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Investigating best practice for removing harmonic balancer during timing belt replacement.
Several forum postings suggested bumping the starter to loosen the crankshaft bolt...not healthy for the starter
Then the issue becomes how to tighten the crankshaft/harmonic balancee bolt without tearing the rubber isolation ring between the pulley and harmonic balancer hub..
There is a special.tool produced by SCHLEY PRODUCTS, INC #64300 that can secure the crank pulley on LS400 and S430 without damaging the starter or harmonic balancer.
It is affordably priced and available online
A few images
Image of SCHLEY PRODUCTS INC #64300 Tool with fasteners provided....fantastic quality....the bolts are too long (hit the plastic cover behind harmonic balancer) for 1998-2000 LS400 however. ..acquire shorter bolts or use spacers.
Bolts are hardened but would prefer the OEM provided washer head with a separate washer. Original.OEM harmonic balancer..rubber ring between is prone to tearing if using a outer pulley for securing harmonic balancer... Harmonic balancer spokes have tapped holes for securing special tool. SCHLEY TOOL mounted to the harmonic balancer...have not yet acquired spacers or shorter bolts to allow final tightening. Tool allows adequate room for 22mm socket... Use 1/2" drive ratchet or breaker bar to hold tool.in place...
In a fix (to retighten) I installed a wrench between a flex-plate bolt and the access window opening to lock the crank instead of wedging something thru the balancer. I used an impact to remove the pulley but I don't see why it wouldn't work the other way around as well. Do so at your own risk (don't lose the wrench in the bell housing!) but it worked perfectly for me.
You left out the hard part--getting the bolt off. Generally you see people putting a big pipe on the end of a breaker bar attached to a tool like this, although it says don't do that on the package. The starter-bump method is by far the easiest and quickest way to remove that bolt. And for tightening the bolt, this tool should work well, although a simple two by four drilled to accept a couple of bolts like this tool and wedged against the ground or the frame will do the same job just as well.
Some additional information for Schley Tool #64300 application by engine.
Available for about $60 online...
ANOTHER THING.
If you are having an indly shop OR Toyota/Lexus dealer do the work....demand to see this tool upfront....if they can't produce it then it is highly likely the starter method will be used to loosen it and shoving a tool.where it doesnt belong to tighten the harmonic balancer.
Try proving the shop degraded your starter or harmonic balancer due to not following procedure.
You left out the hard part--getting the bolt off. Generally you see people putting a big pipe on the end of a breaker bar attached to a tool like this, although it says don't do that on the package. The starter-bump method is by far the easiest and quickest way to remove that bolt. And for tightening the bolt, this tool should work well, although a simple two by four drilled to accept a couple of bolts like this tool and wedged against the ground or the frame will do the same job just as well.
Attached is image of 1/2" drive swivel breaker bar...two required-one for crank puller bolt and second for Schley harmonic balancer holding tool.
Two-three foot breaker bars required..
Here sourced professional tools..
Perhaps a rental item from an auto parts store
07-30-17, 08:40 PM
Stop using your starter as an impact wrench
