My crankshaft pulley seems to be wobbling and making a chirping sound. Is this a difficult repair and is it even safe to drive?

 

That's a harmonic balancer and it needs to be replaced. Soon.

 

Replace it ASAP. I waited on mine and it chewed thru the front of the engine! Had to replace the timing cover too. That was NOT a fun project.


Just the balancer is EASY..

Purchase a new balancer.

Rent the Harmonic Balancer removal tool from the same place you buy the part from.

Remove the serpentine belt

Remove the large bolt holding the balancer on.

Use the tool to carefully remove the pressed on balancer

Consider replacing the front seal while your in there....

Use the tool to carefully pull the new balancer on.

Install bolt and belt

Done

NOTES:

The "nose" of the crankshaft is very soft. Failure to use the puller properly will result in a damaged crankshaft. (don't ask....)

Removal of the front bumper and radiator is NOT NEEDED. There is an access hole and plenty of room.

To keep the engine from turning as you remove the large bolt, pull the #3 or #4 sparkplug and carefully feed 6 feet of nylon rope in the hole to keep the piston from travelling upwards. Don't stuff ALL the rope in the hole. derp. Tie a HUGE knot in the end so someone doesn't stuff it all the way by accident.

 

yea replace that SOON, i've had two walk off on me, first off the front second chewed up my timing cover and dont buy the cheaper option, thats what i did as its all they had in stock at the time and well in the long run it chewed the **** out of my timing cover.

 

Ok thanks. I bought a new one I am planning on putting on tomorrow. I'm hoping its not too not of a pain.. I just dealt with a blown head gasket and a cracked head. Other than that the thing is running great so far.

 

It's a real pain if you don't have a puller. Be prepared.