harmonic balancer

I'm replacing the harmonic balancer tomorrow, few questions I have before starting. Any idea of what mm the belt tensioner is and the bolt on the BB?
And what is the procedure for removal and installation of the HB? I bought the part and a puller. I was told the head and timing cover MUST come off??? It seems I have perfect accessibility to it as is, and the motor is in time now so. Help with these questions would be great, and if you have additional info or tricks,elaborate please and thank you

I'm replacing the harmonic balancer tomorrow, few questions I have before starting. Any idea of what mm the belt tensioner is and the bolt on the BB?
And what is the procedure for removal and installation of the HB? I bought the part and a puller. I was told the head and timing cover MUST come off???

What year and engine?

You do not have to remove a timing cover/head to replace a harmonic balancer....

I'm replacing the harmonic balancer tomorrow, few questions I have before starting. Any idea of what mm the belt tensioner is and the bolt on the BB?
And what is the procedure for removal and installation of the HB? I bought the part and a puller. I was told the head and timing cover MUST come off??? It seems I have perfect accessibility to it as is, and the motor is in time now so. Help with these questions would be great, and if you have additional info or tricks,elaborate please and thank you

Ok so i got it done, it would have only taken about an hour if parts store would have given me the right HB, caused me to break the CPS but they replaced the sensor and gave me the right part so. Any who, impact wouldn't touch the bolt, had a 2ft breaker bar and veins popping out my forehead to get it off. But its all fixed now

Ok so i got it done, it would have only taken about an hour if parts store would have given me the right HB, caused me to break the CPS but they replaced the sensor and gave me the right part so. Any who, impact wouldn't touch the bolt, had a 2ft breaker bar and veins popping out my forehead to get it off. But its all fixed now
For future reference, you should familiarize yourself with the "Put a ratchet on the HB bold head and lay handle of ratchet across frame member and then bump the starter" technique for loosening that bolt.

For future reference, you should familiarize yourself with the "Put a ratchet on the HB bold head and lay handle of ratchet across frame member and then bump the starter" technique for loosening that bolt.

That just seems a bit dangerous :) but I did consider it.

That just seems a bit dangerous :) but I did consider it.

That's a risky trick...should only be done by experienced pros. But then they would probably have the right tools. Do it wrong and you can do a lot of damage not to mention getting hurt. :2cents:

That procedure is all over this forum. I'm surprised you are discouraging it now.

I know that "trick" and I didn't learn it here. For someone with limited automotive repair experience it can be dangerous and can do damage. Do it wrong and you'll be wearing a breaker bar for dentures,knock an eye out,bust yer nose,etc. On the mechanical damage side how'd you like to break off the crankshaft bolt just for starters?

For future reference, you should familiarize yourself with the "Put a ratchet on the HB bold head and lay handle of ratchet across frame member and then bump the starter" technique for loosening that bolt.

i doubt you see this posted in the Grand Am section!

Ive seen some people try this and get seriously hurt, while causing damage to the engine crank.

thats always fun, replacing the crank. :jerking: