I have a 2004 Chrysler Sebring GTC convertible. I'm replacing the blown 2.7 L V6 with a used one. My question is: Does anyone know if it's absolutely necessary to use the special tool to install the vibration damper? Or can you just knock it on carefully with a bronze mallet, or just a mallet and a piece of wood? Any help anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated.

 

Not sure of the exact arrangement on the 2.7 V6, but a lot of times it is possible to damage the thrust bearing if you just hammer it on there. And most harmonic balancers are not constructed in a manner that withstands multiple direct impacts.

If you can find a section of all-thread rod with the same thread as the balancer bolt to bottom out in the snout of the crank, you can use a nut and washer to push the pulley on.

You can probably find the threads for the crank pulley bolt on something like moparparts or whatever. Then just order a small piece of all-thread and a nut in that same thread from Amazon... it will be under your pillow when you wake up in the morning.

My advice... don't use a hammer. It can work, and it's been done. But I just wouldn't...

 

=DavidBoren;118904]Not sure of the exact arrangement on the 2.7 V6, but a lot of times it is possible to damage the thrust bearing if you just hammer it on there. And most harmonic balancers are not constructed in a manner that withstands multiple direct impacts.

If you can find a section of all-thread rod with the same thread as the balancer bolt to bottom out in the snout of the crank, you can use a nut and washer to push the pulley on.

You can probably find the threads for the crank pulley bolt on something like moparparts or whatever. Then just order a small piece of all-thread and a nut in that same thread from Amazon... it will be under your pillow when you wake up in the morning.

My advice... don't use a hammer. It can work, and it's been done. But I just wouldn't...[/QUOTE]

 

Thanks very much for the advice. That wasn't an option I had considered, although I've used it before and it works well. So, thanks again for solving that issue. I appreciate it.

 

Threaded rod may or may not be strong enough to withstand the force needed to press on the balancer. You are more likely not to have a problem using a grade 8 bolt. You don;'t want to have the rod break off in the hole.