Harmonic balancer

Welcome to 2CarPros.

Usually, they will even make a knocking sound. The outside pulley is actually mounted on rubber, so it if is moving around, it needs replaced.

Here are the directions for replacing it. I don't know if you have a 4 or 6 cylinder, so I will add the directions for both. The attached pics correlate with the directions and you will need a puller to remove it. Most parts stores will lend or rent one to you.

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4 cylinder

2011 Chevrolet Malibu L4-2.4L
Removal and Replacement
Crankshaft Balancer Replacement (LE5)

Special Tools
* J 38122-A Harmonic Balancer Holder
* J 45059 Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

pic 1

1. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement (LE5) (See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement).
2. Use J 38122-A to prevent the crankshaft from rotating while loosening the crankshaft balancer bolt.
3. Remove and discard the crankshaft balancer bolt.

Pic 2

4. Remove the crankshaft balancer.

Installation Procedure

pic 3

1. Position the crankshaft balancer.
2. Install a NEW crankshaft balancer bolt.

Pic 4

3. Use the J 38122-A to hold the crankshaft balancer in order to prevent the balancer from rotating while tightening the bolt.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (See: Vehicle > Vehicle Damage Warnings > Fastener Caution).

4. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) plus an additional 125 degrees using the J 45059.
5. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement (LE5) (See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement).

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Here is the info on the 6 cylinder. It is more involved.

2011 Chevrolet Malibu V6-3.6L

Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Engine Cylinder Block Assembly Harmonic Balancer - Crankshaft Pulley Service and Repair Removal and Replacement

Crankshaft Balancer Replacement

Special Tools
* EN-46106 - Flywheel Holding Tool
* J-38416-2 - Crankshaft Button
* J-41816 - Crankshaft Balancer Remover
* J-41998-B - Crankshaft Balancer Installer
* J-45059 - Angle Meter

Removal Procedure

1. Remove the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement (See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement).
2. Install the engine support fixture. Refer to Engine Support Fixture (LY7) (See: Engine > Removal and Replacement > Engine Support Fixture).
3. Remove the engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side (See: Engine Mount > Removal and Replacement > Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side).
4. Remove the starter. Refer to Starter Replacement (LY7) (See: Starter Motor > Removal and Replacement)Starter Replacement (LE5/LE9) (See: Starter Motor > Removal and Replacement).

Pic 5

5. Install the EN-46106 - tool through the starter mounting hole.

Pic 6

6. Using engine support fixture, lower engine approximately two inches.
7. Remove the crankshaft balancer bolt. Discard the bolt.

Pic 7

8. Install the J-38416-2 - button in the nose of the crankshaft.
9. Install the J-41816 - remover in order to remove the crankshaft balancer.
10. Tighten the center bolt of the J-41816 - remover in order to pull the crankshaft balancer off of the crankshaft.
11. Remove the J-41816 - remover from the crankshaft balancer.

Installation Procedure

pic 8

1. The EN-46106 - tool must be installed onto the flywheel.
2. Use the J-41998-B - installer, nut, bearing and washer to install the crankshaft balancer.

Pic 9

Note: Do not lubricate the crankshaft front oil seal or crankshaft balancer sealing surfaces. The crankshaft balancer is installed into a dry seal.

3. Apply lubricant to the inside of the crankshaft balancer hub bore.

Pic 10

4. Place the crankshaft balancer in position on the crankshaft.
5. Thread the J-41998-B - installer in the crankshaft. Ensure you engage at least 10 threads of the J-41998-B - installer before pressing the crankshaft balancer in place.
6. Push the crankshaft balancer into position by tightening the nut on the J-41998-B - installer until the large washer bottoms out on the crankshaft end.
7. Remove the J-41998-B - installer.

Pic 11

Note: Always install a new crankshaft balancer retaining bolt and washer.

8. Install the NEW crankshaft balancer bolt.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (See: Vehicle > Vehicle Damage Warnings > Fastener Caution).

9. Tighten the crankshaft balancer bolt to 100 Nm (74 lb ft) and an additional 150 degrees using the J-45059 - meter.

Pic 12

10. Remove the EN-46106 - tool.
11. Install the starter. Refer to Starter Replacement (LY7) (See: Starter Motor > Removal and Replacement)Starter Replacement (LE5/LE9) (See: Starter Motor > Removal and Replacement).
12. Using engine support fixture, raise the engine into position.
13. Install the engine mount. Refer to Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side (See: Engine Mount > Removal and Replacement > Engine Mount Replacement - Right Side).
14. Install the drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement (See: Drive Belt > Removal and Replacement).

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

Take care,
Joe

What engine do you have? Also, when you say is there a right or wrong way, specifically what are you referring to, the balancer or the seal?

Let me know.

Joe

Welcome back:

Here are the directions for replacing the seal. If it isn't leaking, you can let it go, but make sure there are no nicks or damage done to it when removing the balancer. If it is leaking, replace it. The directions indicate using a special seal installation tool. Most any nationally recognized parts store will lend or rent that to you. Also, before you install the new balancer, make sure to put some motor oil all around the seal and the portion of the balancer that which goes into the seal to prevent damage to the seal (new or old).

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2011 Chevrolet Malibu L4-2.4L
Removal and Replacement
Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Engine Seals and Gaskets Front Crankshaft Seal Service and Repair Removal and Replacement
REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Replacement

Tools Required

J 35268-A Camshaft/Front Main Seal Installer

Removal Procedure

pic 1

1. Remove the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement (LE5) (See: Harmonic Balancer - Crankshaft Pulley > Removal and Replacement).
2. Use a flat-bladed tool to remove the seal from the front cover.

Installation Procedure

pic 2

1. Use the J 35268-A in order to install the crankshaft front oil seal to the engine front cover.
2. Install the crankshaft balancer. Refer to Crankshaft Balancer Replacement (LE5) (See: Harmonic Balancer - Crankshaft Pulley > Removal and Replacement).

And there is a specific way it goes on. There is a key way (shear key) and if I recall, there are flat spots on the oil pump (which it goes through). Use care to properly align the key way and flats on the balancer with the oil pump drive.

If you have questions, concerns, or need help, let me know. Also, let me know how it works out for you. Honestly, take your time and pay attention to how the parts come apart and it will help when you reinstall everything.

Take care,
Joe

Welcome back:

Cory, I hate to ask this, but could you upload the new question to a new thread. We are trying to keep the threads limited to one question so it is helpful to others. I would be happy to answer your question and will watch for it.

Thanks, and sorry.

Joe