How to Remove a Harmonic Balancer on a Ford 4.0 SOHC (Explorer, Mountaineer, Ranger, Mustang)

New Facebook Group! Ford 4.0L SOHC V6 Owner's Club / 4.0sohc
How to remove the harmonic balancer on a Ford 4.0. Its quite simple using the puller and some long skinny bolts. Forget about the threads in the balancer. Here in the salt belt, they're usually non existent. Parts can be found below.
Parts link -
Bolt style wheel puller - amzn.to/2HCK9qN
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[@bscott1982]

Bro! Thank you for this video! Working on an 08 Mustang, and this thing has been giving me grief for like 4 weeks! I found your video this morning, it was out this afternoon! I hope you're doing well!

[@ENDFBakin]

I've been busting my knuckles and broke 2 pullers from every attempt and every other "tip" video I've found..... this is the ONLY video that actually helped me get the harmonic balancer off within 2 minutes. You're a true hero. Also a tip for getting the new balancer on, you can smack it partiallly on with a mallet, hitting each side, top and bottom to get it on as much as you can, then put the center bolt in, slowly turn it as you lightly tap the pulley and it will go right in without a struggle :)

[@elijahlundberg7934]

Home buoy is a LIFE SAVER!!!

[@christopherherrera9822]

Yes, strong enough bolts is the key phrase. OEM 57187 kit’s bolts broke under the stress, so I will get it done this way. Thank you sir!

[@iamdjnam]

Glad to help

[@lancerobbinssr4546]

THANK YOU Great video. I am actually pulling ,,, Pulled my Harmonic Balancer as I'm writing this Thank You Comment. Your great and you are very smart. This video ( and your 4.0 rebuild vid) Has taught me a lot and gave me the confidence to do my engine.

[@claudmobilemechanic]

Men u just save my life today....thanks

[@johnkomosa9508]

Nic job, once you get done with the balance bolt, pull the balance off!, or tap it lightly on either side with a rubber mallet, it will come then you don't have to use the 1/4" extension. Thank you . Keep up the good work.

[@yoyimarti2864]

Wow how easy with your idea's!!! Thankx likeD n SUBSCRIBED!!!

[@iamdjnam]

Much appreciated! Thank you

[@joannprice8887]

very helpful video

[@UnashamedKen]

Thank you! Blessings

[@TheHopson]

Is there a way to check the jack shaft chain tensioner? Also how long are them 1/4” bolts?

[@Fordtruckfan89]

Just figured I'd throw this in. AutoZone has a OEM rental tool (57306) for installing this balancer, has a m12x1.5 stud and nut.

[@pocketjock]

I’ve done everything in the order you showed and my crank bolt is out (Spun in 5-6 threads) but I broke my puller tool in half. I have a new one but any suggestions on getting it free from the key and shaft so I can remove it.

[@feracopictures9322]

Hey nick how long are those 1/4 bolts, are they 6”?

[@SirErp]

Holy crap, thank you.

[@iamdjnam]

No problem

[@honorz4716]

So while trying to get the puller bolts screwed in to remove the balancer, it turned just a tad bit, will this cause issues with timing?

[@vanessatapia5181]

I hope you can help me the screw broke inside and I don’t know how to take this off the vehicle

[@randallwalker455]

I really like your videos. Do you have a video of how to torque a harmonic balance while it is on the engine stand?

[@iamdjnam]

I don’t. What I do is clamp vice grips on the flywheel and set them against the dowels on the block. It’ll hold the engine from spinning.

[@charliethiede3992]

I also used a belt wrench and jammed it against the ac compressor and that worked for me. Although if it’s on the stand this probs wouldn’t work.

[@user-es1968]

What if the wheel is turning when you try to get the center bolt out

[@jmahtab]

Have you seen any of the redesigned pulleys fail? I have a 2010 that throws a p0320 DTC, more so after a hot soak. I suspect the balancer may be slipping once hot but it was replaced once in 2018. Can't find much else wrong. CKP, harness, shielding, grounds all ok.

[@iamdjnam]

Never.

[@anthonybrassell4608]

How to get it off without the belt drive part on it and its in the vehicle still

[@kjjerome]

Hey Nick I finally got the correct bolt, with the other bolt, the wrong one it came with a washer. I can’t tell looking at my harmonic pulley if there was a washer on it originally?

[@iamdjnam]

No washer

[@stevenjames7073]

How long the 2 bolts

[@Fordtruckfan89]

Could you use the crank holder tool to keep the engine from turning while torquing the balancer bolt?

[@iamdjnam]

Yeah or wedge the flywheel

[@lunaticckc]

Dude my balancer is so tight on, I started rotating the motor over from hand cranking the pulley, why?

[@89G]

Thank you! Do you mind if I give you credit in the video I'm filming?

[@iamdjnam]

That would be great. Thank you!

[@89G]

@@iamdjnam I'm working on an OHV, but it's removed the same way. It's been a long time since I did a 4.0, so I'm glad I found your video before I broke my puller. LOL.

[@barry-xs6pz]

This is why all good mechanics are Chevy guys.

[@verdantgrottobarbell5279]

You have to be a good mechanic if you drive a Chevy

[@TheBruceTR]

My engine is in my truck (not on an engine stand). I don't have an impact wrench. When I go to loosen the crank bolt (using a breaker bar), will I be able to use the belt to keep the engine from rotating counterclockwise? Please advise. Many thanks!

[@iamdjnam]

Put the breaker bar on the bolt and the handle against the ground. Then bump (BUT DONT START) the starter. The torque from the starter will break the bolt loose.

[@TheBruceTR]

@@iamdjnam - Genius! Thank you!

[@GWAR1982]

So I thank you for being such a good resource . I opened my 04 ranger and the balance shaft is not there is this normal.

[@iamdjnam]

Makes no difference. Just order the timing kit without the balance shaft.

[@JoeBlowski]

Balance shaft is for 4 wheel drive.

[@iamdjnam]

Mhm :3

[@GWAR1982]

@@iamdjnam what’s the weird gasket or shim for in the kits. It comes wrapped with the oil restrictor plug . Steel o ring or shim.

[@iamdjnam]

Goes around the hydraulic tensioners

[@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

[@iamdjnam]

Harmonic balancer does not free spin. They only spin when the engine is on. It could’ve broke at the seam and be misaligned.

[@Anthony-vf4dj]

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

[@iamdjnam]

No. Replacing harmonic balancer will not mess with the timing.

[@MetalMusic1134]

How do you service the front seal? Is there a tool to insert it? 4:01 I have the installer for the rear main seal. Is there something like it for the front?

[@iamdjnam]

Tap it in with a large socket or length of pvc pipe

[@MetalMusic1134]

@@iamdjnam thank you for your reply! I had a piece of pipe that was just about the right size. It worked great! Thanks

[@chidorishinobi1]

so i messed up and snapped one of the bolts inside the harmonic balancer i dont know what to do now i would try to extract it but i dont have enough room

[@iamdjnam]

3 jaw puller will get that balancer off no problem

[@zenbosch2745]

My crank bolt turns when I use the tool to remove the balancer

[@iamdjnam]

Need the end with the point on it. You have too much surface area so it’s turning the bolt.

[@Calidreams_2023]

Hey, my quarter inch bolt broke off at the head. Now, half of the bolt is stuck in the hole and the nut wont unscrew from the back. What do I do now? Any advice?

[@lawxx6]

Try and use some penatrent spray and a reverse drill bit and try backing out the bolt

[@Calidreams_2023]

@@lawxx6 Hey, thank you so much. I was able to get it out eventually. I ended up using a mirror and realized the bolt bent into the nut at a weird angle. I twerked & jiggled it a little bit and it came right out. 😅

[@RickP654]

Could a 3/8 x 8" extension be used in place of 1/4" extension?

[@iamdjnam]

Yes that should be fine.

[@RickP654]

@@iamdjnam Thank you so much. My nephew just came and borrowed some tools to change the engine after jumping time. The guy he got the engine to replace it told him he would have to put his old balancer on because he had sold it off that engine. He then told him the tool to replace it with would cost him over 100 dollars. I knew someone would have found a different and cheaper way to do the job. I thank you for posting your job information. I am also a Ford man but to old and broke down health wise to do much mechanicing anymore. Thanks again for a great and informative video.

[@iamdjnam]

And that’s exactly why I make these videos. No sense in paying for a tool that you don’t need. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@JoeBlowski]

@@iamdjnam 3/8" extension will not fit in the threaded hole !

[@iamdjnam]

@@JoeBlowski kk

[@odisammonsjr6319]

How can I pull that off if my hose on my harmonic balancer doesn't go all the way through because mine's don't go all the way through

[@iamdjnam]

Gotta find the threads of the bolt holes then use that

[@hondaslave-kd6hi]

Dumb question, but what bolts did you use to hold engine on stand? Bellhousing bolts?

[@iamdjnam]

Bellhousing bolt thread but I used grade 8 they’re about 4 inches long iirc

[@hondaslave-kd6hi]

@@iamdjnam thanks, I picked up some m10 90mm 1.5 pitch but only 3/4 long. I'll look around more. Thanks

[@natetalarigo6210]

Same process for putting it back on or no?

[@iamdjnam]

All you have to do is tap it half way on with a rubber mallet then use the crank bolt to pull it on the rest of the way. Very easy!

[@Sircivus]

can this be done with the engine installed in an explorer?

[@iamdjnam]

Yes I just did one. Didn’t even need to remove radiator.

[@winstonwilson8034]

How do you bipass the ac pulley

[@iamdjnam]

I have no idea

[@jmg36344]

What do u charge for the timing chain service. ‘02 Explorer Sport. Thnks

[@iamdjnam]

If you bring me the engine roughly 600

[@lashlarue7924]

Nice work, bro-duder. I would bro down 🍺 with you any day. 😎

[@brandonmiranda2417]

What length bolts?

[@iamdjnam]

Depends on balancer. 5 inch with washers.

[@christophermichael5256]

Hey I’m trying to find the Harmonic balancer INSTALLER for a 2008 Mercury Mountaineer, I’ve tried two separate ones and they both weren’t long enough to do what needed to be done, so if you can paste a link to the installer’s you use i would greatly appreciate it, this is all i have to do is push the harmonic balancer into position… PLEASE AND THANK YOU!!

[@iamdjnam]

If you need to install, literally grease the snout of the balancer, take a rubber mallet and hammer it on. No install tool needed.

[@christophermichael5256]

@@iamdjnam I had already tried that before and it wasn’t budging past a certain limit, now the engine is back in the car bcuz I thought it was back far enough and when i started it the belt and everything would go around but it’s just not back far enough for the belt to not be slightly slipping and causing the issue of the engine to idle roughly, like when i look at it as it spins its like it would slip off if it has the chance to, i think the only reason it didn’t slip off is bcuz I upgraded my alternator and put a smaller belt on, but that was on long before my Rear cassette obliterated and i had to redo everything, so the proper tool is what is needed so i don’t have to take the engine out again to get that leverage of hammering the harmonic balancer on you know? I could just remove the fan and radiator to use the tool, ultimately i can try to hammer it in that way with those removed but I don’t believe i would have nearly enough space to get that leverage

[@FordExplorer420]

Just a little tick tip for everybody that owns this engine every 60,000 mi you must replace the timing chain hydraulic tensioners if you ignore the maintenance the plastic guides of the timing chain will break eventually because the hydraulic tensioners sees up eventually because they have little filter screens inside if they're not replaced every 60 to 50,000 MI they're going to have problems with your timing chain no matter what keep up your oil change full synthetic every 3,000 miles

[@dooby1445]

Oil change every 3k mile is some boomer shit. Absolutely unnecessary in every metric for full synthetic oils. Stop spreading these wive tales lol

[@iamdjnam]

10k

[@verdantgrottobarbell5279]

3k for conventional

[@verdantgrottobarbell5279]

210k miles on mine and they look straight from the factory. My problem is the puddle didn’t look that deep… Full Aspiration and seized the pistons. Thankfully I didn’t throw a Rod

[@hondaslave-kd6hi]

Are you worried about pulling threads when using crank bolt at first?

[@iamdjnam]

Nope! It’s grabbing like half the bolt which is plenty. I never install them using the bolt to pull it on, I’ve seen the threads come out so many times.

[@hondaslave-kd6hi]

@@iamdjnam thanks again, so it should slide back on completely

[@iamdjnam]

It won’t go on without resistance. You’ll need a rubber mallet or a long piece of threaded rod the same pitch as the bolt.

[@roberthull4257]

Thanks for the good video! Question. I'm taking my 4.0 engine apart to get to a broken chain guide. I'm mostly dismantled but while trying to get the balancer bolt out I don't want to hurt the engine. Do I need to keep the balancer from spinning while trying to take out the 19mm? Thanks!

[@iamdjnam]

If you are using an impact it shouldn’t turn. But it’s okay if it spins.

[@roberthull4257]

@@iamdjnam Cool. Thank you! This is my first time tearing an engine apart. Hoping I can replace the tension cartridge or find why the engine was sounding like a diesel tractor. I'm doing it while still in the Mustang because I don't have a lift.

[@iamdjnam]

Do keep in mind if your noise is the rear cassette the engine must be removed.

[@roberthull4257]

@@iamdjnam Thanks. It sounds like it's just the front one. right behind the power steering pump. I thought it was a bad power steering pump at first until I saw a few videos with the same sound.

[@iamdjnam]

You can confirm by removing the valve cover and inspecting before going through all the work of taking apart the balancer

[@midnightron9067]

How long are those bolts?

[@iamdjnam]

4.5”

[@midnightron9067]

@@iamdjnam off to Lowes I go! Thanks brother!!

[@TreyCook21]

You had a ChrisFix vibe going on, but we saw your face and it ruined the illusion! lol, JK! Great video. I tried my best to get M8x1.25 to thread in there. Is that the usual size it takes? If so, my threads are jacked and I'll just use this method.

[@iamdjnam]

I’m not sure about the pitch. It’s honestly never worked for me so I always use the through bolt.

[@TreyCook21]

@@iamdjnam Got it to work. M8x1.25 is correct. I used a spare bolt and cut a groove up the threads like a thread chaser. That cut out the rust and grime so the puller bolts went in easy. Your video got me started in the right direction.

[@iamdjnam]

Awesome glad you were able to make it work

[@mikeb5981]

The problem I’m having is the the whole thing is turning. Any suggestions?

[@iamdjnam]

Gotta hold the flywheel

[@mikeb5981]

@@iamdjnam thanks for the reply I finally got it after almost 2 hrs 🤣🤦🏻‍♂️ thanks for the quick reply. God bless

[@donaldstamper8227]

my name is don i like fords to

[@iamdjnam]

Hey Don! I love fords, it’s all my family owns! :)

[@benjaminboundey3597]

Dude. seriously? Fords are the best.

[@chavezmariobros]

P.o.s. engine

[@verdantgrottobarbell5279]

Nuh-uh You are…

[@barry-xs6pz]

Don't use an extension to put in the crank. It can bend and get stuck in the crank snout.