Jeep 4.0 Harmonic Balancer Replacement

In this video I will show you how to replace a harmonic balancer in a Jeep 4.0. This process is very similar to a variety of Jeeps but today I will show you how to do it on a Jeep Cherokee XJ. This process may be similar on other Jeep models such as the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. I will show you how to do the whole job from start to finish. If you have any other questions that the video doesn't cover make sure to comment below and I would be happy to answer.
Thanks for watching, Please Comment, Share, Rate and Subscribe!
Music used in this video:
Last Second by Silent Partner
Witness by Mikos Da Gawd

[@ReverbAndBeer]

I started doing this myself on my kid's Jeep, searched for a good video and watched yours, and I quickly decided that I'm too old and fat nowadays to be working on cars. When you save for your retirement be sure to add a category called, "Paying a mechanic to work on your kids' cars", so you don't have to. Thanks for saving me all that time!

[@trickster8764]

Very, very good video. Helped me most of the way on my journey to replace my timing parts!! Thank you!

[@jorgecarvajal9637]

Great video, thank you for taking the time to record and explain the whole proses of replacing the crank shaft from A toZ. You’re the best, thank you.

[@hockley91]

Wonderful video and well documented. This happened to my son's Cherokee. This looks like a good DIY to work on it ourselves! Thanks for uploading!

[@jaysallinen3788]

Try a breaker bar on the socket and put it against the adjuster pulley then go inside and bump the starter . It saves a lot of work. Good video thanks for sharing.

[@nhoj8]

Another great video, mine might be going out, I'll replace some other things while I'm in there as well.

[@gonzalosolisjr.4201]

This video was very clear and helpful 👌

[@perrybrown393]

Thanks. It was an excellent video and very helpful.

[@justonemori]

Good info. I'll throw in a new balancer along with the timing set, oil pump, oil pan and rear main. Fun times for me ahead!

[@kennethtorreggiani3801]

Great video and descriptions. Please make many more

[@glennkrebs4286]

Thanks for the video getting ready to replace mine, thinking about having radiator serviced and changing belt and hoses since I’m already dirty,, lol

[@Mauser1965]

Main harmonic balancer bolt loosening... Pay attention to your crankshaft rotation. Now take a 19mm socket and breaker bar, or use a offset wrench. I just used my 19mm offset wrench and kicked over the engine using the ignition key. DO NOT START ! This will break free that bolt. I had to do this very same thing on my previous 5.2 '97 ZJ LTD. I don't even remember where or which old school mechanic shared this with me as I was stumped then suddenly WHAM ! I recalled this tip of work smarter, not harder. I did make sure I placed the other end of the offset wrench so it rested on top of my steering box when I kicked the engine over. The starter has the flywheel to turn and it only takes a moment to do this. 😜✌

[@brianfriedman6001]

Thanks. Did it today with your help.

[@OutJeeping]

Glad it helped!

[@zoddan]

Good video young man, I will be subscribing to your page

[@MJT2707]

Very helpful video, thanks for posting. One comment though, you have the pully tool around the wrong way (I have the same one). If you turn it so the flat edge is against the washers you will find it much easier to operate.

[@OutJeeping]

Yup you're correct, I realized that after the video lol

[@GordonWeir]

Just a helpful hint. Get new bolts for the puller and turn it over when using it. I did the same thing and bent all my bolts. The other side is nice and flat and the bolts will stay straight.

[@OutJeeping]

Never thought of that before, that ought to work great then.

[@josephmccamish5966]

Thank you! 😊

[@OutJeeping]

Some model Jeeps including the XJ may not need to have the radiator removed as it is accessible from the bottom, but there are always more then one one to do a job and I chose to do it from the top in the video to help with filming purposes. If you happen to need to remove the radiator, make sure to top off your transmission fluid if any was lost.

[@alinaclick3778]

I have a 1998 ZJ with a 4.0l inline 6... I ended up having to cut my bolt that came with the puller kit from OReilys.. I just got it off this morning, took a break and now im about to go put my brand new one back on..

[@alanvalancy2287]

Indeed, on my '96, I didn't have to do any of that prep work, though it required some real innovation, such as using a long extension to brace the pulley as I was trying to loosen the crank bolt, as well as using a longer version of the bolt, that I just happened to have by blind chance, in order to be able to thread into the crankshaft and press the new part on, as I couldn't press it on by hand for shit.

[@jeepthunder3708]

Hey Aus, i really like your videos and you really helped me a lot, hoever i am sorry to say that i didn't like that one, you did a lot of unneeded work and wasted a lot of your precious time.... All you had to do is install the puller from underneath the car and do all the job from underneath using an open ended wrench or a ratchet box end wrench. Anyways, good job man.

[@OutJeeping]

Yeah i just realized that lol, I guess I was worried that there wasn't going to be enough room with the bottom of the radiator being so close but then looked at other videos it looks like I was wrong.

[@jacolbedwards6210]

I disagree I believe he did a swell job if the balancer is about to fall off you can pretty much bank on timing chain needs replaced and timing chain and front main seal go hand in hand, this was a chance for a whole front end refresh

[@mikemcclure5175]

Thanks, exactly what happened to me...after.. started with alternator, put everything back. then realized i needed a water pump, oh ya, then idler pulley. got it all back together and fan was hitting crank pulley. i thought new water pump was short because fan was hitting. NOPE! guess I need a new balancer. 93 ZJ 235K miles. guess its time. Thanks Again.

[@mr.carlossalazar]

are you me? LOL

[@heavymetalrockman]

Easier way to stop the harmonic balancer pulley from turning is to run one of the puller bolts into the available pulley holes then take a prybar and either put the tip into the inner lip or recess of the harmonic balancer and let the side of the prybar rest against the puller bolt in such a way that it stops the engine from turning over while cracking the bolt loose. Another way is to run two bolts into the harmonic balancer pulley and lay a prybar between the two bolts. And your using the puller backwards. The flat part should be facing outwards and not inwards. Your bending and stressing the puller bolts. Great vid!

[@barrychase7795]

We had room to use a 3/8 impact and spin the bolt out without having to hold it with anything

[@DBNEBMUSICGROUP]

does it actually help your engine run cooler?

[@alexhuber2837]

What size are those 3 other bolts?

[@charpackage]

Unless you also need to change out cooling components then it's much easier to remove the front bumper and serpentine belt and use a Performance brand compact damper puller (part no W89712). A++ for extra effort!

[@hiscifi2986]

Nice Video, many thanks. Aren't the balance drillings on the balancer unique to each individual engine..? Or are they just the same on each balancer.

[@OutJeeping]

Both the crank and balencer are balanced separately so this allows for the balencer to be changed without having to touch any other part of the engine.

[@NorEastBeast]

What size is your vaccum hose that goes from the overflow tank to radiator? Thanks Austin. Big fan of your work for years. Has helped me out tremendously over the years on just about every XJ project I’ve done this far.

[@OutJeeping]

It should be 5/16" in size. Glad I could help!

[@sergiogonzalezvirgen2580]

Hello greetings, some of those who have commented know what the two brands of the pulley are for, how holes they have at the top

[@OutJeeping]

I'm not sure I understand what you are saying?

[@danhambrick6331]

Nice job Austin.Is that a new jeep XJ for you ?I also see that Santa forgot to bring your ratcheting wrenches for Christmas...lol....

[@OutJeeping]

Nah we've had this one for a few years, my sister drives it. Haha yup I got some nice tools for Christmas

[@MegaTroyhamilton]

Thanks my jeep just chunked one like this lol.

[@rogerhollinger1381]

I have a 2000 xj. Does the bolt that attaches the balancer need to spin counter-clockwise to come out? Or is it a reverse thread?

[@OutJeeping]

It should be normal threads

[@rogerhollinger1381]

Thank you @@OutJeeping! another question I have...the motor was locked when I got this thing. it wasn't the notorious blown head gasket but the piston skirt on the #3 broke (luckily it didn't tear score the cylinder wall up. a going will take care of it! THANK GOD!). however, with the pieces of skirt having the bottom half in a bind, when I tired to turn it by hand clockwise (with the head off) the wrench was moving the bolt but not the crank. What are your thoughts on this? I'm doing a complete engine rebuild, but wondering if the bolt is just loose or is there possible damage to the bolt or the threads in the crank shaft. any "sure fire" way to test/check this? I certainly don't want to pump a ton of money in to something and not have done it RIGHT!!!

[@mrmike1183]

how did you keep the crank from spinning off TDC while torquing the nut?

[@OutJeeping]

The pulley has a key way so it only goes on one way and you could stick some rope through the spark plug hole to prevent it from turning over or wedge something on the pulley so it locks up

[@mrmike1183]

OutJeeping ah good idea thank you

[@pbprofab]

I looped a ratchet strap around the harmonic balancer and attached it to the frame. It provided enough resistance to loosen the bolt. Also the harmonic balancer has 3 tapped holes so you do not need a puller. I believe used 5/16” bolts 2.25” long.

[@OutJeeping]

The 3 tapped holes are for the bolts that attach the puller to the balencer.

[@averyrobinson2107]

What size bolts did you use. I got a harmonic balancer kit and none of my bolts would fit

[@OutJeeping]

I think it was either 5/16"-18 or 5/16"-24.

[@toms1499]

curious how many miles were on this xj when you did this job? my xj did the exact same thing to me about 2 weeks ago at 210k and 10 miles from home. :(

[@OutJeeping]

This Jeep has about 288k miles

[@gilbosavannah]

280 for my 2000

[@ky0611]

Is there any other maintenance you should take care of while your down there?

[@OutJeeping]

You could always change the timing chain, sprockets, chain case gasket, crank seal if any of those are leaking or worn out.

[@derekdavis2770]

Was your balancer making a weird noise before it went out? There’s a weird noise coming from the front of my engine that I can’t figure out what it is. My balancer has never been replaced with 227k on it. My Jeep is running fine other wise. Just this weird winning type noise from the front

[@OutJeeping]

I believe mine had a belt squeak before it went out, that was about it

[@HartmannAutomation]

Thanks for the video. My 2004 WJ was squeaking like mad. I put on a new belt, the squeak went away and 10 minutes later, the balancer was totally separated. Wish I would have watched this video a year ago. I would have replaced this while I was putting in the new radiator.

[@gregmercil3968]

A couple nights ago the harmonic balancer rattled itself apart in my '95 Grand Cherokee, and the radiator practically exploded at the same time, not sure which crapped out first. So I gotta replace the radiator anyways. I'm really hoping the head gasket didn't blow too.

[@jebwatson]

That's weird, I had the same thing happen to me just the other day when I hit some nasty potholes. Belt went first (could tell because I lost power steering). I decided to try to drive home and a block later the radiator split open right by the fill cap. Pulled over and found the outer part of the harmonic balancer lying next to the jeep. Still not sure why the radiator went at the same time?

[@gregmercil3968]

@@jebwatson seems to be a common failure if left unchecked, unfortunately you and I both learned the hard way. My radiator didn’t technically explode, but split right down the side on the opposite end of the pressure cap. I have since replaced the radiator and balancer, and still runs great.

[@jebwatson]

@@gregmercil3968 yep. Probably gonna do the timing chain, gasket, cam seal while I'm in there. Much wrenching in my future!

[@marioparedes4773]

Same thing just happen to my WJ hahaha

[@daymianhayes2493]

Threads striped out of the balancer when I tried this, I'm going to try 3 jaw puller

[@brentdutcher2875]

I know this video is a year old, I was kinda surprised you did not replace the front main crank seal. Any reason in particular, just curious. Thanks

[@OutJeeping]

I probably should have while I was in there but this was a time sensitive repair so i needed it to get done asap.

[@InfamousDogPound]

Did you change out the front crankshaft seal? Looks like it had residue around where pully area. Doing mine in the AM

[@KR-jq6ru]

You should show how to unhook the electrical connection, it’s not that simple if you don’t know how o do it.

[@jimmymolinaro7554]

Definetley not the way mine comes out. Mine doesn't have an undersized radiator and my elec fan is part of the entire fan shroud. What year and model is this?

[@OutJeeping]

This is a 99 Cherokee XJ. Sounds like you have a Grand Cherokee ZJ or WJ.

[@MrTM-fg6zn]

I just put a new fan clutch sounds like an airplane again. Runs cooler now

[@sergiogonzalezvirgen2580]

How many pounds do you have to tighten the screw

[@OutJeeping]

The bolt should be tighten to bolt to 80 ft-lb. of torque for the harmonic balancer.

[@bradleypeay8100]

How did you keep the crankshaft from spinning

[@OutJeeping]

Rope down the spark plug hole. It will prevent the piston from coming up all the way and lock up the engine.

[@bradleypeay8100]

@@OutJeeping thanks

[@aaronvanhorn972]

Ok so how do you get the rope out...i did what you said now i got a rope stuck in my block

[@OutJeeping]

Turn the engine over the opposite way and it should come out.

[@aaronvanhorn972]

@@OutJeeping lol yeah i got it out half an hour after i posted this lol but my problem with that was the blot kept breaking lose before it turned at all to the left

[@Joey-lo9wj]

Idk if mine is bad sounds like a little knocking can’t tell if it’s the engine or that harmonic jeep only Has 200k to early to go

[@OutJeeping]

Does the balancer wobble around at all when the engine is running?

[@JeffDeanTheDeanZone]

You just replaced it without checking the crank and cam timing marks?

[@OutJeeping]

It's a keyed shaft, only goes on one way. This won't mess with the timing. Changing the timing chain however will.

[@JeffDeanTheDeanZone]

@@OutJeeping Ya, silly me, I'm used to working on overhead cams where the serpentine belt is also the timing belt. This setup is nice, until you break a timing chain then it's not so nice :D

[@humberto.v820]

so i did the thing to prevent the engine from turning but i didn't have a rope so i just put a thick speaker wire in the spark plug hole and i tried pulling it out and it tore and its now stuck in the spark plug hole what do i do?

[@OutJeeping]

Hard to say, try anything to pull it out

[@colewebb4643]

Hi you forgot to turn on the caption please let me know when you got the caption turned on and I will come back to watch thank you C😎😎L

[@OutJeeping]

It takes time for the auto generate to add captions to the video, It wont do it right when uploaded

[@colewebb4643]

@@OutJeeping guy it's not a matter of me waiting for the caption to start I have my phone on automatic caption plus I pushed the dots on the up right screen on my phone like report quality caption play speed etc caption wasn't listed and KZbin can only list and play caption if the channel owner offered caption well thank you will check back later C😎😎L

[@OutJeeping]

@@colewebb4643 Yeah its turned on for my channel, other videos of mine have it but it takes KZbin sometimes a few hours after a video is uploaded to appear, it doesn't appear instantly when uploaded.

[@colewebb4643]

@@OutJeeping ok guy I will come back later you have a good night ⛺ C😎😎L

[@MileytheJeepV2]

Be real cool if that worked… now i cant get my new harmonic balancer on and im a sitting duck lol thanks for your help

[@OutJeeping]

Perhaps wrong balancer? Is the key-way lined up?

[@MileytheJeepV2]

@@OutJeeping well i ended up returning it and buying another one to have the same problem… rented an installer and got it on there. Guess the new ones just too tight and doesnt wanna slide on the crank by itsself

[@OutJeeping]

@brendantester6053 Yeah you won't be able to push it all on by hand. That's why I used the crank bolt to help draw it on the shaft.

[@MileytheJeepV2]

@@OutJeeping well that was the problem i couldnt push it far enough for the bolt to bite threads… used the installer to get it about halfway on then used the bolt to send it home

[@vegetablehead]

someone suggested a 'repair sleeve' instead of the whole balancer replacement. why not? anyone?

[@OutJeeping]

Hmm never heard of that before

[@InternetDude]

The repair sleeve is to fix a leaky seal, it has nothing to do with replacing the balancer.

[@gregsousa7382]

Any time you use an impact wrench without safety glasses, you are rolling the dice with your eyesight.

[@rmetcalf24]

I just did mine myself from the bottom and didn't remove nothing but the balancer itself. And I'm not a mechanic!

[@GearGuardianGaming]

Just so you know, a piece of rope in a spark plug hole won't stop the crank shaft from turning. I just tried it.

[@OutJeeping]

You need to make sure when you do this, that the piston is all the way down in the cylinder you are putting the rope in. Then feed in the largest size rope you can fit through the spark plug hole till you cannot feed anymore into the cylinder. then turn the crankshaft till it tighten from the compression of the rope. You may have difficulty to get it to lock up if you use smaller sized rope or not enough rope in the cylinder. It is not the most ideal way to hold the crank still but it will work.

[@GearGuardianGaming]

@@OutJeeping Greatly appreciated, it worked the second time. Guess i didnt feed it enough rope. Thanks!

[@mattbaxter3913]

Take the bumper off and theres a giant oval hole you can use to take the balancer off.

[@Pkproduction217]

I bet this is why my jeep is over heating

[@JeffDeanTheDeanZone]

My fan appears to be attached to the camshaft pulley. I see no way to remove the fan shroud until I remove the fan from the cam pulley. So, it appears your video doesn't help me. You're working on a vehicle that is something other than a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited with a 4.0 engine evidently. P.S. You used the wrong puller. Should have used a Chrysler specific puller the foldable grab arms instead of bolts.

[@brockwilson621]

Puller was backwards.

[@OutJeeping]

Finally realized that after the fact.

[@reshpeck]

Why not remove eight more bolts and get the grill off the front? You're 95% of the way there by removing the radiator. Make your life easier (and that of your viewers) and finish the process.

[@OutJeeping]

Still got the ac condenser which would be more work to unhook if its charged and a transmission cooler.

[@barrychase7795]

DO NOT PUT ANYTHING IN YOUR SPARK PLUG HOLE

[@OutJeeping]

As long as it doesn't damage or get stuck in the engine it's fine to use something soft like rope to lock up the engine to back off and install the crank bolt.

[@aaronclapp4338]

Absolutely no need to take the front of the Jeep off…😅

[@OutJeeping]

Read the pinned comment