I just got an 01' ram 5.2L 2wd 5 speed last week. I've noticed that the harmonic balancer is wobbling slightly. I noticed that the engine had a very slight misfire and I was going to change the spark plugs but could the misfire be related to the harmonic balancer wobble?

Should I avoid driving the truck until this gets fixed? Is it pretty easy to fix and are there any instructions online? What parts will I need?

I figured I would change the serpentine belt while I was at it...the belt isn't completely shot but will need to be changed soon so if its already off for this fix I might as well change it.

 

Replace the balancer. Not that bad of a job. Need a three jaw puller for it though. Take off the belt, remove the big bolt in the center, use the puller to take it off, put the new one on, tighten bolt, replace belt. Less than 30 minutes.

Make sure to read the plenum thread stickied at the top of this forum.

 

+1 on replacing balancer. It will jack up all kinds of things. Then see if it still has issues.

Do not pull or push on outer edge of balancer, exspecially the replacement. This will trash it. Push on crank using the crank bolt. Torque to speck.. Specs can be found in the service manual located in the FAQ/DIY section. Download and save .... it will be your best friend!

 

Yes I would change it asap, when it wobbles enough, can wear a hole in timing chain cover... been there done that

 

Change the seal behind the HB while you are there. Never use the HB bolt to pull in the new HB there is a high chance you will strip the threads in the crank by doing this. You would be some pissed if you have to change the crankshaft out. Rent/buy the proper tool to install the HB onto the crank. NO BFH are to be used to install the HB as well.

Example of the proper tool for the job link.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...26-120104170-2

 

Never saw one of those before.....definitely a better idea!

 

Yes they work great, I have used the bolt many a time and just one time I did it wrong I ended up striping the crank. I was some pissed off at myself.

 

Huh, yeh I always just used the bolt, I guess I've been lucky!

 

I ended up getting a 3 jaw puller will this still work or do I need the harmonic balancer puller specifically?

I'm also worried I may have ordered the wrong part from NAPA autoparts...I told them I needed the pulley but now that I'm reading the posts here more carefully it looks like I wanted to get the harmonic balancer crown instead...is that correct?

 

You still need the three jaw puller and you should use the tool I linked to; to install the new HB.

You should be getting the Whole HB as one piece that means it will have the belt pulley cast to the HB hub.

01 HB