Harmonic balancer installation tool - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

skillet · 09-12-2005, 02:24 PM

I was just wondering what most people do when installing the harmonic balancer. I have a craftsman harmonic balancer puller. I wonder if you could use the large bolt that comes with it and put a large socket/washer/nut on it and press the balancer back on. Or would it be better just to rent or buy the installation tool? Thanks for any info.

**Yukon Jack** · 09-12-2005, 02:29 PM

I'd get the proper tool - it can be done without it but a mistake is costly!

cableguy0 · 09-12-2005, 02:30 PM

just get the tool for it. its safer and you dont have to worry about knocking the outer ring loose on the balancer or tearing up the thrust bearing

skillet · 09-12-2005, 02:34 PM

I will get the tool. Anyone have any favorite brands? Thanks very much again.

cdowns · 09-12-2005, 03:02 PM

i'm not familar with the craftsman version but the harmonic balancer remover i have is also designed to press them on also

neonlarry · 09-12-2005, 03:06 PM

Rent one for free at AutoZone etc.

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 09-12-2005, 03:26 PM

Thats a nice set you have there Cdowns, I like it being all in one box. I have the Installer and the remover but seperate

**StingRay** · 09-12-2005, 03:40 PM

I take a long fine threaded bolt and extend the threading up neer the head of the bolt and then use an old lug nut and the balancer washer to pull it on. True there is a risk of thread stripping on the bolt where the lug nut is used but on the crank end it's no more risk than with a fancy tool. I've used the same bolt dozens of times and it's always worked great. I already had the bolt and nut as well as the tap and dye set so the cost is zero.

Russell · 09-12-2005, 03:42 PM

I did the same as Sting Ray, and made my own tool. I just used an old spare crank bolt I had lying around, welded a thick diameter bolt on the end, then threaded it into the crank as far as it would go (had to cut it down a bit so the end of the old crank bolt would sit on the snout of the crank, I then used the bigger diameter outer bolt to pull the harmonic balancer on with a thick washer. Worked like a charm!

mocwon · 09-12-2005, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neonlarry

Rent one for free at AutoZone etc.

Exactly what I did. Plus they have every other puller/installer you can imagine.
Unless you do a bunch of this or have an open space in your tool box dying to be filled up, use it for free and let someone else pay for it.....

shifty · 09-12-2005, 04:38 PM

I did the same as the last couple people. They basically charge you for the piece, then when you return it, they take the charge off.

**guyryan100** · 09-12-2005, 04:45 PM

See the thread below to see what can happen if you just use the bolt. I won't try it again.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa....php3?t=134893

cdowns · 09-12-2005, 07:14 PM

getting the tool from the autoparts store is a good way to go for those that only do it once// but if you intend to work on cars as a lifetime hobby well --i've changed out at least 40-50cams and probablly 20timing sets in the past 20years at 2trips to the parts store for each repair that's over 120 trips to the parts store======it pays to own tools!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jimfulco · 09-12-2005, 11:41 PM

I got a chunk of 7/16"x20 all-thread at a fastener store & used a matching nut & flat washer on top of the thick factory balancer washer, along with a coat of wheel bearing grease. A thrust bearing from an A/C clutch installer made it a little easier.

09-12-2005, 02:24 PM	#1
skillet Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: denton, tx, usa Posts: 176	Harmonic balancer installation tool I was just wondering what most people do when installing the harmonic balancer. I have a craftsman harmonic balancer puller. I wonder if you could use the large bolt that comes with it and put a large socket/washer/nut on it and press the balancer back on. Or would it be better just to rent or buy the installation tool? Thanks for any info. __________________ 69 SB GMC LWB Fleetside 350, 09 Pontiac Vibe 2.4 liter

09-12-2005, 02:29 PM	#2
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	I'd get the proper tool - it can be done without it but a mistake is costly! __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14

09-12-2005, 02:30 PM	#3
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,950	just get the tool for it. its safer and you dont have to worry about knocking the outer ring loose on the balancer or tearing up the thrust bearing __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

09-12-2005, 02:34 PM	#4
skillet Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: denton, tx, usa Posts: 176	I will get the tool. Anyone have any favorite brands? Thanks very much again. __________________ 69 SB GMC LWB Fleetside 350, 09 Pontiac Vibe 2.4 liter

09-12-2005, 03:02 PM	#5
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	i'm not familar with the craftsman version but the harmonic balancer remover i have is also designed to press them on also __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY Last edited by cdowns; 05-12-2006 at 08:06 AM.

09-12-2005, 03:06 PM	#6
neonlarry Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vacaville, CA Posts: 2,746	Rent one for free at AutoZone etc. __________________ 70 C/10 Light Red 350/TH350, HEI, Duals w/40 series Flows, 91 seat, LED taillights 99 Pontiac S/C GTP, SLP Ram Air hood, GMPP Konis & springs 95 Neon ACR, MP PCM, AFX UDP, 3.0 CAI

09-12-2005, 03:26 PM	#7
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,139	Thats a nice set you have there Cdowns, I like it being all in one box. I have the Installer and the remover but seperate __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565

09-12-2005, 03:40 PM	#8
StingRay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Saskatoon,SK,Canada Posts: 2,476	I take a long fine threaded bolt and extend the threading up neer the head of the bolt and then use an old lug nut and the balancer washer to pull it on. True there is a risk of thread stripping on the bolt where the lug nut is used but on the crank end it's no more risk than with a fancy tool. I've used the same bolt dozens of times and it's always worked great. I already had the bolt and nut as well as the tap and dye set so the cost is zero. __________________ Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada

09-12-2005, 03:42 PM	#9
Russell Professional Grade Join Date: May 2003 Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta Posts: 7,915	I did the same as Sting Ray, and made my own tool. I just used an old spare crank bolt I had lying around, welded a thick diameter bolt on the end, then threaded it into the crank as far as it would go (had to cut it down a bit so the end of the old crank bolt would sit on the snout of the crank, I then used the bigger diameter outer bolt to pull the harmonic balancer on with a thick washer. Worked like a charm! __________________ 1995 Chevrolet 2 Door Tahoe (6.6L LBZ Duramax / ZF6 / NP241 with 1 ton solid axle swap)

09-12-2005, 04:38 PM	#11
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I did the same as the last couple people. They basically charge you for the piece, then when you return it, they take the charge off. __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

09-12-2005, 04:45 PM	#12
guyryan100 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Cumming, GA Posts: 471	See the thread below to see what can happen if you just use the bolt. I won't try it again. http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa....php3?t=134893

09-12-2005, 07:14 PM	#13
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	getting the tool from the autoparts store is a good way to go for those that only do it once// but if you intend to work on cars as a lifetime hobby well --i've changed out at least 40-50cams and probablly 20timing sets in the past 20years at 2trips to the parts store for each repair that's over 120 trips to the parts store======it pays to own tools!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

09-12-2005, 11:41 PM	#14
jimfulco Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Shreveport LA Posts: 3,170	I got a chunk of 7/16"x20 all-thread at a fastener store & used a matching nut & flat washer on top of the thick factory balancer washer, along with a coat of wheel bearing grease. A thrust bearing from an A/C clutch installer made it a little easier.



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