2006 Hamonic balancer separation

pmtraver

New member
Hey All,

I have a 2006 Sprinter with about 230,000 miles on it and the rubber between the Harmonic balancer and the crank pulley has separated on the pulley side. Just wondering if anyone else here has had this problem.

I ordered a new pulley from europarts-SD.com and crank seal...since I'm there anyway. Does anyone know if the crank bolt on the sprinter is right or left handed, and whether or not there is anything I should be aware of before changing it out?

Thanks,
Paul
 

talkinghorse43

Well-known member
Several instances of this a couple years ago were discussed on the yahoo sprintervan forum. I'd go there and search & read.

Also from the '03 service manual:

"REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect negative battery cable.
(2) Remove accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 -
COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS -
REMOVAL).
(3) Install retaining lock for crankshaft/ring gear
(Fig. 43).
(4) Remove crankshaft center bolt and washer
(Fig. 43).
NOTE: If hub of belt pulley/vibration damper is
tight, use puller # 8940 to remove. DO NOT tilt
puller when in use. Grooves of the puller must
mesh fully into the slots of the belt pulley.
(5) Remove the belt pulley/vibration damper (Fig.
43).
Fig. 43 VIBRATION DAMPER/CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
1 - SPECIAL TOOL #8932
2 - RETAINING BOLTS
3 - VIBRATION DAMPER/CRANKSHAFT PULLEY
4 - WASHER
5 - CRANKSHAFT BOLT
NOTE: If grooves can be felt in the belt pulley/vibration
damper during inspection, the pulley/damper
must be replaced.
(6) Inspect hub at belt pulley/vibration damper for
wear grooves.
(7) Replace front crankshaft seal.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Align parallel key, fix in place with grease.
Turn to ensure the slot is aligned with parallel key
in crankshaft.
NOTE: Front crankshaft seal must be replaced
before installing the belt pulley/vibration damper.
(1) Position the belt pulley/vibration damper.
(2) Install crankshaft center bolt and washer.
Tighten bolt in two stages. M8.8 bolt to 200N·m (148
lbs. ft.) then 90°, M10.9 bolt to 325N·m (240 lbs. ft.)
then 90°.
(3) Remove the retaining lock for the crankshaft/
ring gear (Fig. 43).
NOTE: Inspect accessory drive belt for wear.
Replace as necessary.
(4) Install accessory drive belt (Refer to 7 - COOLING/
ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - INSTALLATION).
(5) Reconnect negative battery cable.
WARNING: USE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN THE
ENGINE IS IN OPERATION. DO NOT STAND IN A
DIRECT LINE WITH THE FAN. DO NOT PUT YOUR
HANDS NEAR THE PULLEYS, BELTS OR FAN. DO
NOT WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING.
(6) Start vehicle and inspect for leaks."
 
Last edited:

talkinghorse43

Well-known member
Don't know if it's right hand thread. I assume, since there's no note to the contrary, that it is. The engine rotates in a clockwise direction (from front), so that would tend to loosen a right hand thread, but there's a key to stop any possible differential rotation. I remember Doktor A's comment about how very tight that bolt is and how he had to use nearly all his effort to move it (can't remember if loosening or tightening). Also, remember his comment about the special tool required to lock the flywheel/flexplate to resist crankshaft rotation while working that bolt. As I remember, a 1 1/16" socket is a perfect fit. (This is all on the yahoo sprintervan forum.)

You could email the Doktor directly and ask to make sure (abittenbinder@yahoo.com).

Or, since you should use a new bolt anyway, you'll be able to tell whether it's right or left when you have it in your hand.
 
Last edited:

Top Bottom