I am replacing my crankshaft pulley and need help in getting it off. Any suggestions b/c it just turns with the 22mm bolt when I try to take it off. Thanks.

 

Either a really strong impact or use the special crankshaft pulley tool. Those are the only two ways I have heard to get it off. Actually you can try the starter trick, search for it and give it a try.

 

Cant fit my strong impact down there without removing the entire radiator. I'll search for the special crankshaft tool on the net. As far as the starter trick, I know what that is and thats the last thing I want to try, I feel like i'll break something trying that. I appreciate the input.

 

You need something like this. http://www.tooltopia.com/schley-6430...googlebase_18u

 

Anyone have a hold down tool I can borrow?

 

Has that bolt been taken off before?
If not read through the DIY threads and service manual on timing belt change to get an idea of the magnitude of torque you need to apply. It has a re-torque setting of 250+ to get ON, and if it has never come off from the factory, the torque to get it off may be may take 3x-5x as much.

Many high quality precision tools have given their life to the crankshaft pulley, including some from my (skilled) mechanic when they changed my timing belt.. Instead you need heavy duty tools not the prettiest tools.

 

i dont know how "strong" is your impact gun? but you need a 3/4" impact gun and yes you need to remove the radiator.

 

Yup, which is why the $58 tool is a great investment, saving the labor of yanking the radiator and/or busted knuckles. Always use the right tool for the job .

 

An impact gun is not gonna take it off. Go to your local automotive store and rent a tool design for the removal of the crankshaft pulley. You also need some one to help you because the two of you are going to pull opposite direction to get the bolt off. And when you do get it off make sure you gently wiggle the pulley off. It was alot of work for me when I had taken off the pulley.

 

And remember to mark the pulleys at their correct angles

 

I don't know what impact gun you guys use, but mine (1/2" drive) takes it off all the time. Very rarely do I get a car with the bolts on so tight that I have to use a 3/4" gun. Then again, I usually take out the radiator anyways. I rather not suddenly break a breaker bar and injure myself.

 

just do the 1/2inc breaker bar trick alot easier done it to both my sc's it works like a charm. Just tap the key don't hold it down may take a few times on my one sc it was so tight it lifted the car but came loose after 2 times just my opinion thanks, Curt

 

I just finished changing my Lexus GS300 1999 timing belt and Water pump.
As mentioned earlier I used the STARTER BUMP method with a Cement block
and piece of wood to take the THMP sitting on the ground.
When I finished I put a 6 inch Socket ADAPTOR through a hole in the Steering Pump Pulley
and tightened the Pulley bolt to about 160 FT/LBS but without JERKING as this may upset
the Steering Pulley so pull or push the Torque slowly.
I also did a similar method on my Toyota Sequoia 2005 for timing belt/water pump
My.Timing Locations are shown below for Lexus GS300

 

i've removed this pulley several times using the following methods:

-Toyota tool
-A chain wrench
-Removing the flex plate inspection cover and jam a prybar to keep the flywheel from spinning (Not recommended)

Toyota tools are becoming harder to find and very expensive. A chain wrench can be your best friend and in most cases rentable. Just remember to wrap the pulley with something to protect it from the chain.

 

If you use the chain wrench to hold the harmonic balancer/pulley, I am not so sure that would be a good idea. I have heard that on some cars it is possible to damage the balancer using this technique.