How to unscrew the crankshaft pulley bolt - simple instructions
Content
A pulley is a disc-like part that receives rotational energy from the crankshaft and sends it to other components through the belt system. It transfers torque as well as mechanical power to the generator.
Once you have made the decision to replace the timing belt or crankshaft oil seal, be aware that you will have to remove the pulley. In this article we will talk about the correct, convenient and simple way to do this. By the way, if you are far from the nearest auto parts store, we recommend that you carefully choose a new pulley.
If the purpose of your work is to replace it, and as you know, on one model of a car a pulley can be presented in two or more varieties, then it will be very unpleasant, having disassembled the unit, find out that you need to return to the store and change the spare part.
Listen to the advice of experienced auto mechanics and, when reassembling the components, tighten the new bolt, replacing the old one.
What problems can you face
It is possible that you may not immediately notice the characteristic disc detail under the hood of the car. It can also be difficult to access. It will be difficult to fix the shaft. For a long time, the joints of the fasteners "stick" and you will have to use special fluids.
To complete all the necessary steps step by step, you will need the following tools:
- impact wrench;
- a set of pullers;
- jack;
- a set of wrenches or other tools for removing bolts;
- the presence of a viewing hole.
The main stages of work
As it may seem at first glance, the work ahead is not very difficult, the main thing is to understand what will have to be done.
- The first step is to find access to the pulley so that you can crawl with a key or a ratchet.
- If the bolt does not unscrew with the key, then you can try to rip it off with the starter.
- Alternatively, you can always use special removable devices.
Now about all this in more detail.
Pulley search
Obviously, your very first action is to find the location of the crankshaft pulley in the engine. As a rule, it is located on your right, less often on the driver's side. It can sometimes hide in the lower front of the engine.
You need to start looking for him by examining the place behind the generator. Most likely, at the bottom of the engine compartment, you will see something that resembles a disc. This will be the desired detail.
Preparatory work for easy access to the necessary units
You need to be prepared for the fact that depending on the car model, you will have to remove the coolant tank, the air filter unit, possibly the radiator and almost always the wheel.
Quite often, it is necessary to start such work by removing the right wheel. You also need to know the location of the ignition coil.
How to unscrew the crankshaft pulley bolt for starters
On rear-wheel drive cars of the Lada family, the pulley is fixed with a nut (the element is known as ratchet, because of the ledge for a crooked starter), on the front-wheel drive with a bolt.
If you do not have a special tool for removing the bolt in your arsenal, then it will not be easy for you to do this job. The shaft will have to be locked with a fairly long wrench that rests on a hard floor. Head sizes, depending on the brand of transport, usually vary from 14 to 38.
On some vehicle models, this function can be performed by screwing the bolt into the special socket. Disconnect the ignition wires or take out the fuse for the fuel pump so as not to accidentally start the engine. It is necessary to put special shoes, bars or any other objects under the wheels that will completely exclude the movement of the car.
We take all spectators, assistants and just friends to a safe area. We ourselves send the gear knob to the fourth speed and turn the ignition key with lightning speed. It didn't work the first time, try again. Until the bolt turns.
After a successful attempt, we go for the puller and take up the pulley itself. We unscrew it counterclockwise. If you are the lucky owner of a Honda car, then there is a special ½-inch holder for you, which will greatly facilitate your work. It is available for purchase from many online retailers.
It is not recommended to perform this operation with the ignition key, on some cars of the Mazda family, since it will be rather difficult to assemble the unit back. Also, never allow the shaft to turn in the opposite direction to rotation.
Removing the pulley using pullers
With the bolts removed, you can now remove the crankshaft pulley. To do this, remove the timing case cover for complete freedom of action, such as replacing the timing belt or seals.
After removing the bolt, you can get down to the pulley and it won't be easy. The first step is to remove the belt. To do this, you need to release the generator locking bolt, then turn the tensioner. The belt will loosen and you can remove it. You may be uncomfortable with the power steering belt. Then we weaken it too.
The final touch to the job is to find the bolt that secures the pulley. You can almost always find it if you look under the car next to the right wheel. We go for a pneumatic wrench, remove the wheel.
An impact gun will be a great tool for removing a stubborn crankshaft pulley bolt. It has also been found empirically that a torque wrench is a useful tool to secure it correctly.
All safety precautions must be taken before raising and securing the front of your vehicle.
Next, a new stage awaits us - removing the pulley hub from the shaft. It is tightly fixed with a key. This requires a set of inexpensive pullers.
Take the stem, screw it several times into the main part of the puller and snap it into the end part so that it presses on it. The next step is to do the same on the other end so that it pushes against the crankshaft.
In a normal car, you will probably notice 4 small threaded holes, which is an advantage as bolts can be inserted into them. Once the puller assembly is ready, slide it on, remove one bolt and nut and screw it into the small hole. Then screw another bolt into the hole on the opposite side.
Now that you have both holes pressed firmly, take the socket and secure it using a wrench and keep turning it until it comes off.
Slippage can lead to misalignment between the center hub and the drive ring. As a result, oscillation of the crankshaft pulley will appear. This can lead to premature wear.
Never use a jaw-type puller to remove your vehicle's crankshaft pulley. Using this tool will only break the rubber o-ring by pulling the outer edge of the crankshaft pulley. Use only the recommended pulley removal tool to relieve pressure concentrated on the rubber ring.
What to do if the bolt won't loosen - expert advice
For comfortable work, a resident of North America will treat all joints of parts with Powerlube spray, a mechanic from the CIS will use WD-40, in extreme cases, brake fluid.
If it does not help, then gently try to heat it.
Video on removing the pulley on cars of various manufacturers
Now let's talk about specific brands and a method that can solve the problem of removing a part.
VAZ car
In this video, the mechanics managed to unscrew the bolt without any problems, but the pulley itself could not be removed and the holes had to be drilled. We recommend that everyone adopt this method.
Ford car
Here the expert talks about the difficulty with the damper variant. Draws attention to working with a puller.
Renault car
The car mechanic shares the intricacies of fixing the crankshaft. Uses an 18 wrench and an old screwdriver.
Honda car
The record tells about the rotation of the shaft in the opposite direction: not like most cars. Also, the author shows us a homemade device for work.
Chevrolet car
We learn about the inability to lock the shaft. The operator found a way out using a belt.
Mazda car
As with the Chevrolet, a belt is used. For a greater perception by the viewer, the situation is simulated on a workbench.
Conclusion: Now that we have discussed how to remove the crankshaft pulley in your car, we hope you can do it yourself. With proven tools, you can make out just about anything.
Just follow this step-by-step guide next time you are unhappy with the high cost of repairing your car in a car service. You no longer need to look for a mechanic to do the job for you.
2 comment
Ali
Be safe
Eric Arkanian
These tricks of a professional mechanic were really great
To learn it, you have to have years of hard experience. These little things are not for everyone
It was really great, thank you very much