Cant remove the crankshaft pulley (5S-FE)

[TCGOwner]

I'm having an issue getting the crankshaft pulley off my 99 Solara 5S-FE

I rented a harmonic balance pulley from auto store (O'Reilly Auto Parts)

The pulley only has two holes fabricated into it so I know I'm not using the wrong ones.

I ran into problem when I tried to attach the puller. None of the bolts they gave fit into the holes. The smallest size, which looks like it should work, the shaft fits but it wont thread in.
After that I took a good look at the holes on the pulley and it does not look like it was ever threaded.

I really don't want to get one of the other style pullers and risk chipping the pulley.

I thought about picking up a few bolts with some nuts and washers and trying to rig something together but the lack of space between the back of the pulley and the timing belt cover makes it seem unlikely.

Any ideas how I can get the pulley off?

Thanks in advance

[Mister_Perkins]

you run the alignment bolts in and twist the center bolt in

[TCGOwner]

So I need to force the alignment bolt into the crankshaft pulley?
I was concerned about damaging the bolts for the pulley or the crank by forcing it when the holes are not pre-threaded.

[Mister_Perkins]

If you dont feel comfortable using that style grab a Chrysler Balancer puller that has hooks on it and use that. I just simply slide my balancer right off.. Make sure that you lube up the balancer and use some steel wool or emry cloth on the inside of the Balancer once you get it off for easy installation.

[carsrus]

Take the pulley and tug on it really hard a few times. It'll come off.

I got the puller and bolts when I needed to take mine off. After getting everything set up it literally fell off when I touched it. Boy did I feel stupid.

[TCGOwner]

Is that puller look like this one from Ken4's DIY for replacing a timing belt?



I perfectly comfortable with using the puller I got from O'Reilly the bolts just dont work.
It looks just like this one form the Timine belt DIY posted by JerryGiese.

[Mister_Perkins]

yeah that first one was the one I was talking about.

You could always just go to the hardware store and buy bolts that will work?

[carsrus]

Originally Posted by TCGOwner

Is that puller look like this one from Ken4's DIY for replacing a timing belt?

DONT USE THAT ONE. Look why there's a new harmonic balancer laying right next to it. It'll take huge chips right off the edge.

Again, gently tap it with a hammer and pull on it. Ive never used a puller on a Jap timing belt job.

[Mister_Perkins]

Those pullers work if you get it aligned correctly and have enough meat grabbed. If you have it just on the tip of the lip it will break it.

The other balancer you listed should work. Like I said though, I've never had to use one on a camry before. Take the center bolt out and spray some Blaster around where the washer sits and tap the front with a large hammer. Spray a little more and let it sit.

Try to pry it out, if it budges spray some more penetrating oil in there.. tap it back on. Pry it back off again a little. It should move a little more each time

[fenixus]

Originally Posted by carsrus

DONT USE THAT ONE. Look why there's a new harmonic balancer laying right next to it. It'll take huge chips right off the edge.

Again, gently tap it with a hammer and pull on it. Ive never used a puller on a Jap timing belt job.

+1

don't use that shit, you will chip the HB (crank pulley) and then you will be shopping for a new one (~$180).

use the second picture puller, get a pair (or two) of M6x1.0 hex head bolts, at least 50mm long and a set of M6 BIG washers from auto parts store like Autozone or even Home Depot and you will be able to attach the other puller with them (that's what I did).

then you use a thrust bearing, the big one thing looking like a pointed bullet to protect the crank threads and then you place the thrust bolt (biggest one in the OEM HB puller set) to actually move pulley from crank.

you won't be able to fully remove the crank pulley with HB puller due to clearance, but should be enough to loosen it seriously, almost slide off, then you have to remove puller and pull the rest with hands (or whatever you like).

[ycartf]

+1 what Fenixus said !

That is what I had to do also, buy my own bolts that were M6 to fit. While it may indeed come off with wiggling, penetrant, etc - that HB puller does the trick to "break" the initial hold.

[JohnGD]

These pulleys have a rubber layer. The jaw type puller can damage the rubber layer.

The thread holes may be full of dust, covering up the threads.

[doozergreengrass]

Take the pulley and tug on it really hard a few times. It'll come off.

I got the puller and bolts when I needed to take mine off. After getting everything set up it literally fell off when I touched it. Boy did I feel stupid.

lol same!

[04yfz]

Get M6 bolts as was said before, and put some grease or oil on them before threading them into the balancer. They threads are likely a bit rusty so this will help. If they don't thread in after that, then buy an M6 x 1.0 tap and run that through the threads.

[ghettosled]

i had the same problem with mine. i bought a tap for a bolt that i had and taped my own threads in the pulley. then i knew for sure i had the correct bolts. i think you can buy an individual tap for about $5.