Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun can be difficult, but it is not impossible. In this article, we will answer some common questions about how to do this and provide some helpful tips. We will also discuss the consequences of not removing the bolt properly. So, if you are having trouble removing the crankshaft pulley bolt, don’t worry – we have you covered!
What’s A Crankshaft?
The crankshaft pulley bolt is usually located at the front of the engine, near the harmonic balancer or timing belt cover. In some cases, it may be located at the rear of the engine near the flywheel. [2]
What’s A Crankshaft Pulley?
These belts are responsible for operating accessories like the water pump, alternator, and air conditioning compressor. Because of this, it’s important that the crankshaft pulley is properly secured to the crankshaft. If it were to come loose, it could cause serious damage to your engine.
There are two main types of crankshaft pulleys: harmonic balancers and vibration dampers. Harmonic balancers are designed to reduce the amount of vibration that’s transmitted to the rest of the engine. Vibration dampers, on the other hand, are designed to absorb vibrations that are produced by the engine.
Most crankshaft pulleys are made from cast iron or steel. However, some performance applications may use an aluminum crankshaft pulley for weight savings. [2]
What Does A Crankshaft Pulley Do?
The crankshaft pulley is held in place by a bolt, which can be difficult to remove without an impact gun. In this article, we will show you how to remove a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun. We will also answer some common questions about removing a crankshaft pulley bolt and provide some helpful tips. [2]
Why Would You Remove A Crankshaft Pulley?
The most common reason for wanting to remove a crankshaft pulley is because the engine will not start. In this case, it is usually due to a problem with the timing belt or chain.
Another reason for wanting to remove the crankshaft pulley is if it is damaged and needs to be replaced. [2]
Do I Need A Puller For Removing The Crankshaft Pulley?
The crankshaft pulley bolt is usually very tight. In order to remove the bolt without an impact gun, you will need a puller.
There are two types of pullers: three-jaw and two-jaw. Three-jaw pullers have three jaws that grip the outside of the pulley while two-jaw pullers have two jaws that grip the inside of the pulley. Either type of puller will work for removing a crankshaft pulley bolt. [2]
If you do not have a puller, you can rent one from your local auto parts store.
Method One: Using A Strap Wrench
If you don’t have an impact gun, don’t worry- there are still ways to remove that pesky crankshaft pulley bolt. One method is by using a strap wrench.
To use a strap wrench, first place the loop around the crankshaft pulley bolt head. Then, insert the free end of the strap through the loop and pull tight. Finally, twist the strap wrench in the direction you want to loosen the bolt (usually counterclockwise).
This method may take some time and patience, but it will eventually loosen the bolt. Just be careful not to strip the head of the bolt in the process.
If you’re still having trouble removing the crankshaft pulley bolt with a strap wrench, don’t worry- there’s another method you can try. [2]
Method Two: Using A Pipe Wrench
If you don’t have an impact gun, don’t worry. You can still remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without one. All you need is a pipe wrench.
First, take the pipe wrench and place it on the bolt. Make sure that the jaws of the wrench are firmly gripping the bolt head. Then, turn the wrench clockwise to loosen the bolt. Once the bolt is loose, you can remove it by hand.
If you find that your pipe wrench is slipping, you can try using a longer pipe or bar to give you more leverage.
Remember, always use caution when working with tools like pipe wrenches. If you’re not careful, you could seriously injure yourself. [2]
Method Three: Using A Breaker Bar
If you don’t have an impact gun or a torque wrench, you can try using a breaker bar. First, remove the serpentine belt from the pulley. Next, use a ratchet to loosen the bolt while holding the pulley in place with another wrench. Once the bolt is loose, remove it by hand. Finally, reinstall the serpentine belt and tighten the new bolt to specifications.
If you’re still having trouble removing the crankshaft pulley bolt, there are a few other methods you can try. However, if all else fails, you may need to take your car to a mechanic and have them remove the bolt for you. [2]
Method Four: Using A Cheater Bar
If you don’t have an impact gun or air compressor, you can try using a cheater bar. First, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent any electrical shorts. Next, locate the crankshaft pulley bolt and loosen it with a ratchet and socket. Once the bolt is loose, remove it by hand. Finally, use the cheater bar to rotate the crankshaft pulley counterclockwise until it comes off.
Keep in mind that this method requires a lot of effort and is not recommended if you don’t have experience working on cars. If you’re not comfortable using a cheater bar, we recommend trying one of the other methods listed above. [2]
How to Remove Crankshaft Pulley without a Puller
Take off the serpentine belt
If your car has an automatic tensioner, you can release the tension on the serpentine belt by depressing the center pin with a screwdriver. Once you have released the tension on the belt, you can remove it from around the pulley.
If your car does not have an automatic tensioner, you will need to use a ratchet and a breaker bar to release the tension on the belt. To do this, you will need to insert the ratchet into the square hole in the tensioner pulley and turn it clockwise. As you turn the ratchet, the tension on the serpentine belt will be released. Once the tension is released, you can remove the belt from around the crankshaft pulley. [1]
Identify the center bolt
If your car has an automatic transmission, there’s a good chance that the center bolt is reverse-threaded. This means that you’ll need to turn it clockwise to loosen it.
If you’re not sure which way to turn the bolt, consult your car’s owner’s manual or a repair manual for specific instructions.[1]
Once you’ve located the center bolt, proceed to step three.
Loosen/remove the center bolt.
The first thing you need to do is loosen the center bolt. You can use either a ratchet or an impact gun for this. If the bolt is really tight, you may need to use an impact gun.
Once the bolt is loose, remove it completely by hand. Then, take off the washer that’s under the head of the bolt. Now, you should be able to see the inner part of the crankshaft pulley.
There are typically three bolts holding on the crankshaft pulley. Two of them are usually easy to get to, but one may be hidden behind another component. [1]
Remove the crankshaft pulley
The first thing that you need to do is to loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt. You can do this by using a ratchet and socket. Once the bolt is loosened, you can then remove the crankshaft pulley.
The next thing that you need to do is to remove the old crankshaft seal. You can do this by using a chisel and hammer. Once the old crankshaft seal is removed, you can then install the new crankshaft seal.
The last thing that you need to do is to reinstall the crankshaft pulley bolt. You can do this by using a ratchet and socket. Once the bolt is tightened, you can then start the engine and test it out. If everything is working properly, then you have successfully removed the crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun. [1]
Common Symptoms Of A Bad Crankshaft Pulley
One of the most common symptoms of a bad crankshaft pulley is a loud noise coming from the engine. The noise is usually caused by the crank pulley wobbling or vibrating. This can be caused by a loose or damaged pulley bolt. If you notice this symptom, it’s important to have the problem checked out as soon as possible.
Another common symptom of a bad crankshaft pulley is engine misfires. Engine misfires can be caused by many things, but one of the most common causes is a damaged or worn crankshaft pulley. If you notice your engine misfiring, it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible. [1]
FAQ
How do you remove a stuck crankshaft pulley?
If your crankshaft pulley is stuck, you may need to use a strap wrench or impact gun to remove it. However, if you don’t have access to an impact gun, there are a few other methods you can try.
One method is to use a hammer and chisel to loosen the bolt. First, place the chisel on the bolt and tap it with the hammer until the bolt is loosened. Then, use a ratchet or socket to remove the bolt completely.
Another method is to heat up the crankshaft pulley with a torch. This will expand the metal and make it easier to remove the bolt.
What tool is used to remove the crankshaft pulley?
The crankshaft pulley is held onto the crankshaft by a bolt. In order to remove the crankshaft pulley, you will need to remove this bolt. The tool that is used to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt is called an impact gun.
Is a crankshaft pulley bolt reverse thread?
Yes, the crankshaft pulley bolt is reverse thread. This means that you will need to turn the bolt clockwise to loosen it.
Why is my crankshaft pulley bolt stuck?
There are a few reasons why your crankshaft pulley bolt may be stuck. The most common reason is that the bolt has seized due to corrosion or rust. Another possibility is that the threads on the bolt have become damaged and are no longer gripping the nut correctly.
How much does it cost to fix a crankshaft pulley?
The average cost to fix a crankshaft pulley is between $200 and $400. This price includes the cost of the parts and labor required to replace the crankshaft pulley.
Can I Drive Without A Crankshaft Pulley?
If your vehicle has a timing belt, it’s important to keep the crankshaft pulley in good condition. If the bolt becomes too tight or if the Pulley itself becomes damaged, it can cause serious engine damage.
How Long Does A Crankshaft Pulley Last?
The crankshaft pulley should last the lifetime of the engine in most cases. However, it is not uncommon for the pulley to become worn or damaged after years of use. If you notice any damage to your crankshaft pulley, it is important to have it replaced as soon as possible.
There are a few signs that you can look for to know if your crankshaft pulley needs to be replaced:
- Vibrations coming from the engine
- Loud noises coming from the engine
- The crankshaft pulley wobbling or shaking
- Visual damage to the crankshaft pulley (e.g., cracks, chips, etc.)
Useful Video: Loosen Crankshaft Pulley Bolt by Bump Starting the Engine | Loosen Harmonic Balancer Bolt
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Our complete guide on how to remove a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun. We hope you found this article helpful and that it has answered all of your questions. If not, feel free to leave us a comment below and we will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible. And as always, happy wrenching!
References
- https://rxmechanic.com/how-to-remove-crankshaft-pulley-without-a-puller/
- https://vehiclefreak.com/how-to-remove-crankshaft-pulley-without-a-puller/
