Harmonic Balancer install question

[CoreyC]

HI all,
I have a 2003 Avalanche Z71 (1500) and noticed a slight wobble in my harmonic balancer while chasing down the cause of some belt noise the other day. I've watched a lot of videos on how to do the removal and install but there's one point I'm not clear on - is it necessary to lock the engine flywheel in place using a prybar or the flywheel holding tool when installing the new harmonic balancer?

Thanks

 

[dna9656]

Get the biggest, baddest impact gun you can find, that will get it loose, you'll need a puller, therte is a nice one on amazon for the right price too. PM me for the link. The service manual says to replace the bolt so you should get a new one. Also there is a real sexy tool that some will tell you you have to have to install it, get a big block harmonic balance bolt. It's the same size except it's longer, it'll install that balancer just fine. Haynes book will tell you the balancer has to be instaqlled X distance from point Y, that's BS, when you torque down the bolt during install the balancer will go right where it's supposed to go. Since you have the balancer off I suggest you consider replacing the front main seal, if it leaks you may want to add a speedy sleeve kit. It's a sleeve you tap onto the crank nose to provide a new, groove free spot for the new seal to contact. They work well. i would also consider a new timing gear and chain install since you're half way in there anyway. I did this to mine and wow, what a wake up call!

 

[CoreyC]

Get the biggest, baddest impact gun you can find, that will get it loose, you'll need a puller, therte is a nice one on amazon for the right price too. PM me for the link. The service manual says to replace the bolt so you should get a new one. Also there is a real sexy tool that some will tell you you have to have to install it, get a big block harmonic balance bolt. It's the same size except it's longer, it'll install that balancer just fine. Haynes book will tell you the balancer has to be instaqlled X distance from point Y, that's BS, when you torque down the bolt during install the balancer will go right where it's supposed to go. Since you have the balancer off I suggest you consider replacing the front main seal, if it leaks you may want to add a speedy sleeve kit. It's a sleeve you tap onto the crank nose to provide a new, groove free spot for the new seal to contact. They work well. i would also consider a new timing gear and chain install since you're half way in there anyway. I did this to mine and wow, what a wake up call!

Hmm, I hadn't considered doing the front main seal since it's not leaking, but I do see the wisdom of doing it since it is right there.

I'll look into the timing gear and chain like to recommend to see if it's something I feel like I can tackle. With 178,000 on the engine I wouldn't be surprised if it's a bit worn by now.

If you have a service manual would you mind looking up the torque spec for the harmonic balancer bolt? The Chilton manual says to install the OLD bolt and torque it down to 250 ft lbs (presumably to fully seat the new balancer), and then to install the NEW bolt and torque it to 37 ft lbs +140*. Just looking for some clarification since I've seen some conflicting information out there.

 

[CarMech1969]

When I replaced my harmonic balancer, there was no time to look for special tools (since I live in a barren wasteland known as Scarberia...lol), which was a lesson quickly learned, because even when you try, nobody around here ever has anything. It's just ridiculous. I'm learned to quit wasting my time with brick-and-mortar parts stores. Application specific stuff? Fuggedaboudit...
I ended up making an installation tool, because when I bought one at the store, it did not have the correct sized threaded fitting for the crankshaft. So back to the store PO'ed at the stupidity, and returned the useless item.
After all that nonsense, do you think I was worried about a torque spec for the crank bolt?
Lol...
My torque spec was measured in ugga duggas....

 

[jimoliver1]

Hello, I have the 8.1 avalanche and about to replace the harmonic balancer. Is there a need to use the flywheel lock on the 8.1. If so i'm having trouble locating a part that says its for L18 engine. Help would be appreciated