The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop harmonic balance removal

i need some help,can anybody tell me how do you get the harmonic balancer off the front of a 55 chevy 235,there are no bolts on the front, only what looks like 5 rivets and a hole in the middle, any help would be greatly appreciated...thanx

There are two threaded holes on the face of the balancer. A puller like this should pull it off. This style puller might be available on loan or for rent at an auto parts store.

I used a normal stearing wheel puller.

so, there are no bolts to take it off? what holds it on?

It's a press fit, friction.

Anyone know off hand what the thread pitch of the two threaded holes is?

I have done it with a steering wheel puller. The first time i used a hand ratchet then got smart the second time bought an air rachet much easier. I was surprised its just a press on fit.

The steering wheel puller i bought at autozone had two bolt sizes the corse thread eas the one i used not the fine thread. I just do not remember which size it was.

3/8" coarse.

And not too long! Don't want to damage the timing cover (only once and it way a very long time ago!).

It's also a press fit going back on. The outer ring of the balancer is held on to the inner ring with a rubber type material. If you pound really hard on the inner hub driving it back on, you can separate the two pieces destroying the balancer. GM used a special holding tool that held both pieces as one.

To help installing, you can heat the balancer to 200 degrees with out worry and if possible cool the crank using dry ice or set the engine outside in the cold. When you have everything ready, hammer, brass punch, gloves, etc.....
in one quick motion, align the key way and shove it on, then quickly tap the center hub to seat the balancer to the timing gear and crank shoulder. If all goes right, you should be able to get it 75% or more on the first stab. Be sure to clean the two surfaces really well and remove any burs or rust.

A second option is to drill and tap the center of the crank and use a small block Chevrolet bolt and washer to pull it on and hold it there. Any machine should be able to drill the crank or you can do it yourself with a hand drill and sharp bits. The crank is fairly soft and drills quit easy. Being dead center is not required but you should try to be as close as possible.

Joe

Joe, 235 balancers do not have an outer ring like small block Chevs and others that can be damaged while assembly. The rubber is behind a plate that is held in place with 6 rivets.
The risk is damaging the thrust bearing only.

i got the harmonic balance off today, i used a gear puller and an air gun, and zipped it right off, thanks for the help everyone!!!!