Harmonic Balancer replacement

[Explorer Pete]

I'm from the OLD school of auto repair. I watched my grand father wrench on cars some 40 years ago. To replace a harmonic balancer, all you needed was the right size socket, breaker bar, and the new part. Now it seams you need to take the same parts off for a water pump replacement. Why is that? Is it for the oil slinger? If so , then ok. Why do you need to place the engine at top dead center if you have a key way? It will only go on one way, a no brainer, right? Can some one explain this to me please. It looks and sounds like i might need to replace mine. Hard job for a 63 year old back yard wrencher. Thanks Pete the OLD

 

[BigRondo]

Hey old man, : , this might be a good read: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302068

You called yourself old first, I'm just following suit.

 

[Explorer Pete]

BigRondo, Had already checked out Cobra Jet's thread, and any other threads on the harmonic balancer. They all end up saying that the engine needs to be at top dead center. The key way is used to keep the HB in place. The timeing marks are on the balancer. So I ask the same question " Why do you need to have the engine at top dead center, and also take off the front cover? If the front seal is good and not leaking then what is the reason? Someone, please help me to understand this. Thanks Pete

 

[edwx]

I replaced the leaking front seal on my '03 XLS, and it wasn't that difficult. As I recall, I removed the plastic around the radiator, the fan, the serpentine belt, and I think I drained the coolant because the bottom hose was in the way. Basically I just had to remove enough stuff to get access to the pulley. From there I removed the pulley bolt, and used a cheap bolt puller to pull the pulley. The old seal came out and went in fairly easily, and I put everything back together. The shaft had some scoring on it, so I bought a repair sleeve from NAPA, and tapped it onto the pulley shaft before reassembly. I learned how to do the whole thing from this forum and there are some good threads on it. The shaft IS keyed, so no need to worry about top dead center.

 

[imp]

BigRondo, Had already checked out Cobra Jet's thread, and any other threads on the harmonic balancer. They all end up saying that the engine needs to be at top dead center. The key way is used to keep the HB in place. The timeing marks are on the balancer. So I ask the same question " Why do you need to have the engine at top dead center, and also take off the front cover? If the front seal is good and not leaking then what is the reason? Someone, please help me to understand this. Thanks Pete

Stick with your guns! Us old farts usually win out in the end anyway. So long as we took the time to learn more about modern **** and EFI along the way! The strictly mechanical part of it, keyways, timing marks, etc. have not changed. BTW, oil seal technology has not materially changed, other than better elastomers, in 40 years! I used to make the damn things!! imp

 

[Explorer Pete]

Right on edwx and imp, I think the books on ( how to ) are printed for the wrench heads that were not around when the real wrenching was done. Like repairing the ride so you could go to work the next day, or you could mash the gas and see who was faster, and not care what broke. Just straight forward wrenching. Timing, gas,and spark. No computers or special test equipment.

 

[treats54]

I believe my balancer needs to be replaced as well. (2004) Already replaced the two pulleys and alternator. Trying to decide if I can do the job myself and save some bucks, or if I need to take it to a mechanic with special tools and knowledge. If I must find TDC in piston 1 by removing the front engine cover, it goes to the shop. So, can I just get under the car and pull the pulley, with the right tools, and put new one on? After reading this thread there seems to be some hope. But want to be sure before beginning.

 

[edwx]

No need to find TDC. It's keyed. Just take it off and reinstall. I've done it on my '03. I think that I did a "How To" on it but I can't quite remember. I found all the info necessary on the forum. Search 'harmonic balancer' and 'crank pulley.'

 

[snoranger]

I guess no one has ever had a worn woodruff key fall out?!?!

Having the motor at TDC puts the key at the top of the crank. If its loose, it will just drop into the engine. Its not necessary, because that doesnt happen often, but its good practice.

 

[Explorer Pete]

I think the real reason you are told to have the engine at TDC, is if you find any other problems with the front end while changing the HB and the seal. Just my 2cents. Pete

 

[treats54]

OK, So learning as I go here. Picked up a new HB, surprised when I opened it up and it did not have the outer pulley part where the belt actually rides. So now I am guessing that is the crank pulley. Engine is chirping- usually only when cold, and when heater or a/c fan is blowing when stopped-do i really need to replace the hb or can I just replace the crank pulley?

 

[Explorer Pete]

Treats54, Can you send a pic of your new part, it is my understanding that the HM is one unit. Sounds like you may have the wrong one or a bad one from your parts store. Pete

 

[treats54]

trying to figure out how to post that picture

 

[treats54]

 

[treats54]

Above is the new part. Here is the current part looking up from beneath the engine.

 

[snoranger]

You've got the right part.
What happened is your balancer separated and the belt was riding on the rubber, not on the pulley.
You got lucky, the pulley didnt come off and take out your radiator or other pulleys.

 

[treats54]

I have been driving it, since the noise will stop while driving. Glad to hear I was lucky!

When inserting the new HB, do I need to grease/oil any parts before inserting?

And it would seem that I also need to order a new bolt for the replacement as well.