How To Remove Stubborn Crankshaft Pulley Bolt And The Tool You'll Need To Tighten It Back To Specs

Crankshaft pulley bolt is the most stubborn, highly torqued and perhaps the most challenging bolt to remove in a car. These bolts can have a rating of 400-700 lb-ft or more especially if they're rusty or have never been removed.
Here are the #ᴬᴰlinks to tools, parts and accessories you may need to perform this repair:
1. amzn.to/489Khpd | DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench, Cordless, Detent Anvil, Tool Only (DCF899B)
2. amzn.to/45MSLRE | DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit, 20V MAX, 1/2" Hog Ring With 4-Mode Speed, Includes Battery, Charger and Kit Bag (DCF900P1)
3. amzn.to/3PguVqq | Milwaukee 2962-20 M18 18V Fuel 1/2" Mid-torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring
4. amzn.to/3P5keXK | AVID POWER Cordless Impact Wrench, 1/2 Impact Gun w/Max Torque 330 ft lbs (450N.m), Power Impact Wrenches w/ 3.0A Li-ion Battery, 4 Pcs Impact Sockets and 1 Hour Fast Charger, 20V Impact Driver Kit
5. amzn.to/45O3P0Y | 20V 370 Ft-lbs Brushless Impact Wrench Kit, 1/2 Inch Cordless Electric Impact Gun, High Torque 3,400 IPM Impact Driver with 6 Pcs Drive Impact Sockets, 2.0Ah Battery, Fast Charger, and Tools Bag
Or Click on Amazon link here and search for what you need: amzn.to/3xIOsqg
Most auto repair shops or garages use air impact wrench to remove these bolts. Luckily for us, the weekend warrior or backyard mechanics, manufacturers of cordless impact wrenches have recently offered impact wrench with extremely high breakaway torque, thus eliminating the need to have air compressor and/or the need to haul the heavy compressor or the hoses.
This video is NOT about demonstrating how to remove the crank pulley (also known as the harmonic balancer) bolt without any special tools. It is actually to highlight one of the best and most powerful cordless impact wrench on the market today.
This Dewalt DCF899 impact wrench has a heavy-duty impact mechanism with a max torque at 700 ft-lbs and a max breakaway torque at 1,200 ft-lbs. A 3-speed selector switch allows for application specific torque/drive control. A bright LED work light with a 20 second delay for low light situations.
Alright, so that you were able to somehow managed to get the crankshaft bolt out (whether using this tools or any other methods), how do you tighten the bolt back to factory specifications during the installation?
The tool that you'll need is torque-limiting extension bar. In this video we showcased Pittsburgh 10 Piece 1/2 inch Torque Limiting Extension Bar Set with Carrying Case, Color Coded and Engraved with ft. lb. settings (65-150ft-lb). Use these torque extension bars to prevent over-tightening of lug nuts. Designed for use with standard or thin-wall sockets, each torque extension bar is color-coded and engraved with torque range for quick reference.
As far as impact drivers are concerned, there are many other brands out there such as Milwaukee, Eartquake Extreme XT, Bosch, Ingersol Rand, Craftsman, Hitachi, Rockwell and the more expensive Snap-On. But there was a video on youtube that showed how the Dewalt DCF899 was able to remove a lugnut from an 18-wheeler.
The harmonic balancer (also called “crank pulley damper”), connected to the crankshaft of an engine, reduces engine vibration and serves as a pulley for the drive belts. The balancer or “damper” is composed of two elements: a mass and an energy-dissipating element.
Thanks for watching...
You can watch all of Aiman's auto repair videos in the following playlist: • How To Remove Alternat...
This video is presented to you by Aiman-Imran Anuar. You can watch more of #Aiman_DIY_Auto_Repair videos on #EyeOnAiman KZbin Channel & Facebook Page.
Note: This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Disclaimer of Liability (No Responsibility): Please exercise due diligence with information obtained from this video. The information contained in this video is for entertainment purposes and should only be treated as such. I shall not be held liable for any damage to vehicles, tools, equipment or person resulted therein. This channel assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred. You will use such information at your own risk. Aiman recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Any injury, damage or loss resulted from using information in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EyeOnAiman.
Recording Date: June 7, 2017
Video URL: • How To Remove Stubborn...

[@EyeOnAiman]

Here are the #ᴬᴰlinks to tools, parts and accessories you may need to perform this repair: 1. amzn.to/489Khpd | DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench, Cordless, Detent Anvil, Tool Only (DCF899B) 2. amzn.to/45MSLRE | DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Impact Wrench Kit, 20V MAX, 1/2" Hog Ring With 4-Mode Speed, Includes Battery, Charger and Kit Bag (DCF900P1) 3. amzn.to/3PguVqq | Milwaukee 2962-20 M18 18V Fuel 1/2" Mid-torque Impact Wrench with Friction Ring 4. amzn.to/3P5keXK | AVID POWER Cordless Impact Wrench, 1/2 Impact Gun w/Max Torque 330 ft lbs (450N.m), Power Impact Wrenches w/ 3.0A Li-ion Battery, 4 Pcs Impact Sockets and 1 Hour Fast Charger, 20V Impact Driver Kit 5. amzn.to/45O3P0Y | 20V 370 Ft-lbs Brushless Impact Wrench Kit, 1/2 Inch Cordless Electric Impact Gun, High Torque 3,400 IPM Impact Driver with 6 Pcs Drive Impact Sockets, 2.0Ah Battery, Fast Charger, and Tools Bag Or Click on Amazon link here and search for what you need: amzn.to/3xIOsqg

[@juancalderon909]

Wow good job Ryan. No more toys for you now your a mechanic. Awesome

[@charlesonyango5608]

Love it. Imperfections and all. I couldn't do this when I was your age. Keep it up. You will do well. Say Thanks to your Dad and Mom for all they are doing for you.

[@EyeOnAiman]

Thank you for the compliment and thanks for taking the time to write a comment. My parents do read the comment section here from time to time and I'm sure they're delighted. Sorry for the late reply as my comment section was disabled temporarily by youtube.

[@pnv8477]

I’m assuming the dad is filming and teaching his kid all about cars and I love this! Family values❤!!!

[@Alexz_Archivz]

Hey thanks kid, for your suggestion! I went and bought this DCF899 this morning to remove a rounded pulley bolt... didn't work! Until I saw another persons video by hammering on a slightly smaller bolt extraction socket in combination with this impact wrench... FINALLY CAME OFF!!!!!!!!! Man! I was close to crying out of frustration!

[@EyeOnAiman]

Glad you were able to remove the bolt and thank you for sharing the tips with other viewers.

[@HeruSuadi]

don't use 2x hex wrench (12 pt) to avoid bolt become rounded, use hex wrench (6 pt)

[@tonydavila2606]

This kid knows more about cars than 90% of adults out their. He knows this now, when he grows up I’m waiting to see turbo builds lol.

[@Acidburn3141]

You mean his “dad knows”

[@TourettesMobileMechanic]

Great video. Smart guy. I love how direct you are and I love your insight and the time you take to make friendly, to the point video!!

[@MrMDee-si1bz]

As a parent; I wish my kid was interested in Mechanics!

[@Steffvi26]

thanks after burning up a porter cable my dad went on to buy a milwakee or how ever you spell it... anyways that didnt work either.....but after seeing your video we had no other options and well we decided to give it a shot...ran down to our nearest home depot and bought this exact tool and WOW ..WOW...WOW... he highly doubted it would work...the whole drive home he said its not gonna work.. but here i am typing a HUGE THANK YOU cause it worked right away with of course some blaster .... so THANKS A MILLION.

[@patrickbellefleur5508]

Nice to see a young one doing some backyard shop work, i live out in the sticks and alot of men know how to work on there cars. When I was in college those city slickers didnt even know what a lug nut was smh :(

[@EyeOnAiman]

You're right. A lot of my friends my age wanted to learn about the mechanic of cars, unfortunately their parents cars mostly are new and under warranty. Thank you for the compliment and thanks for taking the time to write a comment. Sorry for the late reply as my comment section was disabled temporarily by youtube.

[@rbarron007]

Good explanation and review of the tool. I wasn’t aware of those torque limiting extensions...I’m actually researching them on google. Always learning something new. Keep up the good work.

[@Ottonic6]

I say this with the utmost respect cause you did a fine review... That being said... Since you already removed the bolt and reinstalled it (I assume with the impact), it will be easily removed. The thing is, depending on how long it has been since the last time it was removed has a great impact (no pun intended) on how easily it will be removed the next time. It isn't so much that the bolt threads are frozen, but that huge bolt flange which is making contact on the face of the crank can be rusted on also, and since it was recently removed that is not a factor... It is always harder to remove the first time after being installed from the factory. Thanks!

[@howardbiel1958]

Great job kid. You made the best video for this bolt problem on KZbin.

[@MorrowSind]

This kid just might disassemble all the vehicles within his vicinity, possibly the entire neighborhood. I'm subscribing. XD

[@sweetieofks1]

It’s all about technique and knowledge... rock on kiddo!

[@EyeOnAiman]

Thank you for the moral support & thanks for watching...

[@joelbravo2690]

I just got my Milwaukee impact gun today. Ive used my friends before and its insane how much power they have. Great video btw.

[@cortdawson8613]

Great job little-man - keep the videos coming, your gonna be a great mechanic

[@EyeOnAiman]

Thank you for the compliment and thanks for taking the time to write a comment. I hope to become an engineer but for now a good mechanic sounds good enough. Sorry for the late reply as my comment section was disabled temporarily by youtube.

[@rodneys9805]

smart kid..keep up the good work

[@ZJIGGA]

Great job young man! It’s nice to see a young kid who can use a power tool. Keep up the good work!

[@EyeOnAiman]

Thank you for the compliment and thanks for taking the time to write a comment. Sorry for the late reply as my comment section was disabled temporarily by youtube.

[@openwatergo]

Great job on the video. Your dad should be proud!

[@Ty-tie_FTW]

The breakaway on the dcf899 impact is 1200 ft lbs, the new dcf900, is 1400 ft lbs. I just bought it for a crank bolt on a toyota 4.0 liter, and believe it or not, it hasn't budged the bolt. Cool video kiddo! Keep up the good work, you're going far!

[@michaelturner7641]

I like you kid. Wasn't sure how to get that thing back together. Thank you so much.

[@EyeOnAiman]

I'm glad to hear that! Thanks for commenting!

[@elvisgomez2944]

Why didnt the pulley spin when you used the impact pls tell me because I cant take that bolt off because it keeps spinning

[@Coco-qz7fn]

I have the dcf 891 800 foot pounds loosening Works great.

[@jessetoshi]

so young, knowledgeable and full of passion, I can see it. Keep it up, learn more, question everything and most importantly be careful

[@dannysautorepair]

Great job , he reminds me of my son.

[@EyeOnAiman]

Thank you! I hope your son is doing well too!

[@dannysautorepair]

@@EyeOnAiman thank you

[@Acidburn3141]

“My dad said” “In my dads video” YOUR DAD IS LITERALLY RECORDING.

[@rafaelmarin1963]

Good job young man. Pay no attention to the trolls. Keep learning.

[@kaylamarie8309]

I absolutely loved your video! :-) I'm working on something similar right now on my 05 Chevy Silverado 1500 long bed, extended cab pick up truck with the 5.3 Vortec engine. You have a bright future! :-)

[@EyeOnAiman]

Thank you for the moral support and thanks for taking the time to comment. I want to be an engineer but I still have a lot more to learn. Sorry for the late reply as my comment section was disabled temporarily by youtube.

[@Alanthe918mobilemechanic]

Your very a very talented young man I wish I could do what your doing when I was a boy. Keep going bud keep posting videos too this is awesome 👏🏽

[@elsietong3889]

Bro, u haven't come across a tough one. I am doing a car of 21 years, never been extracted. I must say, l have tried couple of days trying to extract this bolt using the kawasaki pneumatic impact wrench. Still working on it, though😅

[@carloshernandez8536]

Super impressive little homie. Keep it up😎😎😎

[@MariaGonzalez-ei1pv]

Awsom lil man, I'm a Diy gal😂There first video...getting started with the mechanic world...hey I love the transformers Optimus prime😂

[@SmiteKillzz]

Any ideas on a cold start rattle on a 2010 civic 1.8 sedan. I’m thinking a timing chain tensioner but I’m not sure.

[@MichaelMultani]

Good job kid

[@rayvines2182]

way the go aiman your dad is teaching you well.

[@hunk7177]

you can actually crack it open without tearing everything in front apart, 1. Get a socket that fits on the bolt that's inside(crankshaft pulley) 2.Stick a breaker bar on the end of the socket and figure out which way the engine turns 3.Turn your breaker bar in the same direction and wedge it against a solid metal(air conditioning bracket or something) 4. Since the bolt holds the crankshaft pulley is a right-hand thread, with it locked like that, when you crank the engine, the crank will turn and start to loosen. 5.Pull your EFI fuse and crank the engine. All the best.. young man ;D

[@C_71]

A lot of kids won't even try this or give an instructional video👍🏼!

[@noobzhero]

You're doing alright kiddo, good job.

[@Asadkhan-pe2je]

Excellent video!

[@EyeOnAiman]

Excellent comment! Thanks for watching! :)

[@paulabeltran5790]

You re amazing! Keep up the good work. Good job Dad!

[@NguyenVan-zr3cc]

Thanh a lot Ian 54 year old I lean a lot from you again thank

[@530solarpanelcleaning]

I would have torqued it with a torque wrench, but I have no problem with the torque sticks, that bolt's not coming loose anytime soon. Good job dude.

[@MrDucatiV4]

The DeWalt dcf899 XR 20v is 700lbs drive in and 1,200lbs break away.

[@jarroddurant2407]

Great job craftsmen great too

[@malphite666]

What do you do if you have a 1850 nm impact driver, and the nut wont budge? What do you do then?

[@EyeOnAiman]

I would keep on spraying PB Blaster every 15 minutes and keep on trying. If you're not in a rush do it every few hours. If that doesn't work then try to use the torch and heat the nut up. Eventually with perseverance, nothing is impossible.

[@tonybelisle423]

Kid you are the man love seeing young rookies starting out keep IT up. Got the same impact wrench

[@brianc6739]

Cost. Costed is not a word. Other than that, wonderful video and you’re well on your way to becoming a self sufficient young man. Thank you!

[@keithr6100]

I’m with you on the removal, but to install you never have that clearance to use the torque bars

[@The3Snipatiers]

Is it just me or does 300-400 ft-lb torque seem too much for a crank pulley? My nova small block is only 80-100 from the factory.

[@FA-sr6lx]

The3Snipatiers just you suspension bolts are on their good

[@crazyLacey]

Replacing a timing belt every couple hundred thousand miles....

[@joshuatheinsyoutubechannel4566]

@@crazyLacey 45k to 60k for belts

[@ReeceizMaChiNe]

I just tried a 1355NM air impact wrench for a balancer bolt on 2.7 toyota hilux did not work

[@antiangelofmusic]

@@joshuatheinsyoutubechannel4566 Some Hondas were 105k or 7 years. Whichever comes first. Some others are 90k. 45-60k is generally for older cars before they had better belts.

[@graysong2961]

What kind of socket did you use to help remove it? Anything special? You said your dad got it off and put it back on for the video… did your dad tighten it backup to 300 ftlbs ?

[@marlin-fpv]

Not sure if it‘s a good idea to use an impact wrench on a crankshaft though. I changed the crankshaft wheel on my BMW. Fortunately I have 4 screws instead of a single big one. Those screws getting 40NM + 2 times 60 degrees. Job was a piece of cake in the end. 😎

[@shannonmcguire7712]

Good video keep up the good work.

[@KevinSoupy]

Good job so much passion for such a young little guy does even have his license? If he’s worth 30 years or something like that I’m sorry. Such passion and ambition for such a young boy keep going you’re going to go far in life

[@EyeOnAiman]

Thank you for the compliment and I appreciate your taking the time to write a comment. I love learning about how things work but prefer a hand-on approach. Being the youngest I have to be passionate and ambitious. My older siblings set too high a bar for me. My older sister graduated from Stanford and my other brother is starting freshman at MIT this year. For financial reasons I have to try to get into these schools that offer full financial aid. On the bright side, I will get my driver's license in a few months yeayyyy....

[@MyLifeThai371]

I used a 3:1 torque multiplier to remove mine on my 2008 Honda Fit. I bought mine brand new on amazon for $270.

[@eduardomartinez6792]

Thank you for the video good job parents !

[@freecheese4143]

Put an extension through the small crank to stop it.

[@jimmyjam57]

Tell me stuff I didn’t know. Thank you.

[@frankpaul3204]

You can actually remove the bolt with a breaker bar. That's what we used to do before power tools

[@stephenhutchings4912]

thanks buddy you r just so precious and your video helped assist me quite much thanks bruh

[@jeremyjones8872]

I just removed my veryyy stubborn 24mm bolt with the ryobi 1/2 drive impact(600ft Lbs) and after 2nd try it came off..my ryobi was $159 hd..

[@honeybear8485]

Nice job kid 👍 keep up the good work 🤪

[@mvlad7402]

Great video! It seems I need to use such tools to fix engine knocking

[@stefanczechorskidds8435]

Great Job! I think you should get some goggles to protect your glasses too.

[@EyeOnAiman]

Thanks for the advice, you're right I should've wore a good Personal Protective Equipment.

[@flip42186]

Am I the only one that’s gonna say it… he doesn’t even have his license

[@NguyenVan-zr3cc]

You a the best young kid

[@sergioaguilarboss90]

The bolt is bigger then you bro lol

[@EyeOnAiman]

Lol....but I've grown up now. Soon I'll have a 6-pack. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Sorry for the late reply as my comment section was disabled temporarily by youtube.

[@Acidburn3141]

This dudes dad def telling him what to do and say

[@andyburgoyne-black2940]

Go away, troll.

[@EBoysCustoms]

Get a bigger xr battery like a 5.0 amp it gives the impact more power

[@LuchoPortugayo]

Won't give more power... Will last more time working

[@btuncelzork]

Good job little man, you will become a good mechanic.

[@torobravo8023]

WHAT SIZE SOCKET ?????

[@automaticosdovale-cambioautoma]

Very nice man! Good job too.

[@blairguinea6811]

awesome vid young Sir

[@weilandtv]

Good video young man. And way to go Dad for working on cars with your son!

[@antrinh5525]

damn kid , u're a pro at a young age.

[@Jack_Sparrow17]

You need big heavy socket for this operation, not regular one.

[@tonybelisle423]

Good job young man I was your age when I started

[@latipeg5309]

aiman berapa harga dewalt tu kt sne?

[@gooburrum]

Bright, cheerful and informative. Great video

[@56thSPSk970]

Very well done, young man!

[@Screenguy3]

Did you replace that Autocraft battery yet in the other car? Mine tested (replace) CCA was low.

[@EyeOnAiman]

Replaced with Gold from Advance Auto Parts ordered online 33% off (same price as Walmart's Energizer), how did you know? They went bad a few months month after warranty ended...

[@Screenguy3]

When I saw you had one and the date video was posted it stuck out like a red thumb. Was thinking they had to replace that thing by now. The one I had was just one month over the 2 years, sticker and only could be seen with battery out. Luckily I replaced before the cold snap. Went with Diehard silver less than $100.00 with coupon. They did not have the Gold for my car.

[@mohdfuad5338]

Where you home country?

[@azlannoor3300]

this most expensive cordless impact wrench, pls try use USD80 impact cordless

[@blairguinea6811]

Nice job Aiman ..............very impressed with your style

[@vinny1995]

never heard of torque sticks before. Thanks!

[@Mensaje22]

He must love his dad he always mentions him lol

[@AlexanderLopez-kn5bt]

Wow incredible you are good mec you going to make a lot of money in the future 👍🏻 God bless you papi

[@EyeOnAiman]

I still have a lot to learn. My dad says experience matters most when it comes to solving and diagnosing mechanical problems...

[@learningchristian820]

I hope you get his car back together before your dad gets home from work. :-)

[@EyeOnAiman]

Lol...

[@TheSkatersoldier]

You know allot about cars at your age!

[@typicallyvisible1718]

seems to be mines stuck on a lot worse if the same impact can get yours off

[@PalleHellemann]

Just put the top on a long and strong rod, place it so the rod is resting under the edge of the right hand side panel (to the left, when You stand in front of the engine). Then activate the starter briefly and the bolt is loose:-) - no need to buy power tools.

[@Gingerbread_Man23]

I’m with you on not buying power tools. Especially because I’m currently replacing mine on a budget. But how do you tighten it back up without power tools?

[@blower1]

I nick named my Dewalt DCF899 Godzilla!....when i come across a stubborn bolt or nut, out comes Godzilla to rip it clean off!

[@BenJamin-ou7kd]

Those torque bars limit the amount of torque to the bolt, they are made so you wont over torque a fastener. That dewalt wont have a problem taking of that bolt with the socket only

[@nashraf68]

How old are you, good video

[@cobbysparks9891]

I bet your mommy and daddy are proud. Nice one.

[@surveysays3103]

I’ve been bamboozled 😞

[@AllThingsQuick]

Work on editing your videos. Thay video wasn't very good at all

[@impalarg2012]

Thanks Junior

[@Misfits89]

And use an extension and used the rotation of the engine to lose up the bolt

[@RockabillyRambler]

Pb blaster is legit, if that dont work, youre gunna need a torch!