How do you remove the harmonic balancer bolt on the 2.5 engine with auto trans? Is there a special tool to immobilize the balancer or do I have to drop the pan :-( to block the crankshaft?

 

have you try with the belt still on it?

try with an air wrench


Autozone should have the special tool for that, you don't need to buy it, just "rent it", you'll get your money back when you return the tool back

 

Thanks for the reply.

I tried an electric impact wrench with the belt still on. Lots of noise and no movement. Large breaker bar turned engine. Will try Autozone.

 

Try a large screw driver slipped through the harmonic balancer and jimmied on to the engine block. Then use a socket and a larger breaker bar to undo the crankshaft nut. Let us know....

 

I have already considered the screwdriver trick. The web of the balancer is a thin stamping. The slot in the web is also very thin. I am going to look at the flywheel in terms of wedging something in it.

Google has not been my friend. No defined procedure for this one. Not even under Mitsubishi.

 

On my engine 2.4L DOHC there's one spot towards the front of the engine where a screw drivers sits nice! Got it off no problem wit breaker bar. I think maybe when I got it into position I stood on it to break it free..