The harmonic balancer is integrated with the crankshaft pulley, and if replaced requires taking the bolt out from the side of the 4 cyl. engine.
I would recommend that an experience engine rebuilder perform the service.
Inspect the Harmonic Balancer:
The harmonic balancer (vibration damper) is inspected for signs of wear in its center bore.
- Also inspect the rubber mounting for indications of twisting and deterioration.
- The outer ring can slip, causing an out of balance condition. Replace any harmonic balancer that has slipped.
- With the cylinder head removed and the piston at top dead center (TDC), make a visual comparison. Do the timing marks for TDC on the timing cover and damper appear to be accurate.
- Be sure the damper is the correct one for the vehicle. The wrong one can be worse than none at all.
- Sometimes a damper can become loose on the crank. Check the keyway for wear that can result from improper damper installation, the wrong size key, or a loose damper hub to crank fit.
- Be sure all pulleys are straight. A damaged pulley can force a crankshaft to bend during engine operation.
This is a general guide on replacing the harmonic balancer, but there are other instructions that the rebuilder would follow to actually do the service for you:
To remove the harmonic balancer, the cylinder head and timing cover must be removed and the piston should be at top dead center (TDC).
- Install the vibration damper by pounding it on, or use a special installation tool.
- Generally, the damper is installed unit it bottoms out against the oil slinger and the timing sprocket.
- If in doubt, install the water pump and pulley, and then pound the damper into place until its pulley aligns with the water pump pulley.
- It is advisable to use the installation tool, because pounding on the damper can cause stress on the crank thrust bearing surface.
- It is best to stand the engine block on end and support the crankshaft if the damper must be pounded on.
- Some vibration dampers are not pressed-fit on the crankshaft.
- Be sure to install a large washer behind the damper retaining bolt on these engines; otherwise, the damper might fly off, causing damage and a safety hazard.
Fig. 1: Water pump assembly-Z24i and KA24E engines
Fig. 2: View of the water pump assembly-VG30E engine
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