harmonic balancer
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Eustis fl
harmonic balancer
OK, so I might do this job on my 01" auto cpe. I understand u have to tighten down the balancer a little at a time to get it to the right depth on the crank, then once there torque it to 250ft.lbs. I think that's the spec as I remember. So, when u torque it down to 250, won't that push it further down on the crank? what am I not seeing here? Also, what can I use to lock the motor so it doesn't turn when tightening the balancer? Something cheap that I can pic up locally, thank you
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Northville, MI
The use of a new GM crank bolt is to torque it to 37 ft-lbs and they further torque another 240 degrees. If you use the APR bolt the 250 ft-lbs is the correct torque. Using a correct harmonic balance (HB) installation tool is the correct method of installing the HB. To hold the engine while tightening you can use a Kent Moore starter lock for an auto trans--requires moving or removing the starter. Some have used the old serpentine belt method (google is you fiend) is another. The HB installation tool will tighten it to the crank and the crank bolt will keep it from walking at high rpm's. Also replace the crank seal (GM part) when replacing the HB.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: Green Oak Township, Michigan
Run the balancer on until it bottoms out.....torque it to 250 and you are done. If you use a balancer with a keyway cut in it, make sure that you put some silicone in the slot. Wont hurt to put some on the washer part of the bolt also. Dont use the serpentine belt method. You are trying to twist that sleeve with 250 ft. lbs. of torque. You are changing the balancer becaust the old one came loose. Why would you try to get a head start on the new one?? Starter can be moved out of the way without disconnecting the wires. just make sure that the battery is disconnected. Use the flywheel lock. Pretty simple job really, just time consuming. Also, if you are up on jackstands,,, you can drop your exhaust down on the floor.,, and slide it out of the way. Your 02 sensor wires are plenty long to do this. Makes dropping the starter super easy.
Last edited by Josephu; Aug 27, 2019 at 12:29 PM.
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You can go old school and hold a prybar on the flywheel/flex plate teeth to keep it from turning. I've done this a few times.
DO NOT reuse the stock crank bolt. They are torque to yield and you run a high risk of breaking it if you try to go to 37 ft/lbs plus 140°. I always recommend purchasing an ARP crank pulley bolt. You simply torque to 235 ft/lbs using arp moly lube. Simple and straight forward.
DO NOT reuse the stock crank bolt. They are torque to yield and you run a high risk of breaking it if you try to go to 37 ft/lbs plus 140°. I always recommend purchasing an ARP crank pulley bolt. You simply torque to 235 ft/lbs using arp moly lube. Simple and straight forward.
Last edited by Fastbird; Aug 28, 2019 at 03:52 PM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Central NJ
OK, so I might do this job on my 01" auto cpe. I understand u have to tighten down the balancer a little at a time to get it to the right depth on the crank, then once there torque it to 250ft.lbs. I think that's the spec as I remember. So, when u torque it down to 250, won't that push it further down on the crank? what am I not seeing here? Also, what can I use to lock the motor so it doesn't turn when tightening the balancer? Something cheap that I can pic up locally, thank you
I would suggest the arp bolt. It comes with some lube with it as well which makes it easier to torque down and keeps it in place.
Some say you will need an install tool, but I used a heat gun to get the hub of the new balancer to about 270 degrees. This allowed me to slide on th balancer enough to use the original bolt to drive the balancer on. You just need to make sure you can turn the bolt in a few turns prior to driving it all the way in. Once bottons out you can swap the arp bolt in.
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From: Eustis fl
yea, the prybar is a little scary to me, fearing it might slip. And yes I've awar the stock bolt is one time use, thank you. Tab, I'm curious, why do you say use the old bolt to get the pully on then swap it for the aarp, why not just install it with the aarp in the first place, thank you all for the advice
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Drifting
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From: Denver, NC
Some say you will need an install tool, but I used a heat gun to get the hub of the new balancer to about 270 degrees. This allowed me to slide on th balancer enough to use the original bolt to drive the balancer on. You just need to make sure you can turn the bolt in a few turns prior to driving it all the way in. Once bottons out you can swap the arp bolt in.
Last edited by Ed Ramberger; Aug 28, 2019 at 08:49 AM.
Safety Car
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From: Central NJ
yea, the prybar is a little scary to me, fearing it might slip. And yes I've awar the stock bolt is one time use, thank you. Tab, I'm curious, why do you say use the old bolt to get the pully on then swap it for the aarp, why not just install it with the aarp in the first place, thank you all for the advice
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Central NJ
Another thing is that you should ne able to use the puller that auto zone lends out. It's the Chrysler one. I did not use this one as I had a borrowed one from a friend but the Chrysler one is said to work on the stock balancer.
I ended up installing the power bond balancer from summit racing as well....
I ended up installing the power bond balancer from summit racing as well....
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From: Anthony TX
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NEVER use the old bolt to start the dampener on the crank. The old bolt or (new one for that matter too) is too short to properly engage the threads inside the crank enough to be able provide enough strength to force it in. The dampener bolt only threads into the first three of four threads in the end of the crank when you are trying to force the dampener on the crank. Some people have actually ripped the first few threads out of the end of the crank. NOT A GOOD PLAN!
Yes,,,Heating the dampener inner hub with a heat gun or small propane torch to about 200 deg F will significantly help it overcome that very tight interference fit when you install and or remove the dampener. .
Bill
Yes,,,Heating the dampener inner hub with a heat gun or small propane torch to about 200 deg F will significantly help it overcome that very tight interference fit when you install and or remove the dampener. .
Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Central NJ
NEVER use the old bolt to start the dampener on the crank. The old bolt or (new one for that matter too) is too short to properly engage the threads inside the crank enough to be able provide enough strength to force it in. The dampener bolt only threads into the first three of four threads in the end of the crank when you are trying to force the dampener on the crank. Some people have actually ripped the first few threads out of the end of the crank. NOT A GOOD PLAN!
Yes,,,Heating the dampener inner hub with a heat gun or small propane torch to about 200 deg F will significantly help it overcome that very tight interference fit when you install and or remove the dampener. .
Bill
Yes,,,Heating the dampener inner hub with a heat gun or small propane torch to about 200 deg F will significantly help it overcome that very tight interference fit when you install and or remove the dampener. .
Bill
That being said, you really need heat. I used a temp gun to ensure how hot the hub actually was. Just be sure to wear gloves so you do not burn your hands and slide the balancer on the shaft asap...itcwill bot work if you give the hub time to cool.
Good luck with whatever method you choose
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Pro
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From: Green Oak Township, Michigan
Use the threaded rod......nut......and the 2 washers that come with it. Its cheap on E-Bay. Antisieze the threads on the rod and you dont have to heat anything. Knock the sharp edge off of the leading I. D. of the balancer with some 220 paper. I used a cartridge roll on a grinder. This will prevent the ballancer from galling the O. D. of the crank.. It cant kick up a burr.......Make sure that everything is spotlessly clean. A little oil wiped on the snout before starting also helps. Once you see how easy this project is....you will be hiring yourself out to do LS balancers......
Last edited by Josephu; Aug 28, 2019 at 09:38 PM.
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