How to- Harmonic Balancer

[Coreyned]

How do i change a harmonic balancer from a 1997 cadillac eldorado, i probably can figure it out me n my friend are going to try to do it, but where can i get the tool for it for cheap? and ho to do it? thanks for replys

[JC316]

Well, you are going to need a 3 jaw puller, a big ass breaker bar, and something to hold the flywheel.

Basically getting the bolt out is THE hardest part. Someone told me that they secured the breaker bar and cranked the engine over, I am not sure how well that would work, so I can't recommend it.

Otherwise, you will either A, have to pull the intake and starter, or B go underneath to the inspection plate.

[Ranger]

Be sure to torque the new one to proper spec's as it drives the oil pump. Failure to do so will cause the pump to slip and thus low oil pressure. I don't remember what the torque spec is , but it is quite high (300ft/lb +).

[lisekpl]

Ranger's right, use should re-torque exactly to specs. I just did it, if I remember correctly they were 37 lbs ft and 120' degrees. I will check it after work. Some people say that you shouldnt reuse the old bolt, but I just put some loc tite and went with it.

[Mountie]

Replacing my North*, I learned all about which bolts are 'stretch bolts'.... use them once & when removed, throw away.

One hint to determine if the bolt is a 'stretch', is the torque spec. They describe a light torque, then a DEGREE of turn to finish. ( 25lb. + 15 ' )

Careful, ...a complete turn is 360 degrees, so if it requires 15 degree, figure the amount.

I wouldn't play with a hard to reach bolt.... toss it.

[lisekpl]

To confirm, the dampener bolt should be tightened to 37 lb. ft and then 120 degrees. To do the final step, just use the position of any two spokes on the dampener (since they are 120 degrees apart) and turn so that your starting spoke is in place of the other spoke after the turn.

[Coreyned]

ok ill try to understang exactly what you guys are saying, its kind of hard since i am just starting to work on cars, terms and whatnot, but thanks for your replys. me and my friend i beleive are mechanically talented to figure out how to- just not with names as of yet. but thanks

[Mountie]

Originally Posted by Coreyned

ok ill try to understang exactly what you guys are saying, its kind of hard since i am just starting to work on cars, terms and whatnot, but thanks for your replys. me and my friend i beleive are mechanically talented to figure out how to- just not with names as of yet. but thanks

Some details can be confusing........ I suggest you do what I have done in the past.... Ask a mechanic or have him show you.

If you want to learn something new, there is no such thing as a dumb question. Most mechanics will understand that. Good luck!