Replacing Harmonic Balancer - 97+ 4.0L Jeep XJ (Crank Pulley)

[@ericmotoworks4792]

it's for the outside temperature sensor if you have the mpg/temperature cluster ,it's on my limited not on my sport

[@spacerag]

+Eric Calleros Thanks a lot! That does make sense. My sport doesnt have that option so i hadn't even thought of it.

[@ProjectXJ]

@@spacerag I thought it was for the fog lights. It was wired even on the Jeeps that didn't have them. You can check your fuse panel to see if it was wired for them.

[@officialWWM]

You’re a legend. Thanks. Pretty sure that plug clipped on the bumper is for the exterior air temp sensor.

[@alecsithong]

Thanks man for your hard work and keeping it fun and entertaining!

[@pauldrobles]

That part about the tensioner really made me stop and think, glad you said something about it.

[@spacerag]

I nearly cut all that out of the video, but it's a really important part of the job and it's SUCH a pain to get right sometimes.

[@soulbound1762]

Thank you so much! Your video was the most helpful!

[@kjamesjr]

I was waiting for you to try and crack the balancer bolt after loosening the belt. If you wait to loosen the belt, the balancer won’t turn when you crack the bolt loose.

[@albertsolis8217]

Man!! Thanks for doing this video!!!! Awesome detail. Was able to do it myself and everything is back to normal. Cheers!!!

[@spacerag]

+Albert Solis That's awesome! Good work man! Glad it was helpful.

[@camcordernonsense5264]

awesome for you. love hearing people can pull it off and not have to throw money at the mechanic. (like I do)

[@lightsinthesky1802]

Thanks a lot for the video, You save me a lot of mechanic $$$ I'm going tomorrow to buy that part so I can put it myself.

[@jm_lamp6998]

Love the straight faced humor had me dying at work lol

[@billwild7512]

Thanks for sharing , great video , my daughters have a TJ and an XJ and there's always something wearing out , I assume your from Canadia as we say downunder ,as soon as you said the collar on this bolt could bugger your harmonic balancer thread I realised you were no yank , funny how the commonwealth countries all use the same lingo , I love your work , cheers big ears

[@spacerag]

I wonder how costs compare for jeeps. I guess I'm assuming Jeep would make you pay more to get one in Austalia than it would cost here. Just a thing Im wondering while I wait for my coffee to brew... Thanks a lot for watching!

[@billwild7512]

My daughters Wrangler and Cherokee 97 vintage were picked up for 300 AU each a couple of years ago you can't even find XJ Cherokees any,ore and the TJ,s have gone up to 7 or 8 g AU for some reason ,most used parts I get from Canadia or US so the used prices are the same , new wranglers and Cherokee,s even Laredo,s from 90's thru 2003 or so were pushed at 29,000 ,they crept up a bit to 39,000 AU from ,05 til about now , main prob is dome items can't be purchased left hook as our right handies have some different steering and a/c configuration but most bit short can be made to fit with a blow torch and a hammer or sometimes used bits from Britain, cheers big ears

[@billwild7512]

TYPO ,,,,97 Wrangler and Cherokee $3000AU ,,, not sure of the exchange rate but the Aussie peso is about $1.45 cents to get a US $

[@spacerag]

It's getting very similar here. XJs used to be a dime a dozen and offroaders would turn their nose up at them. I got my XJ for a steal about a decade ago for $3k, totally stock and clean. Now I probably couldnt find a clapped out one for much less than that.

[@romemedina4733]

Still happy with it

[@GKLegend7]

Got alot of help from this video, thanks man!

[@spacerag]

That's great! Thanks for watching and for the comment.

[@felipevalles8041]

What was the liquid that started to leak over the pully right after you finished inserted all the way in ?

[@spacerag]

Ya know... I'm not even sure! Hah. If I had to guess, I think it was a bit of coolant spitting out of the disconnected overflow hose.

[@stevennewellproductions]

What made you check this part out? did you get a vibration when you were on the gas going down the road?

[@wildnwheeling3042]

Yea what made ya replace or your diagnosis to be the harmonic balancer

[@Tangue0]

I am having to replace mine because I kept throwing belts. Tried a handful of other remedies, but kept throwing the belt. Then I noticed that the crank pulley wasn’t in alignment with the other pulleys. Because it’s a grooved pulley and the two surrounding pulleys are smooth it kept helping the belt to walk off those smooth pulleys.

[@sosuper7]

Wasn't sure what that loud squeeking noise was coming from beneath my vehicle I didn't worry much because it would go away once the engine got warm.That was fine for about a month until last Thurs. morning after dropping my wife off at work the sound came back.The more I accelerated the worse it became.Gas station about a mile away,made it but had difficulty steering in.Looked around and figured it might not be a good idea to leave it here for fear of towing,got back in, started up,this time the battery icon was illuminated,bad sign.4 miles to nearest shop,let's go.12 tense minutes later I pulled the hissing Grand Am in with herculean effort.Shop had just opened and upon closer inspection the worker raised a shredded serpentine belt.Put another belt on that too was minced.Checking even more he found I had a bad harmonic balancer,replaced it now my car's as quiet as a kitten.

[@Sp3nny02]

Plug is for the temp sensor that goes to the overhead console

[@Epicmcflores60]

that wire under bumber might be for the fog light after market or knock sensor

[@spacerag]

+Marc Flores All good guesses! My viewers used their giant brains to inform me it's for an optional external temperature sensor. Thanks for watching, bud!

[@mattblack6345]

Dude, you're videos are great.

[@spacerag]

Thanks very much!

[@Approach_Medium]

this was great. you sound just like me working on stuff "im such an idiot" lots of choice words lol. realistic!

[@kennymatz.]

thank you for this. great video man!

[@spacerag]

I'm glad it was helpful! Stop by any time. :)

[@mattsez2879]

How much noticeable vibration was the old one causing? My 4.0 has a bad vibration like a dead hole, but compression is good and spark is good .......happens at idle and at speed.......really hoping its the harmonic, and not the clutch

[@spacerag]

I caught mine pretty early so I could hear it more than I could feel it. It's not a terribly expensive part so it probably wouldnt hurt to try it and eliminate it as the cause. Especially if you know yours is old.

[@williaml8676]

I had the same problem on mine but once I replaced the balancer the engine felt much smoother, not perfect though.. the random misfire comes and goes, usually only at idle.

[@anthonyyoung5114]

Tag light for the front tag?

[@TheRubberduckkkk]

You made that look so easy my pulley broke in half so taking it off is being an ass

[@tammymccafferty4384]

i think the plug you are talking about under your bumper is for the factory fog lights

[@spacerag]

+tammy mccafferty Good guess but it turns out it's actually for an external temperature sensor. Who knew? Thanks for watching, Tammy!

[@Revegineer]

does anyone know what size bolt the one is that holds the balancer and the wire is for fog lights I think

[@joappl3621]

its one of 2 things, it's either a crush zone air bag sensor or a fog light conection option.

[@spacerag]

+Jöŋ ÄppL3 neither actually. Turns out its an external temperature sensor. Thanks for guessing! :)

[@justforkiks29]

In the future they rent the tool to install that harmonic balancer at most autoparts stores in their loan a tool program.

[@guerito903]

What happens if the crankshaft moves a little while installing the replacement?

[@spacerag]

If it's turning, it won't hurt anything. It's just annoying. In the video I use a screwdriver to jam it in place while I tighten the nut on. Hope that helps!

[@TheCthtoNicfLy]

easy way to do any belt just look from the front see all the circles in the cluster all th circles that have an outside edge get out wrapped the inside circles get inside wrapped no diagram less worries just pull it and put it back even super complex you have to be able to divide the clusters once you get that down any belt solved no diagram and no need to see it before

[@spacerag]

Great tip! Thanks man.

[@wildnwheeling3042]

Good video man , I'm thinking I'm going to need to replace my harmonic balancer as well on my 97 ZJ grand cherokee with the 4.0 as well but it ran great till one day it threw a belt off and when I found the belt it was still in one piece for the most part but 1 rib or line I guess u can call it on my belt was missing , so I actually put it back on backwards so the frayed end was facing firewall instead of front bumper , it got me by till I got new belt and I replaced 1 idler pulley underneath the a/c compressor and above the alternator because I believe the bearings was going bad causing a squeal but after replacing the idler pulley (advance auto parts wasn't able to get the actual tensioner) I just put new belt back on but didn't make it a few miles and now my belts hanging over the power steering pump pulley by about 1 rib or line or notch on the belts inside , it's hanging over the front of the power steering pulley towards the bumper leaving space or gap between back of pulley (lip) and belt, so hoping it's something simple but guessing harmonic balancer , it does seem to run or idle a little rough these days and I noticed a slight wabble on the harmonic balancer, I'm going to order a tensioner also , not sure what else to do ?

[@erikstephenson8887]

I've got the same plug on mine and always figured it was for a front license plate or a different style fog light. as for those woodruff keys for the crank, any chance you have the size or part number for them?

[@spacerag]

Front license plate light! I hadn't thought of that. I'll bet that's exactly what it is. If only we had some certified mopards around to confirm this. Someday perhaps... As for the woodruff key (I always forget the name), I didn't have to replace mine, but the one that came with my new balancer is about 4.5mm wide, and it's sortof a semi-circle, being about 7mm tall at it's highest. These aren't real accurate measurements, but they're as close as I can get. Did yours shear off?

[@WilledWarrior]

Cool video, thanks alot! God bless you!

[@spacerag]

Thanks for stopping by. :)

[@erobinson12380]

The fan on my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport is touching the harmonic balancer......

[@spacerag]

That doesn't sound good!

[@erobinson12380]

spacerag I'm assuming I might just need a harmonic balancer or maybe a motor mount

[@spacerag]

I really couldn't offer much useful advice without seeing it. If you know anyone with some mechanical know-how maybe have them take a look. It would suck to go through all the work of replacing your harmonic balancer if something else is going on.

[@paulneumann7739]

finding a installer tool is hard..looks like I will go the bolt and washer method...

[@spacerag]

+Paul Neumann it worked great for me!

[@paulneumann7739]

Will go with a pick n part junk yard trial so I don't screw things up "pun" intended. Cleaning the bolt holes on old harmonic balancer M8 x 1.25 is a must!!

[@spacerag]

+Paul Neumann that never hurts. As you may have noticed i didnt even have the right puller. The bolts were barely threaded in. Ugh. It worked though!

[@davidbutcher3594]

Thanks good video helped identify everything

[@LordLancifer]

I'm not sure, but that plug may be for the amber driving lights under the bumper. I believe they installed the wiring on all XJs, even the ones that didn't get the driving lights.

[@spacerag]

Hey thanks for watching! One of the previous commenters informed me its for an outdoor temperature sensor. For models with the fancy roof console. I dont have that option, just that plug.

[@MegaTroyhamilton]

Did mine Tuesday. Used a longer bolt. Lol tool my butt.

[@lukedoherty2701]

Was the whole motor shaking?

[@alale923]

Did you remove the radiator?

[@spacerag]

Nope. The radiator stayed where she is.

[@gianfrancomatassapatrone9669]

how much torque the screw has to have

[@ememchi3717]

I’m a female and loving your “it’s a pain in the dick”! Appreciate the video man, I perused several videos and yours was the best, no fluff. Off to take care of mine on my 94.

[@spacerag]

Glad to hear it was helpful! Thanks for stopping in and good luck with your jeep!

[@jeep146]

On my 96 4.0 I find it's easier just to remove the two screws on the shroud and just disconnect the connector. It slides out and you have plenty of room to use a socket for the belts. The service manual will torque the crank bolt at 80 ft lbs. It also says to use the crank bolt to install. I got the puller tool and the install tool on loaner at oriellys. A big mistake people make is getting the belts to tight. Usually it stresses the water pump and you end up buying a new one. If you go to all the trouble of removing the damper you might as well spend $14 for a new seal.

[@spacerag]

+Jeep Cherokee Great info! I confess I was too lazy and cheap to do the seal. (Luckily it still hasn't leaked.) You are right though, it would be smart to replace it while you're in there. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jeep146]

Thanks, I had a hard time getting the seal out as it was original. I ended up having to use a screw driver as it just would just not budge. Engine runs great with a new damper. Now just have to do the steering and drive shafts. This is what happens when you log 450,000 miles.

[@spacerag]

+Jeep Cherokee haha I hear ya buddy. It's tricky trying to prioritize the long list of repairs. Lol.

[@erod435]

What thread has a screw, inch or metric. Is it the M12?. Please answer, thank you

[@spacerag]

I really don't know. Sorry man.

[@jamesappel1928]

That plug is for a temp sensor if your jeep had an over head console.

[@spacerag]

That's correct. Thanks for watching, man!

[@WRX-N-EFCT]

bonus points....air bag sensor

[@spacerag]

That's a great guess and something I had originally considered too! ...What with it's strategic location directly behind the bumper and all. The possibility of it being an airbag sensor actually concerned me. However, upon sniffing through the factory service manual, I've learned that there don't seem to be any external airbag sensors on XJs. There is only a sensor in the ECU that measures impact forces (kinda the same way our mobile phones do it). Having a close look at that thing, it looks like it's simply a connector... two conductors... but to what? I still don't know. You still get bonus points for being the first person brave enough to guess. Thanks for watching! :)

[@user-ot9ti3ns2v]

That's s nota a fix. true Positin.

[@dad3562]

My guess on that connection for the front bumper is for the front license plate light bulb kit/assembly.

[@sincitydude7296]

Or it's for optional fog lights if you don't have them already

[@illuaions]

What brand balancer?

[@spacerag]

I'm not even sure. Some no-name jobber garbage like I usually buy.

[@romemedina4733]

I think fog bottom lamps maybe airbag sensor I own 4.0 292 sport 99 8.5yrs 250,000 original

[@patrickhertig2987]

Ambient temp censor

[@keyglock2562]

Connectors for fog lights

[@vegetablehead]

much cred. sounds like you reppin the north country with that accent. but just a guess. vid helped me tremendously.

[@mwoverstreet]

Did you have oil leaking from your harmonic balancer?

[@spacerag]

+Wade Overstreet I did not but if you have oil coming from behind yours, you may need to replace your front main seal. Like i said in the vid, if your balancer is off, its a good time to change it. I'm just lazy and a glutton for punishment.

[@mwoverstreet]

Thanks. I appreciate it.

[@spacerag]

+Wade Overstreet No problem. Good luck!

[@benboucher5231]

At 15:08 there is clearly something dripping...

[@benboucher5231]

Looks like penetrating oil or similar.

[@atlantafinest857]

Good vid thanks

[@spacerag]

I'm glad it was helpful. Thanks for checking it out!

[@erod435]

Thank. screw 12x1.25.

[@FL-BEACH-MAN]

Nice gloves

[@spacerag]

They're my favorite.

[@FL-BEACH-MAN]

Hope my gloves age so graciously .lol

[@spacerag]

LOL. When I got those gloves back at the turn of the millennium, they seemed expensive. I guess I'm still trying to get my money's worth out of them.

[@1Tommy5]

Nah that plug on the bumper for a fog light

[@jeremyhanna3852]

I would trust that stock jeep one with its slight wobble as this part is not made by Mopar/jeep anymore the aftermarket ones are crap

[@jeremyhanna3852]

That's outside air temp sensor

[@camcordernonsense5264]

ta da

[@blueberrychronic]

The rope trick can and will bend valves. Don't ever say you can do that again because that is absolutely terrible advice!

[@richardwilson9550]

its a harmonic dampener not balancer

[@spacerag]

It is called many things.

[@Writemindstudios]

Well, someone needs to inform the aftermarket manufacturers, 'cause my new one says"harmonic balancer" on the box! LOL