MPDano

Do you have to remove the Harmonic Balancer in order to change the Timing Belt?

marton

Yes, TB will not come off if it is there

marton

marton

I will not list how much stuff I have to remove; starts with the both radiator hoses....

Marton

MPDano

Is there a special tool I will need to do this?

Mrmerlin

the harmonic balancer is held on with the 27mm bolt so you need a deep 27mm and either a impact wrench or a flywheel locking tool and a big breaker bar, it is easier if you also remove the radiator and all of the cooling hoses in the front of the engine to work on things. Pay attention to how the numbers are on the damper as it can be fitted either way, the correct way is while viewing the engine standing in front of the car you should be able to read the numbers on the damper. Also make sure you orient the washer it has a step on it it is made to apply pressure to the other pulleys when its tight as the crank protrudes just a bit from the pulleys when there installed

MPDano

Sorry, I forgot to add that already took the pulleys off and was left with a Harminic Balancer that wont budge. I see some people got it off with no tool and some used a puller of some sort.

Mrmerlin

try soaking the shaft with some PB blaster and then try to wiggle the damper side to side a few taps with a hammer may help, once it is moving then it a matter of wiggling the damper till it slides off the crank

MPDano

Thanks! Exactly what I am going to pursue tomorrow before I go buying a puller.

marton

Yes, it is one of those things that you think will never come off. Do what was suggested, then you try to wiggle it with both hands; it does not move & then you feel an ever so slight barely perceptible movement that gets bigger & bigger and finally you have it off

Marton