How to Loosen Pulley Bolts
The crankshaft pulley has the very important task of driving the serpentine belt - or the standard accessory belts - for the engine components. Some elbow perform double duty by serving as a harmonic balancer, which means they absorb and control the vibration or resonance of the motor rotation. The fixing screw of the crankshaft pulley can be one of the most difficult bolts to remove, because the pulley must be immobilized in some way. The hard-working auto repair person can use different techniques and different tricks to get this annoying loose bolt. |
Instruction
1. Place the vehicle in standstill, or if the vehicle has a standard transmission, place it in first gear. Set the emergency brake. Use the jack to lift the vehicle sufficiently high by two stands under the front of the frame near the front wheels. 2. Slide under the vehicle, and spray the crankshaft pulley bolt with best penetrating oil. Leave to soak for several minutes. Use the largest socket and the key (disk size) you have, and insert the socket over the pulley bolt. Position the key handle so it will turn counterclockwise. Consult the owner's manual for the correct direction of loosening of the pulley in case of doubt about its loosening rotation. First try to loosen by hand, pulling hard with the handle of the key. If the motor actually turns, that sometimes it does, wrap a rag tightly around the handle of the key and hit it with a short hammer slide handle. The hammer shock should break the loose bolt. |
3. Slide under the vehicle with a large electric impact gun. Use a pneumatic impact gun if you have access to one. Remove any radiator or shroud grille that might be in the way, using the appropriate small sockets and wrench. Place the impact gun directly in line with the bolt and set it for counterclockwise removal. Press the trigger and keep a constant pressure on the gun. Keep the gun from vibrating loose or sliding the bolt. The impact gun should work to remove the most stubborn screw.
4. Remove the small inspection plate at the bottom of the shift bell, if equipped. You will see the teeth of the flywheel here. Have a wedge assistant a large screwdriver between the flywheel teeth and the bell edge. Attach a socket and a wrench to the crankshaft pulley bolt. Face the key handle upwards, so that you have room to turn it counterclockwise. Slip a long length of hollow tube over the end of the key. Turn counter-clockwise while the assistant holds the flywheel in position. Push to loosen the bolt. Be very careful with this procedure, since damage to the flywheel teeth can result. |
5. Determine if a pulley support kit can be applied to your specific vehicle. If so, you can use one to immobilize the crankshaft pulley so you can remove the bolt. Install the device on the pulley support according to the instructions. Some will have thin bars that pass through the pulley holes that get stuck against the block, for example. Use the appropriate grip and a wrench or impact gun to loosen the bolt.