Harmonic Balancer (drive pulley) bolt, WOW it's tight!!
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Harmonic Balancer (drive pulley) bolt, WOW it's tight!!
I am not new to mechanic work, I have a bunch of tools and stuff and have worked on cars most of my 51 year long lifetime. I'm in the process of changing out the HB and some other things (because @Tusc made me do it). Anyway, the point of this nonsense post - THAT BOLT IS TIGHT!! As in 36" breaker bar with another 24" or so of jack handle on it and it will not budge TIGHT! I heated it for around 20 mins with a MAP torch, still nothing. Breaker bar looks like a recurve bow I'm pulling so hard.
Is there a trick to this thing? Tips and advice appreciated!!
Is there a trick to this thing? Tips and advice appreciated!!
The following users liked this post:
Tusc (05-18-2022)
#2
Running Guns & Moonshine
Anger. Anger does wonders and moves mountains.
#3
Running Guns & Moonshine
I heated the bolt itself with the yellow map torch quite a bit. J used a 5 foot metal plumbing pipe which fit closely over thr handle of my largest ratchet. I remember putting all my weight on it. Shifter in 6th gear. Rear end on the ground. And i remember also straining like i was going to herniate.
In the end, anger solved it. Fire and inner fire. But my hands break steel.
In the end, anger solved it. Fire and inner fire. But my hands break steel.
#4
Pro
Thread Starter
Funny guy! I like it.
I'm thinking of putting a ratchet on it with about 4' of jack handle, but I kinda think I may break the ratchet. Breaker bar seems to have too much flex - it goes back straight when pressure is released but bends like a bow during the effort.
I'm thinking of putting a ratchet on it with about 4' of jack handle, but I kinda think I may break the ratchet. Breaker bar seems to have too much flex - it goes back straight when pressure is released but bends like a bow during the effort.
#5
Running Guns & Moonshine
Like I said. Giant, thick plumbing pipe or conduit pipe... Whatever it was it was solid and never flexed. Anger. Hammering. Hopping. Hollering. I did it all. Suddenly it broke loose.
Hmm.. Hammering. Beat the crap out of the current hb. Might loosen the seal or some rust. Makes you feel better and less inadequate either way.
The bolt is a *****.
Hmm.. Hammering. Beat the crap out of the current hb. Might loosen the seal or some rust. Makes you feel better and less inadequate either way.
The bolt is a *****.
#6
If you think the breaker bar has too much flex, wait til the ratchet gear slips...
I have a motorcycle fork tube that I add to a breaker bar. Eventually it gets their attention.
Getting mad at it does help. A lot.
I have a motorcycle fork tube that I add to a breaker bar. Eventually it gets their attention.
Getting mad at it does help. A lot.
The following users liked this post:
Tusc (05-18-2022)
#8
Melting Slicks
https://www.harborfreight.com/85-amp...tch-64120.html
I bought this about 3 years ago to get the bolt out of dampener on PT Cruiser, it took about half a second.
Did not use it to go back on, knew it would break the crankshaft bolt.
Never needed to use it again, but it helped me that day.
I bought this about 3 years ago to get the bolt out of dampener on PT Cruiser, it took about half a second.
Did not use it to go back on, knew it would break the crankshaft bolt.
Never needed to use it again, but it helped me that day.
The following users liked this post:
ArmchairArchitect (05-19-2022)
#10
Banned Scam/Spammer
Member Since: Sep 2016
Location: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
Posts: 4,004
Received 3,918 Likes
on
1,616 Posts
#11
Running Guns & Moonshine
If that's what is on hand to bust that nut loose, then i guess that stick is gonna be recalibrated.
The following users liked this post:
vette4fl (05-21-2022)
#12
Melting Slicks
I have found out that a breaker, not a rachet will work especially when you use a big hammer, the sudden force when doing this helps break the bolt loose sometimes, and sometimes a lot of grunting and swearing works too.
#13
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Nov 2014
Location: Havre de Grace Maryland
Posts: 3,171
Received 1,230 Likes
on
783 Posts
Me, easy. Took it to my go to C5 mechanic that has done it many times and the job is done. No swearing, no purchase of special tools for once in a lifetime repair, and no busted knuckles.
#14
Melting Slicks
It's a 250 to 600ft lb torque wrench. Messing up the calibration can happen if you exceed the maximum torque value of the wrench. Don't think I came close
The following users liked this post:
Tusc (05-19-2022)
#15
I have a Snap-On 1200 lb-ft air impact gun. It's like hitting the easy button.
#16
Instructor
Heating it wont do any good as you will only heat up the bolt head of the bolt.
Their is a special Lock tool for the crank shaft to lock the Crank so it cant turn, If your not using the lock your loosing torque on the bolt as it transmits through tranny rear end etc.
If you cant get it with your length of Breaker bar It will require Shock to get it to break loose from an Impact gun.
Even with the Impact gun you should be using a Crank shaft Lock tool.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...0aAq-kEALw_wcB
Their is a special Lock tool for the crank shaft to lock the Crank so it cant turn, If your not using the lock your loosing torque on the bolt as it transmits through tranny rear end etc.
If you cant get it with your length of Breaker bar It will require Shock to get it to break loose from an Impact gun.
Even with the Impact gun you should be using a Crank shaft Lock tool.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...0aAq-kEALw_wcB
The following 2 users liked this post by Dudly Doright:
leadfoot4 (05-21-2022),
SilverC54me (05-23-2022)
#17
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2007
Location: Akron Ohio
Posts: 8,882
Received 1,789 Likes
on
953 Posts
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
My battery powered DeWalt Impact took mine off with some heat from a map gas torch. I think the hammering of an impact helps a lot.
The following users liked this post:
helga203 (05-21-2022)
#18
Pro
Thread Starter
Enjoying all these replies! I have tried most of the suggestions thus far: 1/2" impact gun, breaker bar, bigger breaker bar, big breaker bar with 24" of pipe, heating for 20 mins with MAP gas torch. Car in 6th, back tires on ground, crank maybe moves 1" before stopping completely. Bolt just laughs and laughs and I swear and fear for my teeth when something lets go...
No, it is not out yet but I have not worked on it again since my original post. I will get it tomorrow when I get done getting the boat ready for the season. (I call that optimism)
No, it is not out yet but I have not worked on it again since my original post. I will get it tomorrow when I get done getting the boat ready for the season. (I call that optimism)
#20
Safety Car
Member Since: Feb 2021
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,142
Received 2,301 Likes
on
1,336 Posts
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
https://www.harborfreight.com/85-amp...tch-64120.html
I bought this about 3 years ago to get the bolt out of dampener on PT Cruiser, it took about half a second.
Did not use it to go back on, knew it would break the crankshaft bolt.
Never needed to use it again, but it helped me that day.
I bought this about 3 years ago to get the bolt out of dampener on PT Cruiser, it took about half a second.
Did not use it to go back on, knew it would break the crankshaft bolt.
Never needed to use it again, but it helped me that day.