rugerwallace

Hey guys I need to replace my harmonic balancer on my 87 Cherokee anything I should know or do or remember to do when replaceing it. I'm trying to save a buck and do it myself but would I be saving a lot of headache by just taking it to the shop Any help would be cool Thanks again

cpnwrench

First, do you have a manual (I mean like a shop manual or a Haynes manual?)

If not, get the Haynes manual and read that section, it is not too bad in describing what must be done first, etc. (they aren't that expensive).

But basically you must remove belt(s), and fan (in order to use a puller to get the balancer off.)

Again, there are several steps, so get the Haynes and research what tools you need and the steps you need to perform. Its really not that difficult.
just takes time and patience sir.

cheers!

cpnwrench

PatriotGT

You may have to remove the radiator too.
You can rent/borrow the required puller/installer
from AutoZone.

rugerwallace

Right on sounds easy enough I got the tools and the book so I'm good in that dept About what's the average time for a replacement on that And thanks again

PatriotGT

took me about 4 hours, but my radiator was a b###h to get out/in.
Actually ended up cracking it at lower hose. Used more patience replacing
it, thanks to my sons help.

rugerwallace

Well hopefully I can get it done with no problems thanks again

HawK_Racing

I just did this too. If you need help or advice let me know. Be sure when you press the balancer back on not to push the little key back into the motor. It helped me to have 2 extra hands to lightly hammer the balancer back on. You will also need 3 5/16" bolts along with the puller to get it off. Oh and to keep the crankshaft from turning you need to screw 2 of the 5/16" bolts on and have someone put a pry bar inbetween them to keep the crankshaft steady. I believe you also need to tighten it to 80 ft*lbf. The radiator does need to come off. It takes more time pulling the radiator than actually pulling the balancer. Hope this helps!

Thexjfiles

I needed to replace one that came apart when a guy was test driving an XJ that I was flipping. I think I jacked the front end up a little by the crossmember, and put a new one on without taking anything else off. Polish the shaft and balancer with crocus cloth etc, lube it up also, it should go on without too much trouble.

peep

Use a Puller and an Installer Tool. For the job to go smooth, don't start without both. Not remove the rad but get the fan shroud out of the way. Couple 5/16 gr8 bolts to put a bar across so the crank won't rotate when you undo and/or reinstall the balancer (80 ft lb). The puller and installer tools really work and prevent problems in the middle of the job. Take your time and don't get rammy. A work lite helps. Good luck.

rollz4kix

I just replaced mine a couple weeks ago. Rented the puller & installer from autozone. Didn't have to remove anything to replace it, just loosened the belt. Scatch that, I did remove the starter & stuck a screwdriver into the fly wheel to keep the motor from turning. Removed the bad HB & installed the new HB in about 2 hours. Very easy job.

rugerwallace

Right On Guys!! Put my new balancer on WOW what a difference And I slapped a new radiator in it too boot. I'm frickin Stoked Love this site