I want to replace the Balancer/Crank seal on a 3.5 engine, 2011 Impala. When installing the Balancer could I tap it back on with a rubber or wooden mallet till the bolt catches? I don't want to do any damage to the crank bearing and can't seem to find a re install tool for that specific engine. Thanks.
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Harmonic Balancer Install
- Thread starter Levaughn
- Start date
66HertzClone
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Maybe create your own tool? A piece of threaded rod or a fully threaded long bolt of the correct size, a nut and some large washers.
I was thinking about doing that, but I didn't know the size of the nut. I don't want to run the risk of running the wrong rod or nut into the crank and striping the threads. I see alot of kits online but mostly for LS1 engines. My engine is a LZE. I never worried about tapping my old 350 and 327 engine balancers with a hammer, but I figured I would err on the side of caution and ask some first on this engine.
Thanks. I heard mention that size number but couldn't confirm it. I'll try and locate that size threaded rod.M12X1.5 threaded rod would be my guess, and big washers to spread/square the load
Beating balancers on these days is not a wise thing to do
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
You can buy a master installer kit for 100 or so online.
If you're a bad boy, you can also just tap it on lightly with your palm, then use the bolt to pull it on.
If you're a bad boy, you can also just tap it on lightly with your palm, then use the bolt to pull it on.
signcrafter
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 9, 2012
- Messages
- 12,317
I have the lisle set and also a blue point set I bought used. I havent ran into anything they cant do. Also if you dont want to buy a kit i think the parts stores loan the installer kits.
If you do the tap on/pull the rest of the way on method make damn sure you have enough threads engaged!! If the balancer is a tight fit there is a possibility of screwing up the threads. I've done quite a few this way if I didn't have the correct installer and never had an issue.
GM says to replace the crank bolt with a new one anyway. You could always just measure the new crank bolt you get and make your own install tool with threaded rod.
GM says to replace the crank bolt with a new one anyway. You could always just measure the new crank bolt you get and make your own install tool with threaded rod.
Raineman
Well-known member
Go to your local Auto Zone. Rent one for free. They run your credit card for the cost of the tool and when you bring it back they credit your card the full amount.
Done this many times with all kinds of tools I will only use once. Great program.
Done this many times with all kinds of tools I will only use once. Great program.
crewchief888
Well-known member
thats what i did. they had a brand new set as a loaner, i kept it.Go to your local Auto Zone. Rent one for free. They run your credit card for the cost of the tool and when you bring it back they credit your card the full amount.
Done this many times with all kinds of tools I will only use once. Great program.
mikester
Well-known member
I used the set from autozone. Liked it so much I went to a new store that just opened and basically bought a set that wasnt even opened. Got a removal set and a coil spring compressor at the same time.
Getting them new was a plus. Lots of guys dont lube the threads and screw them up.
Getting them new was a plus. Lots of guys dont lube the threads and screw them up.
Bought a car that had terrible crank pulley wobble. When taken off, I saw underneath the damper was smashed in partly where the pulley lip went into it. That spot is where a hammer must of hit good and that's why the pulley was wobbling. New damper and it was all good but if I hadn't noticed then my new UD pulley set may have thrown a belt.
I've used a block of wood and hammered one on but I'm sure the thrust bearing wasn't happy.
Most parts places loan/rent an installer.
I've used a block of wood and hammered one on but I'm sure the thrust bearing wasn't happy.
Most parts places loan/rent an installer.