Removing Harmonic Balancer?

[ron350]

I need to remove the harmonic balancer on my 96 Regal with a 3800II motor. The problem is there is only about 2 inches between the face of the balancer and the frame.

 

The factory service manual shows using a special balancer puller Kent-Moore J38197 with no other instructions.

 

Has any one ever removed a balancer from a 96 3800II w-body or used a J38197.

 

[White93z34]

I've always used a generic balancer puller with some metric hardware, though I now forget the exact specs it needs.

[Imp558]

Pull the passengers wheel and remove the flap-o-crap and you have a lot more room to work on it. The bolts are 1/4" 28P thread.

 

Like Chris said, a 3 slot balancer puller. I think mine is an OEM from AZ

Edited March 17, 2016 by Imp558

[Imp558]

Oh, and consider flipping for a crank sensor while it's off unless that's the reason you're doing it.

[mfewtrail]

That picture above is missing parts fwiw. That tool is much like other balancer removers, just more compact. It's missing the large center screw and the other hardware that should be included.

[ron350]

There was no problem using a normal balancer puller. Used three ¼ inch 28 thread bolts 2-1/2 inch long the balancer was not on that tight.

 

[Padgett]

BTW the ring beyond the bolts on the balancers I have is rubber. A three jaw may pull it apart.

[Imp558]

I've done a couple of them and they weren't bad either. My bolts have been used 3 times now so I want to get new ones before I do it again. Just thinking how bad it would suck for a fatigued bolt to break off in there.

[ron350]

Imp558 I purchased the grade –8 bolts at ACE hardware @ .65 cents each.

[Imp558]

Mine are 10.5, still safer

[ron350]

Do you mean the bolt head has 10.5 stamped on it?

[Imp558]

Yep. Probably suck to drill a broken bolt out from way in there, especially hardened. That's why I expected only to use them a few times. Irrational I know but hardened bolts are more brittle so it seems prudent. I should get grade 8 next, Probably never see 10.5 in that size anyway.

[ron350]

You need to use the correct ¼ x 28 threaded bolt and not the 6mm x 1.0 that is recommend on lots of GM forums.