Crankshaft pulley? Bearing?

[TheHomeBuilder]

Just had my timing belt, waterpump, pulleys, serpatine belt etc replaced. Looking over my car it looks like the crankshaft pulley (is that what im looking at in the picture?) has a little vibrational movement while running. Is there a bearing in the pulley, or what exactly would cause this movement? The bolt looks like it has a 1/32nd of movement while rotating. Sorry for the bad picture and explination. Im at work so trying to be quick about the post. Jusy trying to figure out what I need to prepare for in repair or if i just let it be.

 

[2001LC]

Make sure that crank bolt is torqued down to 181ft-lbf.

There is no bearing on the crankshaft pulley (AKA harmonic balancer). It has a rubber core separating the crank from the pulley.

 

[TheHomeBuilder]

Thank you for the quick reply.
So after looking at it again it looks like the bolt has more wobble than the pulley. Do you think something more is going on, or do you think replacing the harmonic balancer and the bolt will solve this issue?

Also when should I look at doing this? I don't trust myself with engine work, but I have replaced both front CV axles, ball joints, wheel bearings etc myself. So should I tackle this myself soon, or could I wait till next time I get a mechanic in that area?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[SouthJerseyJim]

I would start at the bolt and make sure its tight first.

 

[TheHomeBuilder]

Okay I will try that this evening. I'm replacing my upper control arm on drivers side tonight (due to bad boot causing rust and play) and inner and outer tie rods. So I will add that to my list and report back on my findings.

I appriciate the advice. Thank you guys.

 

[TheHomeBuilder]

Okay after doing some research can i use the method in the this Youtube video ( ). I plan on tackling this from under the car, since the fan clutch will be in the way. Is there an easier way to torque the bolt with the belt on?

Also any idea what size bolts/thread i need to hold the harmonic balancer in place?

 

[2001LC]

Not a good idea to start if thats bolt is loose.

I remove and torque on the crankshaft pulley bolt, using a chain wrench from HF and old drive belt to protect pulley.

 

[2001LC]

Okay after doing some research can i use the method in the this Youtube video ( ). I plan on tackling this from under the car, since the fan clutch will be in the way. Is there an easier way to torque the bolt with the belt on?

Also any idea what size bolts/thread i need to hold the harmonic balancer in place?

IIRC 1.25x8mm

 

[suprarx7nut]

If that bolt is loose enough to wobble while spinning I wonder if you could notice it spin with a plain socket and no special tool. The engine will provide some resistance. I'd grab a socket wrench and climb under there and just see if you can feel the bolt loose with your wrench on it. If it is loose, tighten it to spec with a tool of some sort to hold the crank before driving or starting it.

That'd be one hell of a thing to forget in a timing belt job, but I'm sure it's happened.

The bolt could also just have some roughed up edges from a clumsy mechanic's wrench making it look like it wobbles while running.

 

[TheHomeBuilder]

I finally got to checking the torque. I had trouble getting leverage on it, but i was able to get about 110ft pounds and it seemed tight. I also had to take a sawzall to my car for the first time to remove the camber/caster adjustment bolts. They seized to the upper control arm bushing. So i'm a little worn out and i'm going to wait to see what happens with the bolt, hopefully replace it in 87K when i go to do the timing belt.

Talked to my service guy who did the timing belt. He said the Sequoia and Tundras he sees with higher miles all look like that. I don't know if he was just saying that or its the truth.

 

[nissanh]

^^ Answer is NO. You need to find a good mechanic.
My cousin's 01 Montero XLS is suffering with the same issue. The crank pulley came loose and when he took it to the mechanic how did the timing belt said "the Montero have this issue". Do not believe them. the same mechanic tried to fix it by doing a thread tapping but no luck so he now suggests a a new/used engine. Unfortunately he is in Staten Island and I cannot help him .

Just tight the bolt to the proper torque. Also, it is a good practice to inspect the engine area at least once a week (I do all the time)

When the rubber damper (shown with an arrow in 2001LC's post) could go bad but I only saw one toyota crank pulley in my life

 

[2001LC]

Can you move it in or out by hand, at all, even a tiny bit?

Try this. In the dark, use a flash to illuminate. Be careful not to hit fan blade with light, just pulley. See if it looks better.

Also: It could be and illusion. A difference in shen from dust, oil, moisture, etc could make it look like it's has "little vibrational movement".

 

[2001LC]

If still unsure; hold a long bladed screwdriver propped against something like frame or line you see below, from below. Then slow angle tip of screwdriver against the pulley face near where I pointed with arrow. Just barely touch pulley. See if you get a constant sound, or does it skip like it missing a spot. Missing a spot would indicate a wobble.

 

[abuck99]

 

[nissanh]

That video looks like a broken damper.