore, you need robust equipment to remove it.
You can only access the balancer after removing the bolt. Therefore, use a socket that fits firmly on the bolt. Turn on the engine to allow the bolt to rotate and loosen up. This technique is highly effective and saves time.
Step #4: Remove the Pulley
Several car engines have a pulley that separates the center bolt and harmonic balancer; therefore, it is easy to pull it out. Use a screwdriver to rotate slightly, and with the help of a pickle fork, you can remove it slowly. You can also use your hands if you feel that it’s unnecessary to use the fork.
Step #5: Pull Out the Harmonic Balancer
This step requires you to utilize durable and highly reliable straps to remove it. You don’t need to purchase a pulley for this task, so save that cash for later use. You need to insert your durable strap between the space carefully.
Position it steadily around its center. Continue pulling the strap slowly till it comes out with the harmonic balancer. After that, you can embark on installing the new one. Replacement is easy and straightforward, and it takes few minutes.
Instances Resulting in Harmonic Balancer Replacement
Now that you have a basic understanding of how to remove harmonic balancer without puller, do you know what causes its replacement? So, if it fails to work, then there is an issue that has caused it.
If you experience this, you should replace it immediately. Here are some of the common problems that might force you to replace them.
Misaligned Timing Marks
This is a common problem affecting it. The timing marks can shift due to engine slips, thus making the balancer incorrectly time the engine. The marks tend to move once if both the inner ring and the outer ring are separated.
You can notice this while comparing it on the valve train. Therefore, check for misaligned timing marks to enable you to acquire a practical and handy balancer.
Faulty Transmission System
The transmission process can be affected negatively if the balancer fails to absorb vibrations in the crankshaft. Vibrations and shocks can cause severe damage to the input shaft, bearings, and gears. It is imperative to ensure that any issue related to transmission doesn’t affect the balancer.
Constant vibrations can result in numerous problems. Therefore, always check for common flaws in the transmission system. This is because a faulty transmission system can damage it.
Squealing Sound
During rotation, it can produce a whining sound. This cannot stop, no matter how you apply enough dressing to the belt. The only solution is to replace it.
Separated Balancer
The most common thing that causes its separation is the worn-out rubber. A separate balancer can make you lose some vital accessories in the engine. It is a very significant accessory that makes the car engine powerful and effective.
If you notice that it’s faulty and separated, seek the assistance of a professional mechanic for checking and possible replacement. If you do so, you stand a chance of getting a quality aftermarket version such as Dorman Engine Harmonic Balancer for Select automobile models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can lead to my harmonic balancer wear-out?
It can wear out due to some issues such as extreme heat. Constant torsional vibrations result in the generation of heat which makes it to be heated up. Another possible cause is a bad installation which can cause it to crack. To avoid this, do the proper installation process.
What is the best way to test if my balancer is functional?
Turn on your engine and check if the balancer is producing wobbles. Shine the flashlight directly into it and observe if it goes in and out during rotation. If you notice some wobbles, turn it off because it is spoilt.
What are the commons signs of damaged harmonic balancer?
Vibrations and shock of the engine is the expected sign. Its role is to absorb these vibrations and shocks that you apply on the crankshaft. Some other signs include wobbles, unfamiliar noises, wear, and tear, etc.
What can happen if my balancer fails to function correctly?
If it fails or becomes too old, the engine tends to shake too much. And, if the shakes become pronounced excessively, it can be hazardous to your car engine while driving at an incredible speed.
Conclusion
Removing it is pretty much easy and straightforward because you can do it yourself. If you understand how to remove harmonic balancer without puller, it becomes instrumental when you run into a problem. Seek the assistance of a mechanic if you cannot do it alone.
If you follow the detailed steps in this article, you can be able to remove it effortlessly. This is because it enlightens you on the best way to do that. You should make use of a durable and highly effective strap.
