Crankshaft bolt loose but it will not come out?

2011 GMC SIERRA

270,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

TERR85

MEMBER
1 POST

I’ve loosened the crankshaft bolt to get the harmonic balancer off, but it won’t come out. I'm not sure if the bolt is stripped but the bolt is loosened and wiggling around but is not coming out. What’s wrong?

Aug 21, 2022 at 12:16 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,194 POSTS

Hi,

That is an odd one. I guess it could be corrosion or rust, but it should come out if it is that loose.

Do me a favor, retighten it and see if it will come out after that. Also, you may need to find something to pry outward on the bolt as you loosen it.

I went through the manual for replacing the balancer, and there is nothing mentioned. I don't know if you need them, but I did include the directions for the removal and replacement. I highlighted the only line related to removing the bolt. Also, you will need to replace that bolt once it is out. However, you will need to temporarily reuse it in the installation process.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
Click here to log in and view diagram.

Aug 21, 2022 at 8:31 PM