OE Number: 594-544, 12552283

Vehicle Information:

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD 2001-2006 V8 8.1L
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Classic 2007 V8 8.1L
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 2001-2006 V8 8.1L
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Classic 2007 V8 8.1L
Chevrolet Suburban 2500 2001-2006 V8 8.1L
Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 2002-2006 V8 8.1L
GMC Sierra 2500 HD 2001-2006 V8 8.1L
GMC Sierra 2500 HD Classic 2007 V8 8.1L
GMC Sierra 3500 2001-2006 V8 8.1L
GMC Sierra 3500 Classic 2007 V8 8.1L
GMC Yukon XL 2500 2001-2006 V8 8.1L

How to Replace a Harmonic Balancer

Part 1 of 1: Replacing a harmonic balancer

Materials Needed

• Breaker bar (½” drive)
• Combination wrench set
• Floor Jack
• Gear puller
• New harmonic balancer
• Screwdriver set
• Socket set (½” drive)
• Strap wrench
• Torque wrench (½” drive)

• Note: The style of the gear puller will depend on the design of harmonic balancer.

Step 1: Prepare the vehicle. Jack the vehicle up high enough to obtain access to the harmonic balancer, located on the front of the motor and attached to the crankshaft.

Step 2: Remove the accessory drive belts. On many modern vehicles, there is an automatic, spring-loaded belt tensioner that can be rotated to loosen the belt.

You may need to use an open end wrench or ratchet handle, depending on the design. Older vehicles, and some newer ones, require you to loosen a mechanical tensioner.

• Note: Use your cell phone to take a picture of the belt routing for future reference.

Step 3: Remove the harmonic balancer bolt. Remove the harmonic balancer bolt by using the strap wrench to hold the balancer still.

Hold it still while loosening the bolt with a socket and ratchet handle or breaker bar. It will be very tight, so pull hard.

Step 4: Remove the harmonic balancer unit. Using the gear puller, place the hooks in an area that will not easily break, like the lip of the pulley section.

Some vehicles have threaded bolt holes in the balancer that can be used to attach a puller. Tighten the center bolt with a ratchet handle or breaker bar until the balancer breaks free.

• Note: Most harmonic balancers are kept from rotating on the crankshaft by using a woodruff key. Don’t lose the woodruff key; you will need it for reassembly.

Step 5: Install the new harmonic balancer. Align the woodruff key slot in the new balancer with the woodruff key, and carefully slide the balancer onto the crankshaft.

Make sure the keyway remains in its proper position.Install the center bolt and tighten until the required torque specification is obtained.

Step 6: Install the belts. Rotate or loosen the belt tensioner to reinstall the belt.

• Note: Refer to your previous photograph or service manual to determine the correct belt routing.

Step 7: Lower and start the vehicle. Carefully remove the jackstands and lower the vehicle, starting the vehicle to ensure proper reassembly.