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I'm starting the HB replacement job on my 2006 Z51. Several videos show how to do this dropping the cradle leaving the steering rack in place. Could someone tell me if the steering shaft needs to be disconnected from the rack when doing this method? thx
Well about five hours into it going real slow, wheels off, upper control arm bolts out noting washer placements, shock bolts out, engine supported, cradle supported and bolts removed, and I now have a good view of the HB... waiting now for 24mm socket and flywheel locking tool to proceed
Just did it 2 weeks ago.
Absolute no for removing steering rack. Bs if they say it will be needed!
Only 2 culprits i had:
- not buying the balancer removal tool... (took me a 3 hrs fight)
- The z51 steering cooler. I damaged the aluminium a bit, but that thing is in the way, even when u loose it up.
Just did it 2 weeks ago.
Absolute no for removing steering rack. Bs if they say it will be needed!
Only 2 culprits i had:
- not buying the balancer removal tool... (took me a 3 hrs fight)
- The z51 steering cooler. I damaged the aluminium a bit, but that thing is in the way, even when u loose it up.
So beginning.. Identify wich HB is on the Vette, and buy the tool u need to remove it
Choose your new HB, and absolute buy the tool to install it.
I used the Summit Racing balancer. Made the tool for holding the balancer when set it on torque myself.
looks like a lot of work... could have just purchased on on Amazon for 40.00 bucks or gone to Autozone and picked up the correct tool and rented it for free... its typically known as a Chrysler harmonic balancer puller... it works like a charm on the LS engines.
Now the rods are too short to go down the bolt hole. I placed a short 1/2 extension into the hole which gives a good base for the rods to push from...
New HB installed using GM TTY bolt following manual specs for tightening 140 degrees past the initial 37 ft-lb torque. Reassembled with new idler and tensioner parts, both belts new as well. I am so glad I did not go through the 'remove the steering rack' technique. Started up and completed test drive, zero problems, and no more wobbling HB
Im the 6th owner 89000 mls, and dont have the complete history of the car.
(imported the Vette from Sweden, there it drove since 2011. It started its life in CA the first 4 years)
The way they look i think they have changed already.
Sure, the harmonic balancer can be changed without removing the rack. But if your installing a new oil pump and timing chain, it is a Helluva lot easier with it out of the way. You can change the oil and filter without using a filter wrench and sockets, too. Doesn't mean it's easier that way. Sometimes short cuts can make things take longer, and cause damage that wouldn't happen otherwise. Like if the new balancer happens to scrape some crud off the rack and deposit it into the oil pan. My .02.....
Last edited by grinder11; Dec 26, 2023 at 05:55 PM.
Im the 6th owner 89000 mls, and dont have the complete history of the car.
(imported the Vette from Sweden, there it drove since 2011. It started its life in CA the first 4 years)
The way they look i think they have changed already.
Good to hear.
The link you provided that I quoted above shows brown staining on the motor mount like I have on mine. I was trying to see if you saw this and checked your mounts. But I guess that link is not of your car but someone else's car.
Dropping Cradle for HB... Question
