1997 Ford Ranger Remove Harmonic Balancer

The harmonic balancer, or crankshaft damper, on the 1997 Ford Ranger is attached to the crankshaft. It keeps the crankshaft vibrations at a minimum, which reduces excessive vibration in the engine and allows the crankshaft pulley to rotate smoothly. The crankshaft pulley turns the accessory drive belts, and smooth operation is necessary for the life of the engine and the accessories.

Tools Used

Tools
Set of sockets
Crankshaft pulley puller

Remove Harmonic Balancer

• Unbolt the fan shroud, using the appropriate socket. Push the fan shroud toward the engine, over the fan. Loosen the bolts on the engine fan, using the appropriate sockets, but do not remove them.

• Slide a socket over the bolt in the center of the tensioner pulley. Rotate the pulley toward the engine to loosen tension on the belt. Lift the belt off the pulleys.

• Remove the bolts on the fan pulley. Lift the fan and the shroud out of the engine as an assembly.

• Unbolt the crankshaft pulley from the damper, using the appropriate socket. Install the harmonic balancer pulley on the balancer. Turn the puller clockwise to pull the balancer off the crankshaft.