What is a Harmonic Balancer Puller
What is a Harmonic Balancer Puller?
The harmonic balancer removal tool or puller is a nifty device used to remove the harmonic balancer. It’s essentially a type of puller like many others used in automotive applications, but specialized for the pressed-on type of harmonic balancer.
The harmonic balancer, also known as a crankshaft damper, is the part mounts to the front of an engine’s crankshaft. It helps dampen crankshaft vibrations. Without it, the crankshaft would vibrate too much and get damaged. That would lead to engine problems that cost a lot of money to correct.
The harmonic damper is normally made of two parts- a metal exterior to mount it and a rubber interior to dampen vibrations- and mounted to the crank using as single bolt.
Over time, the harmonic balancer can become loose or the rubber part deteriorates. The part is not serviceable, so you must replace it as a unit. This is where you need the harmonic balancer puller tool.
What does a harmonic balancer puller do?
The harmonic balancer puller or balancer removal tool does what its name implies- it helps you pull the balancer off the engine using minimal effort. It also helps you remove the balancer safely without damaging the crank and other components.
Here is how it works:
A typical balancer puller tool is a device with a center opening through which to insert the forcing screw or bolt and adapter. On the sides maybe slotted yokes for the bolts that will go into the balancer, or jaws to hold the balancer to pull it out.
By rotating the central bolt, the puller causes the balancer to slide off the mounting shaft. The bolts or jaws ensure even pressure around the balancer during removal. This helps prevent crankshaft damage, in addition to making the process much easier.
Types of harmonic Balancer Puller Tools
Harmonic balancer tools come in various styles, mostly differing in design and size. The most common types of balancer removal tools include the duck’s foot, circular, and three-jaw puller. These names are based on the puller shapes and how they hold onto the balancer during removal.
A duck’s foot type, for example, is a yorked device with a slot in each arm to accommodate different bolts and a central opening for the forcing screw. It also has one size curved and the other flat. The flat side faces the balancer during removal.
The circular balancer puller tool is essentially a round flange with slots to insert puller bolts. This puller works like the yoked version of the tool. The 3-jaw version, on the other hand, is a large harmonic balancer puller that uses jaws to hold balancer and a central rod to pull it out.