HELP!!! harmonic balancer bolt question
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Central Arkansas
HELP!!! harmonic balancer bolt question
Is the harmonic balancer bolt RH or LH threads? I need to replace the balancer on my '96 F-150 with the 4.9L 6-cylinder, and neither direction will break it loose.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
i leave the belts on and crank (ccw) real fast on the compression stroke and it usually budges and repeat until it comes off...come to think of it u could probably disable the ignition system and have a wrench on the bolt and then have someone bump it over to get the bolt loose...it doesnt sound too smart but what the hey
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Agreed. Impact wrench is the way to go.
When you don't use the right tool for the job, bad things happen. Broken parts, broken tools, or injuries.
When you don't use the right tool for the job, bad things happen. Broken parts, broken tools, or injuries.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Central Arkansas
What can I try, now that the breakover bar has failed, as well as an impact gun? Even heated up the bolt with a propane torch, and immediately tried the impact gun, & the bolt still holds tight. Running out of options.....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
did you try to break it loose with those rubber grabber things you use to open jars of pickles? seems to work well on the jars so perhaps they would also work well on the bolt...haha just kidding...try a breaker bar and extend it with something else like a pipe or whatever...get a little leverage on it. ahh another thought. before you do the leverage deal, tap the bolt with a hammer and maybe spray something on it to cut through rust. i have also heard that if a bolt won't come out, tighten it a tid bit then loosen it. just a few ideas. good luck.
chris
chris
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,420
Likes: 3
From: Langhorne, PA
I have a standard 1/2" impact wrench, it has 4 settings on it, I believe 4 offers the highest torque. Make sure you get the compressor air pressure up above 100 PSI, if your wrench is adjustable set it to the strongest torque, and keep trying. My impact has never failed to get any nut or bolt loose.
I have taken that big bolt out of my straight six balancer also, and don't remember it being a hassle.
If 100 psi doesn't turn the bolt try setting the compressor up to 110 or 120. The more pressure, the better torque.
I have taken that big bolt out of my straight six balancer also, and don't remember it being a hassle.
If 100 psi doesn't turn the bolt try setting the compressor up to 110 or 120. The more pressure, the better torque.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 0
From: Remsen, NY
How many ft/lbs is the impact wrench rated for? You can't get one of those $20 ones from Harbor Freight and expect it to be good for much. On the other hand I seem to remember decent ones for under $100.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
I used a 3/8" to break mine loose, and it came right out. Putting a breaker bar on it is useless. The problem is not leverage, it's keeping the rotating assembly from moving while you're loosening the bolt.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
I just took mine off my motor (302 w/ A4OD) last night. I took the dust cover off the tranny and put a screw driver into a hole on the flex plate (the correct way is the tool that holds the ring gear) to prevent the motor from turning and used a 1/2" drive breaker bar to crack the HB bolt loose. It will say this HB bolt was not very tight at all compared to some I have taken out. Manual trans is easy, put in 4th or 5th gear and wrench.
Thread Starter
|
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Central Arkansas
Thanks for ALL the great tips! My neighbor took pity on me (my air compressor is on the blink). Pushed it to his garage, where an impact failed to budge it! Finally put a breaker bar/socket on it, with a short cheater bar extending to the floor, and he cranked the motor a few moments, and it broke loose. What an ordeal!