Hello, Does anybody know what the crankshaft pulley consists of and how it works? I know it sounds like a funny question but I am trying to deduct if a squealing noise is coming from the pulley assembly. The A/C and alternator belts are on the top ring and power steering is on the bottom one (smaller front ring)

I put a pen mark across the pulley and started my truck, turned on the A/C and that awful squealing started and the marks were out of alignment when stopped. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

I've had that squealing noise for some time now...
I just replaced the A/C compressor thinking that was the culprit, pulled a vacuume and recharged according to the shop manual. Its really cold but that darn squealing is still there and it sounds like its coming from the crankshaft pulley and not the compressor clutch. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />


Anybody have any tips or suggestions?

belts slipping?

Your typical harmonic balancer, at least on our trucks, is going to be a metal ring surrounded by rubber and another metal ring on top of it. The rubber part absorbs harmonics transfered from the crank so that you don't have the belts flying off.

It quite possibly could be the harmonic balancer is slipping. I've had it happen on my pickup, but not to the point that you hear it. I would say take off the belts and put one belt on at a time and see if it still does it. It could be that the rubber has deteriorated to the point that it's breaking force is just above the amount of drag the accessories puts on it, but once you add the a/c, it goes above that limit and starts slipping. Maybe try another harmonic balancer.

Richard <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Sounds too like your belt is adjusted out as far as it can and it may be time to replace it. On that belt there should be hardly any slack at all in it.

Thanks for all your responses! Turns out it was the crankshaft pulley with a worn harmonic balancer/rubber sleeve. Got a salvaged one for $65 and everything works well.

I know this was covered in earlier posts but I figured I would share how I removed the crankshaft bolt on my '94 V6.
Removing the crankshaft nut was really easy using an 18" breaker bar and 24mm deep impact socket. Here's what I did in case anybody else is removing the bolt for the timing belt or seal replacement.

1. Remove the air filter box
2. ...upper fan shroud
3. ...cooling fan and clutch assembly
3. ...power steering, A/C and alternator belts
4. cover the rear of the radiator with a plywood board (21-3/4 X 14" to avoid damage while removing the crankshaft bolt
5. put the 24mm deep socket on an 18" breaker bar and line up the bolt, socket and bar so it rest on the DRIVER'S SIDE wheel well.
6. Pack a towel tightly around the front of the breaker bar handle end
7. Pack a towel tightly in between the socket/breaker bar and board covering the rear of the radiator (keeps the breaker bar snug)
8. Unplug the ignition coil plugs (on my '94 there are 3 plugs on top of the engine at the ignition coils. (prevents engine from starting)
9. Review what you just did and make sure the breaker bar is sitting snugly on the driver's side of the engine on the wheel well.
10. Turn the engine over for a quick bump to break the bolt loose. Should come off easily!
11. Smack the crankshaft pulley with a rubber mallet to loosen. Pulley should jiggle and slide out.

To install, use a pulley removal wrench to hold the pulley and tighten the bolt to 123Ft/Lbs. (got mine from Harbor Freight & Tools, item# p-45407 $8.99)

Thanks again and best of luck if you have to remove the pulley bolt.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

The harboor freight part # you provided isn't in their online database @ harborfreight.com.

I suspect what you bought was a strap wrench; then again, maybe not?

All of the strap wrenches they show online carry part numbers way different from the one you provided.

Good post and glad to hear you got your problem resolved.

You're right Mike, it is a strap wrench. I wasn't able to find it on their website either. It has a black metal handle that is 15" long and has a section of v-belt attached. Good stuff! Gotta love Harbor Freight & Tools!

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />