rval_1999

The harmonic balancer went up today, moved backwards, not forward. I think I caught it in time before any damage to oil pan. Anyway, I am going to replace myself, any advice? Is there a performance "pulley" I should get instead of OEM. BTW, what do performance pulley's do anyway???

King320

I just had this problem last week. i was getting my Evosport UD pulleys put on and i noticed the rubber on the crankshaft pulley was moving forward, it was about $50 for an OEM crankshaft pulley and less than an hour for installation. As for performance, underdrive pulleys are lighter and also give less power to your alternator, powersteering pump, and water pump and free this power (plus that gained from less rotating mass) up for the crank. Evosports numbers are about 10HP, but i really havent felt much difference at all. Im kind of disappointed to tell the truth, but i've heard that it sometimes gradually kicks in (???) so im holding out for that. You can also get an overdrive crank pulley, i dont know who makes them for our cars but they were available for my old A4. The only problem is some of these dont have harmonic balancers, which puts you at risk for getting vibrations in your crankshaft...which is bad. Best of luck

vinamg

Common problem on early 112 engines. The balancer got updated to a 00-05 IIRC. Make sure to replace the bolt as well.

Do you have the proper tools? Crank needs to be locked from the front with a special tool; otherwise you risk twisting the crankshaft.

rval_1999

Is the tool you are talking about called a "pulley puller"? They rent this thing at Autozone for free. Should I also replace the seal. Why do I need to replace the bolt??? Any advice on the procedure from someone who knows would be greatly appreciated.....

Thanks

King320

yeh, i was thinking the same thing. I wouldnt attempt this DIY unless you absolutely know what you're doing. Im not saying you dont know, but if you made even a small error it could cause big problems. My line of reasoning was that since its so cheap to have done, why not pay someone and buy some cheap peace of mind.

vinamg

You can see the tool here:
http://www.samstagsales.com/mercedes.htm

scroll down it's the "Web Special"

You should replace the bolt because it's a stretch bolt with lots of torque (like a head bolt).

No need to replace front seal, unless it's leaking.

rval_1999

Any idea where to get the 27mm HEX key to remove the main Cranksaft pulley bolt???? Is it common or specialty??/ Thx

lowphat

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/searc...eyword=hex+key

Good Luck