Nice video, very thorough, I used it to replace my harmonic balancer in my 2003 Buick Century (3100). I did not have to drop the engine though. I was able reach up and attached the wheel puller right where the balancer was and there was enough room for it to come out. My clearance was exactly like the one in the video and it was fine. I also used an electrical impact gun to get the main bolt off. Because of that I did not have to use a screwdriver and hold the transmission gear in place while trying to break the bolt loose or to tighten it up afterwards. In hindsight, I could have done the job by lifting up only one wheel. Anyway, I wouldn't have attempted to do it without this video, so thank you for making it.
I have an optional method when using the puller to remove the harmonic balancer that you might find useful. Even though your puller kit comes with those long bolts that thread into the balancer's threaded holes, I suggest buying shorter bolts. I used 2" long bolts (the bolts are 3/8" UNC with a 9/16" hex head). That way the puller bolts have enough room to not hit the car body as you pull the balancer out and you don't have to lower the subframe. As long as the center forcing screw of the puller clears the body you can use the shorter bolts without messing with the subframe. I recently did this with a 3.4L Pontiac Montana van. The factory service manual calls for lowering the subframe but it wasn't really necessary. This might not work on all applications but it will work on at least some.
+mailpup . . . . Good thinking! . . . Luckily, this is a job I haven't had to do too often. So, I usually just borrow the puller. Still, I am never happy when I have to lower the sub-frame. I might decide to buy a puller, and will keep your suggestion in mind. Any time that we can find a way to remove less items while doing a particular job is always a time saver. Thanks for your suggestion.
In addition to using shorter bolts, one doesn't need an assistant to hold the flywheel. Just use vice-grips and clamp it onto the flywheel, It holds it good enough so the balancer can come of pretty easy. I recommend using "round" jaw instead of square jaw. Works very well installing the balancer as well. Shal ' aam Aleichem AAPiY Mike
+Mike Paul . . . . Awesome idea! . . . Why didn't I ever think of that? . . Now I can fire the helper! . . Just kidding! . . . Come to think of it, the helper on this video was actually my daughter. I would have to hire her before I can fire her! . . . Great suggestion. Thanks for your input Mike. Peace be with you as well! . . . .Good number by the way!
mailpup- or izzy- what is the thread pitch of the 3/8" unc with the 9/16 hex head? 16? fine or course thread? i have what you have, just want to make sure with the thread pitch, i tried screwing it in, it goes bout 1/4 ways in but stops, maybe the rust and grime is what is holding it back. just want to make sure, don't want to ruin the threads. i am about to do this job on my 2001 v6 buick century 3.1l. please sirs?? thank you. btw- the harbor freight harmonic balancer kit has the shorter 3/8 unc 9/16 hex head bolts with course 16 thread pitch.
snippits75 I wont have it! . . I wont have it! . . . Thank you! . . . . I usually do the video work myself, but on this occasion I was lucky to have my daughter around to help with the camera work. Glad you liked it!. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me a message. Thanks for your comment!
Izzy,thanks to you and your daughter for taking the time to make this video.It's very informative.I actually thinks she deserves a pay raise.Lol One question,please.Was the center bolt backwards threaded?I have run into th
Agreed, I think she did good, specially being her first time doing the camera work. This bolt is normal, "lefty loosy". Thanks for the feedback my friend!
If you pay attention to the video, you'll notice I added that step as an option that may be used on some cars. Besides, it is always much faster to lower the engine (if necessary) than to have to go shopping for bolts. Thanks for your input.
Hey i have a 05 buick century. Im currently doing the same job... Im about a quarter the way done... So im wondering if im going to finish and have my car turn over but not fire up because of the ekp relearn? Does the timing get fucked up by removing this harmonic balancer?? Am i gonna be screwed an not have a running car when i finish up here in about an hour. Im about to take off the flywheel cover.. Took a break to smoke a ciggarette an started thinking about the timing thing.. Please somebody help answr my question im worried about it because my brsnd new harmonic balancer came with a paper that says i have to relearn the timing....
The replacement part in my case was identical, and had no issues. If the new part is not identical you may have a problem. Good luck, let me know how it goes.
Negative. These engines sit on the sub-frame. Besides, that would be the hard way to do it. Why would you want to do that, unless you think making a simple easy process harder and more complicated is good therapy. As mentioned in the video, lowering the sub-frame is only an optional step, to be done only when needed.
Do you happen to know the correct bolt size for the puller to fit the "holes" on the harmonic balancer for the puller bolts? I assume the threads are metric nut I don't know what size. Mine is a 2002 3.1 Century SFI engine
I don't. You can borrow a puller from your local auto parts stores like AutoZone or O'Reilly's and they usually have a few different sets of bolts that should fit. Otherwise you can take out one of your bolts and take it in to one of the auto parts stores, or your local home improvement store. They have a thread gauge that you can use to find out what size bolts you have. Good luck! . . Let me know how it goes.
No. You may have to tap it in with a plastic mallet or a block of wood and a mallet until you have sufficient threads for the bolt to grab without trashing those threads at the begining. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.
very informative video izzy. 1 question though, is the procedure to replace a dampener/harmonic balancer pretty much the same on a '93 Buick Century 3.3 v6 the same as the video? I'm having trouble finding a video for my car and yours is the closest I've come. Thanks in advance!
There might be slight differences, but for the most part it should be similar. One great tip by subscriber Mike Paul you'll find in the comments (below) that makes it easier: "one doesn't need an assistant to hold the flywheel. Just use vice-grips and clamp it onto the flywheel, It holds it good enough so the balancer can come off pretty easy. I recommend using "round" jaw instead of square jaw. Works very well installing the balancer as well." . . . Let me know how it goes.
I don't recall the size. I used one of the sets included in the puller kit, and as you can see in the video I added some old lug nuts to take-up the slack.
thaat screwdriver deal is a good way to jack up a flywheel,be better to use a pair of needle nose vise grips to lock it in place ma,just saying cuz your going to do a lot of damage that way
I didn't want to bore the RUclips viewers with self explanatory stuff. One simply turns the bolt and the harmonic balancer comes off the end of the crankshaft.
Bad info to use anything on the teeth of flywheel! You are so screwed if a tooth gets broken because the starter will start to jump and damage other teeth!
Flywheels and flexplates are made of steel. The aluminum transmission case will break before a tooth breaks. In 40 years of doing it like that, I've never had a problem, and never heard of anyone having a problem by doing in that way. Thanks for the feedback.
Nice video, very thorough, I used it to replace my harmonic balancer in my 2003 Buick Century (3100). I did not have to drop the engine though. I was able reach up and attached the wheel puller right where the balancer was and there was enough room for it to come out. My clearance was exactly like the one in the video and it was fine. I also used an electrical impact gun to get the main bolt off. Because of that I did not have to use a screwdriver and hold the transmission gear in place while trying to break the bolt loose or to tighten it up afterwards. In hindsight, I could have done the job by lifting up only one wheel. Anyway, I wouldn't have attempted to do it without this video, so thank you for making it.
You're welcome, I'm glad it was helpful, and thanks for the feedback!
Possibly one of the most well explained how-tos ive ever seen. Good job
Glad you approve my friend. Thanks for the feedback!
I have an optional method when using the puller to remove the harmonic balancer that you might find useful. Even though your puller kit comes with those long bolts that thread into the balancer's threaded holes, I suggest buying shorter bolts. I used 2" long bolts (the bolts are 3/8" UNC with a 9/16" hex head). That way the puller bolts have enough room to not hit the car body as you pull the balancer out and you don't have to lower the subframe. As long as the center forcing screw of the puller clears the body you can use the shorter bolts without messing with the subframe. I recently did this with a 3.4L Pontiac Montana van. The factory service manual calls for lowering the subframe but it wasn't really necessary. This might not work on all applications but it will work on at least some.
+mailpup . . . . Good thinking! . . . Luckily, this is a job I haven't had to do too often. So, I usually just borrow the puller. Still, I am never happy when I have to lower the sub-frame. I might decide to buy a puller, and will keep your suggestion in mind. Any time that we can find a way to remove less items while doing a particular job is always a time saver. Thanks for your suggestion.
In addition to using shorter bolts, one doesn't need an assistant to hold the flywheel. Just use vice-grips and clamp it onto the flywheel, It holds it good enough so the balancer can come of pretty easy. I recommend using "round" jaw instead of square jaw. Works very well installing the balancer as well.
Shal ' aam Aleichem
AAPiY
Mike
+Mike Paul . . . . Awesome idea! . . . Why didn't I ever think of that? . . Now I can fire the helper! . . Just kidding! . . . Come to think of it, the helper on this video was actually my daughter. I would have to hire her before I can fire her! . . . Great suggestion. Thanks for your input Mike. Peace be with you as well! . . . .Good number by the way!
mailpup- or izzy- what is the thread pitch of the 3/8" unc with the 9/16 hex head? 16? fine or course thread? i have what you have, just want to make sure with the thread pitch, i tried screwing it in, it goes bout 1/4 ways in but stops, maybe the rust and grime is what is holding it back. just want to make sure, don't want to ruin the threads. i am about to do this job on my 2001 v6 buick century 3.1l. please sirs?? thank you. btw- the harbor freight harmonic balancer kit has the shorter 3/8 unc 9/16 hex head bolts with course 16 thread pitch.
Good job, I liked how you explained everything and showed what you were doing!!!
Thanks man. Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback!
A thousand thanks for this video, my 99 Monte carlo 3.1 had the same damn problem. Very informative .
Thank you. Glad it was helpful.
Nice work! Nice video work too. Never did this myself, but I think I can now after watching your video. Thanks
snippits75 I wont have it! . . I wont have it! . . . Thank you! . . . . I usually do the video work myself, but on this occasion I was lucky to have my daughter around to help with the camera work. Glad you liked it!. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me a message. Thanks for your comment!
IZZY's GARAGE how long did it take u to do all that?like how many hours
BRAINZ INSANE It took about a couple of hours to do the work. It is easier if you have a buddy to help-out! Thanks for commenting!
Excellent video! Well done my friend.
Thank you! . . Glad you liked it! . . . and Thanks for your comment.
Izzy,thanks to you and your daughter for taking the time to make this video.It's very informative.I actually thinks she deserves a pay raise.Lol
One question,please.Was the center bolt backwards threaded?I have run into th
Agreed, I think she did good, specially being her first time doing the camera work.
This bolt is normal, "lefty loosy". Thanks for the feedback my friend!
good question, thanks!
I've never had to lower the engine. I just used shorter bolts in the puller and it worked fine on a 3400 engine.
If you pay attention to the video, you'll notice I added that step as an option that may be used on some cars. Besides, it is always much faster to lower the engine (if necessary) than to have to go shopping for bolts. Thanks for your input.
Very good work
Thank you for clear instructions sir. I am going to do mine next week.
Your Welcome! . . Good luck with your repair, and thanks for your comment. Let me know how it goes.
Is the bolt a reverse thread and what do you do if you round the bolt
Gracias Compadre your video is very helpful blessings
Thank you my friend! . . . Glad it helped. And thanks for the feedback!
Try to stay clean? Well that is good advice actually
what would a shop/dealer charge for that same job flag time..
Hey i have a 05 buick century. Im currently doing the same job... Im about a quarter the way done... So im wondering if im going to finish and have my car turn over but not fire up because of the ekp relearn? Does the timing get fucked up by removing this harmonic balancer?? Am i gonna be screwed an not have a running car when i finish up here in about an hour. Im about to take off the flywheel cover.. Took a break to smoke a ciggarette an started thinking about the timing thing.. Please somebody help answr my question im worried about it because my brsnd new harmonic balancer came with a paper that says i have to relearn the timing....
The replacement part in my case was identical, and had no issues. If the new part is not identical you may have a problem. Good luck, let me know how it goes.
Question, could you have just lowered the engine by removing the engine mount and lowering it for access??
Negative. These engines sit on the sub-frame. Besides, that would be the hard way to do it. Why would you want to do that, unless you think making a simple easy process harder and more complicated is good therapy. As mentioned in the video, lowering the sub-frame is only an optional step, to be done only when needed.
Where can I find a harmonic balancing damper on a 3.4
Do you happen to know the correct bolt size for the puller to fit the "holes" on the harmonic balancer for the puller bolts? I assume the threads are metric nut I don't know what size. Mine is a 2002 3.1 Century SFI engine
I don't. You can borrow a puller from your local auto parts stores like AutoZone or O'Reilly's and they usually have a few different sets of bolts that should fit. Otherwise you can take out one of your bolts and take it in to one of the auto parts stores, or your local home improvement store. They have a thread gauge that you can use to find out what size bolts you have. Good luck! . . Let me know how it goes.
did you have a problem putting the center bolt back in?
No. You may have to tap it in with a plastic mallet or a block of wood and a mallet until you have sufficient threads for the bolt to grab without trashing those threads at the begining. Good luck. Let me know how it goes.
IZZY's GARAGE thanks for replying and I'll try that and be really careful with the threads
very informative video izzy. 1 question though, is the procedure to replace a dampener/harmonic balancer pretty much the same on a '93 Buick Century 3.3 v6 the same as the video? I'm having trouble finding a video for my car and yours is the closest I've come. Thanks in advance!
There might be slight differences, but for the most part it should be similar. One great tip by subscriber Mike Paul you'll find in the comments (below) that makes it easier: "one doesn't need an assistant to hold the flywheel. Just use vice-grips and clamp it onto the flywheel, It holds it good enough so the balancer can come off pretty easy. I recommend using "round" jaw instead of square jaw. Works very well installing the balancer as well." . . . Let me know how it goes.
what size bolts go into the balancer?
I don't recall the size. I used one of the sets included in the puller kit, and as you can see in the video I added some old lug nuts to take-up the slack.
xlnt video, thank's
No, no, thank you! . . . And thanks for the feedback!
how do you get the bolt off tho
Just follow the video. Let me know how it goes.
thaat screwdriver deal is a good way to jack up a flywheel,be better to use a pair of needle nose vise grips to lock it in place ma,just saying cuz your going to do a lot of damage that way
Your video Doesnt actualy Show you pull off pulley... just with tool on ....
I didn't want to bore the RUclips viewers with self explanatory stuff. One simply turns the bolt and the harmonic balancer comes off the end of the crankshaft.
Bad info to use anything on the teeth of flywheel! You are so screwed if a tooth gets broken because the starter will start to jump and damage other teeth!
Flywheels and flexplates are made of steel. The aluminum transmission case will break before a tooth breaks. In 40 years of doing it like that, I've never had a problem, and never heard of anyone having a problem by doing in that way. Thanks for the feedback.