| Subject: | Harmonic Balancer (Crankshaft pulley) |
| Question: | I have a 99 Eclipse that needs a timing belt, but I can't get the crankshaft pulley off. I have a set of 3 jaw pullers, but it won't budge the pulley. What should I do? It is a manual transmission, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse with a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine. Thanks for any help you can offer. First time repair. |
| Answer: | Bob, I've replaced a couple of timing belts. In my experience, I have run into that scenerio where that crankshaft pulley just won't budge. After an hour attempt with a gear puller and lots of cursing, I usually give up and bring it to a mechanic. Most mechanics will have hydraulic gear pullers that make the job much easier. Bring the belts you want replaced and they be able to do the job and only charge you for labor (usually around $60) Plus, once a mechanic does that timing belt for the first
time, it'll be easier for you to do it the next time around.
If you have the turbo model, you should replace your belts
every 35k-45k miles. The owners manual says every 60k, but
better safe than sorry with the turbo engine. |