Harmonic balancer installer set

[scott37300]

I might be doing a timing chain and I have all the pullers for the balancer but have always just used the bolt to install the balancer in years past. In the spirit of doing things right in the recent years I am looking into getting a balancer installer. There are tons of options out there for all different prices. Just wondering what others are using?

Here are some links to the ones I have been searching.

Advance auto powerbuilt for 100 bucks, http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...werbuilt-Tools_9150003-P_N3491_T|GRP2083_____. This is a full kit and the only nice thing about it is I don't have that 3 legged puller for chryslers and this comes with one along with a conventional puller which I already have and it also comes with the installer. Decent deal for a complete set but not sure aobut quality.

Then there are lisle, KD tools, OTC, calvan, morosso, astro, etc. for prices ranging from 30 bucks to over 100. I won't be using this that often so obviously like to keep price down but also don't like buying junk.

Any suggestions on which kit to buy?

 

[Charles (in GA)]

For me, the bolt didn't work. I think they purposely made it such a length that it could not be used to start pulling down the crank pulley. Some metric threaded rod and a couple of nuts and washers and some grease worked fine, and greatly resembled the tool shown in the factory manual.

Charles

 

[Dust]

The Miller special tool uses a pushrod type of reaction member instead of threading into the crankshaft nose. This makes it quite easy to assemble the tool on the crank, as compared to threading it in. It's also the standard damper puller for most newer Chrysler engines, with only a few older ones needing a different style.

It's well worth the money if you do Chryslers. Almost every tech at my shop has their own.

 

[pipsters]

Just "rent" the advance auto parts set when you need it. It's free. That is what I do, saves a ton of cash and storage space. Hell I even used a vacuum pump and gauge set when I did my a/c, I believe that came from Autozone. For the at home DIY guy, it is a good option.

 

[diesel research]

Greasy washers work great for most vehicles. Act as "thrust bearings" to reduce friction between bolt head and balancer.

Of course the threaded rod and nut may do the trick if length is an issue.

 

[rodm1]

I use this one but have to admit it's over kill. It might not work on some newer stuff.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SUM-G1025/

 

[jeepfan93]

Just looking at the pics, i think the summit one looks better. The one form Advanced isn't too bad, but on the Ford 5.0 motor, the drive bushing in the kit isn't big enough to do anything. I had to double up on it with my old from HF.

 

[scott37300]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I see there are different types of pullers. One that just uses a bolt and a thrust washer and nut and one that uses a bigger round plate. Is there any difference between the two I should be looking at?

Here is the one with just a thrust washer and nut

And here is the one with a bigger round plate

Is one style better than the other or have an advantage over the other?

Any recomendation on brands?

 

[diggerrick]

I don't think you can remove the damper with the top kit - for installation only.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Scott,

I have the bottom kit that came from Matco. It has worked well for me and is a very heavy (and heavy duty) unit.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

So what do you guys recommend for harmonic balancer/crank pulley removers?

I've needed one a couple times recently, but have been able to use my big two-arm puller instead:

(An e-cookie to whoever can correctly identify that car!)

 

[Matt472]

So what do you guys recommend for harmonic balancer/crank pulley removers?

I've needed one a couple times recently, but have been able to use my big two-arm puller instead:

(An e-cookie to whoever can correctly identify that car!)

Volvo S40/C70/C30....?

Edit, V50 is another option. They're all the same chassis

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Volvo S40/C70/C30....?

Edit, V50 is another option. They're all the same chassis

Damn, you're good. V50 T5.

Here you go!

 

[Matt472]

I was looking forward to that cookie. Perk of being a volvo tech.

 

[scott37300]

I don't think you can remove the damper with the top kit - for installation only.

I already have a couple pullers, just need an installer.

The couple of times I've needed to I've just put the balancer back on with the bolt. But since then and since finding this forum I have been trying not to hack things and buy the right tools to do things right.

 

[Monte]

So what do you guys recommend for harmonic balancer/crank pulley removers?

specifically for pulleys there is this set available from Hazet and Nexus:

 

[Tarheelgarage]

So what do you guys recommend for harmonic balancer/crank pulley removers?

I've needed one a couple times recently, but have been able to use my big two-arm puller instead:

(An e-cookie to whoever can correctly identify that car!)

That's the best way to damage the rubber on the harmonic balancer; you need to use the correct puller or a new balancer will be in your future....

 

[xj31]

I personally would never use a puller that grabs the damper by the outer ring. It might work but what happens when it pulls the outer ring off?
I see Tarheel posted while I was typing.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

That's the best way to damage the rubber on the harmonic balancer; you need to use the correct puller or a new balancer will be in your future....

The gripping surface is quite large on that puller (Over a square inch per leg) and it was pulling against the back surface of the inner part of the pulley. There was no pressure on the outer part or rubber section.

I personally would never use a puller that grabs the damper by the outer ring. It might work but what happens when it pulls the outer ring off?
I see Tarheel posted while I was typing.

It separates into two pieces! Changing the timing belts on a Mitsubishi L200 pickup the other day, i wondered why the timing marks didn't line up when i stripped the timing covers, then found the two parts of the pulley were completely separated.