2005 Ford Explorer Harmonic Balancer Replacement

Full detail on replacing the harmonic balancer on a 2005 Ford Explorer with the 4.0L V-6 engine. The only specialty tool that you will need that I forgot to mention is the puller that you can rent from most auto parts stores. This is a job that most people with a set of basic tools and some mechanical knowledge could accomplish in a few hours. Just remember, don't be afraid to get your hands dirty.

[@adrocka]

I think all of us let out a "ahhh fuck" when you said you broke the bolt... we all have been there. Thanks for making the mistake and showing us. Not hiding it!

[@davefng]

I replaced the idler pulley and serpentine belt myself. But after watching your video, I think it’s time to call a mechanic to change the harmonic balancer. I know my harmonic balancer needs replacing because when I changed the serpentine belt, I saw my harmonic balancer looked like the broken one in your video. Thank you.

[@JosephVollmar]

It (the balancer) is not a difficult job as long as you have the proper puller. If you do attempt it yourself, make sure you run a tap through the threads in the old balancer before you try to mount the puller. It really helps to clean all of the rust and crud out and makes mounting the puller a lot easier.

[@donlouis1608]

Just finished watching your Video...it will save me a ton of time :) Thanks

[@JosephVollmar]

Don Louis your welcome, I’m glad you found it helpful. Hopefully you repair goes smoothly.

[@danielleniederauer7281]

thanks for making the video its gonna help

[@ezinvestor2989]

Mine done the same thing on my 2006 mustang 4.0L. I heard squeaking thought I needed a new belt. pop the hood and seen my balancer had seperated. I fixed it with a new Dorman Balancer. I loosened the center bolt with a strong ratchet, 2x4, And ratchet straps. And used my started by tapping it. Worked beautifully no room for power tools unless you remove the radiator fan. Same process tightening it down lock the bolt and tap the starter. It's fixed and running smooth.

[@zjosephanthony]

What do you mean by tap the starter? With what?

[@ezinvestor2989]

@@zjosephanthony turn the key over for a split second using the power of the starter to loosen the bolt. Just tap the key over for a nano second should do the trick. It worked for me.

[@zjosephanthony]

Ok. Thank you

[@thomaswoosley4821]

Follow-up on the previous comment. The 7/16" bolts are close but wont thread in. That could be some rust in the holes or a different thread. I have found some pullers online that include 7/16"x20 along with other sizes and they are all fine thread bolts. Technically, fine threads can withstand more pulling force than coarse so that makes sense. I may see if a fine thread chaser will work and try the puller kit with those in it.

[@reneapovlak2620]

Thanks! Great video

[@bryceyoda]

I just did this this job ended up being a bit of a nightmare. The puller bolts were to short and needed 8mmx1.25x100mm long 90mm would probably work too. After installing the dorman harmonic balancer I started getting misfire codes P0300 P0303 p0304. I changed out the crank sensor and spark plugs. I ended up pulling the balancer back off and found that the pickup teeth on the balancer for the sensor were bent in one spot on the new balancer. Make sure to check your new one before install. I just wanted to share this info for others.

[@eliasmonterotapia7]

thanks you doing a good job .i watchinng.you video.....god Bless you

[@fashionstreet1]

Awesome video tutorial I happen to make that same mistake snap one side of the pulley bolt and the pulley is half way off any other suggestions to get it off any help will suffice?

[@davidperez4578]

Thanks

[@bjkjoseph]

I have a 2005 and I was driving...heard a weird noise...heard a clunk and a bang...noise stopped but the grooved pulley part of the harmonic balancer was rolling next to me...good video...but I'm going to leave this one up to my mechanic.

[@thomazz1976]

thank you

[@stonwall99]

Nice video. I just changed a motor and it came with a new harmonic balancer and different tuning wheel. Now the crank sensor doesn't read it correctly. It is sitting on only 3/4 of the tuning wheel. If I hold it with my hand the engine runs properly. Is there a different crank sensor for the new type tuning wheel

[@Lodoz]

My 4.0 ranger is in the exact same position...

[@thomaswoosley4821]

I'm doing this on a 2005 Sport-Trac with the 4.0 V6 and there appear to be some differences. The fan shroud is one-piece on it but is no big deal to remove. I had some 7/16" bolts to use with the puller but the holes in the balancer don't match. I tried to get some loaner pullers and the largest bolts that came with them were 3/8" and the 7/16" bolts wouldn't fit through the pull bar anyway. The 3/8" bolts dropped right into the holes instead of threading in. I'm thinking the holes are 10 or 11mm but still researching that. My bigger problem now is breaking the crank bolt loose. A 650 Ft-Lb impact wrench won't do it. Just a thought... you can use a push rod against the end of the crank and push against it instead of leaving the bolt in. A short 3/8" extension will work for a push bar also.

[@mrmort436]

8mm (1.0 or 1.25. can't remember which). The hole is usually all gunked up because it has never seen a bolt and is full of crud. Makes it hard to get even the correct bolt threaded far enough (at least 5 turns). Grind a flat side (on your 8mm bolt threads) or cut a slot in them along the long axis of the bolt, and use some WD40 to gently work that bolt in and out of the hole until it is cleaned out and the bolt goes in properly.

[@rogerperez377]

Hello great videos one question I have a03 f 250 4.2 my damper pulley broke on the key way I put a new one and after 2 days do the same broke again do you know what cause this problem. Thank very much

[@michaelmascolino4962]

Any suggestions on the pulley when it's frozen on the shaft the poor won't even pull it off

[@DuckOnQuackk]

My 2008 Ford explorer 4.0 was thrown off 2 serpentine belts in the last week, the only thing I could find was the that the harmonic balancer pulley does not free spin, could be throwing the belt, can these seize and mean it's time for a replacement? Thanks

[@karit2k9]

I have a problem with that part, it doesn't go deep, and the belt is cut.. Will we have to clean the inside that goes to the cramshft?

[@partsbuyer97]

where'd you get those big slip joint pliers

[@LouMontana-wc7nr]

What is the torque spec on the crank bolt?

[@JoeJalopy]

Thanks, my harmonic balancer was wobbling so I am replacing it. I had trouble also with the puller bolts, they did not fit seem to fit either M8 or SAE.

[@JosephVollmar]

Joe Dvorsky they are SAE

[@syco1us]

What size SAE bolts are they

[@JosephVollmar]

syco1us I believe they are 5/16 n/c. They are not a fine thread.

[@lancey1053]

M8-1.25 at least 90mm long

[@alaxandersupertramp6955]

fine thread?

[@MeteKagan936]

I have changed my broken motor mounts which i thought that these mounts were the main cause for the vibration from my engine. Unfortunately the vibration on my engine still remains. Some say that vibration is for bad harmonic balancer. How can i diagnose this? Will changing the harmonic balancer and belt tensioner will solve the vibration issue on the engine?

[@kennethgilbertdds7249]

The answer is: yes. maybe. try it and see. (and post the video. so we'll know too.)

[@kennethhayes3763]

On motor mounts, they don't have to be obviously broken to cause vibration and if the vibration is due to mounts you'll need to change all of them. Changing one or even two won't usually stop the issue. If you put the car in drive, hold your foot on the brake, give it a little gas see if you feel or hear the vibration. Then try doing that in reverse. If the vibration is affected by which gear you select, forward or reverse, then yes it is probably an engine/transmission mount or stabilizer/damper issue and all should be replaced. If the balancer is the issue, the engine only has to be running to vibrate, doesn't matter about being in gear. You can look at the balancer with the engine stopped to see if it is coming apart.

[@billcoley8520]

I must have missed half of the video how did you get the bold loosened

[@exoticreflexs6719]

Dude didn't put it in

[@billcoley8520]

Ok I’m wondering if you used the same key way half moon? Another thing I’m curious about how you got the bolt loose to begin with?

[@JosephVollmar]

Used an impact to loosen the bolt, put everything back the same way it came apart.

[@oconnellv]

I know this is an old video but hoping for a reply… I stripped out one of the holes on the harmonic balancer so the pulley will not work… How did you attack the pulley with your air hammer and crowbar? I can’t seem to get a good angle…

[@mrmort436]

Use a longer 1/4" bolt to go all the way through and put a nut on the back.

[@everyday80sdude86]

I can not get my harmonic balancer (crankshaft) pulley to come off. I've tried using one of those puller kits and it got all bent up. The main bolt is out. I've used PB blaster and WD-40 and it will not come off. My vehicle is a 2007 Mustang 4.0L V6. Any advice on how to get the pulley off? Thank you

[@Dafuture1515]

If you haven't gotten it out yet, i got mine out with a hammer and a pry bar. tap on both sides fromunderneath the vehicle and it comes right out. Those special tools are crap

[@albert5682]

LMFAO that's the reason why you can't get it out because the bolts is out... The pulley is made with a very small hole where the puller cannot go through it... Thread bolt in about 4 threads and then put the puller back on the pulley

[@elmazkabron4739]

@@albert5682 you have no idea how glad i feel to have read this comment. You're the man!!

[@fashionstreet1]

@@Dafuture1515 I made that same mistake snap one side of the pulley bolt and the pulley is half way off now I have no idea how to get it off any suggestions will help?

[@billcoley8520]

Wait wait. You didn’t tighten the harmonic balencer

[@Anthony-vf4dj]

Could this affect timing if done poorly. Or on the replacement ?

[@JosephVollmar]

No it should have no effect on the timing at all.

[@zerkfiter]

other videos ive seen say bolts for puller use are metric

[@kennethhayes3763]

They are M8x1.25

[@billcoley8520]

Exactly what bolt did you break off?

[@JosephVollmar]

One of the puller bolts.

[@morrisw7227]

Everyone wants to know how you loosened the crank bolt. That's the difficult part.. You just moved from the fan to the puller?? s

[@JosephVollmar]

Sorry about that, I used a stubby 3/8" drive impact to break it loose. If it is really tight and you don't have an impact, you may be able to put a socket and breaker bar on it and grab it with a large pair of slip joint pliers to hold it. You would have to do that from under the vehicle though.

[@120115135]

you didnt show if you put somethink in front of the pully puler

[@JosephVollmar]

Juan Rios I’m not completely sure what you mean, but the puller was the only thing that I used, and it bolts to the balancer.

[@morrisw7227]

After market balancer? They fail so often there's a lucrative market!