This procedure covers removal and replacement of the harmonic balancer (crankshaft damper) on the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including serpentine belt removal and accessory clearance.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Harmonic balancer/crankshaft damper × 1 — Use OEM Ford specification
• Harmonic balancer bolt (if TTY) × 1 — Verify if reusable or replace
• Serpentine belt (inspect for wear) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove engine splash shield/skid plate if equipped to improve access
6. Take clear photo of serpentine belt routing for reinstallation reference
7. Position drain pan below work area to catch any residual coolant or oil drips

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove serpentine belt
   Using a breaker bar or wrench, rotate the spring-loaded belt tensioner clockwise to release tension. Slip the serpentine belt off the pulleys and remove from engine bay. Inspect belt for cracks, glazing, or excessive wear and replace if necessary.
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley bolt
   Place transmission in Park (automatic) or gear (manual) and have assistant apply brake pedal, or use a flywheel holding tool. Using a breaker bar or impact wrench, remove the crankshaft pulley bolt by turning counterclockwise. This bolt is very tight and may require significant force. Keep bolt if reusable per service manual specification.
   ⚠Ensure engine cannot rotate during bolt removal. Do not use starter motor bump method on EcoBoost engines.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Once bolt is removed, the outer crankshaft pulley can be pulled off by hand or with gentle prying. Remove pulley and set aside. Inspect pulley for wear or damage.
4. 4

   Install harmonic balancer puller
   Thread the harmonic balancer puller onto the damper hub. Ensure the puller is centered and threads are fully engaged. The forcing screw should contact the crankshaft snout center. Do not allow the puller to contact the crankshaft threads.
   ⚠Use only a proper harmonic balancer puller. Pry bars or jaw pullers can damage the balancer or crankshaft.
5. 5

   Remove harmonic balancer
   Turn the forcing screw of the puller clockwise to draw the harmonic balancer off the crankshaft. Apply steady pressure. The balancer should come off smoothly. If excessive resistance is encountered, stop and verify puller alignment. Once removed, inspect the balancer for rubber deterioration, separation, or wobble.
6. 6

   Inspect crankshaft snout and keyway
   Clean the crankshaft snout with a clean rag and inspect for burrs, damage, or scoring. Check that the crankshaft key (Woodruff key) is present, properly seated in the keyway, and not damaged. Remove and replace key if damaged. Clean keyway thoroughly.
   ℹ️The crankshaft seal may be visible behind the balancer. If replacing the front crankshaft seal, this is the time to do so.
7. 7

   Prepare new harmonic balancer
   Inspect new harmonic balancer for shipping damage. Verify the keyway slot in the balancer hub aligns with the crankshaft key. Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the crankshaft snout and balancer bore. Do not use grease or heavy lubricants.
8. 8

   Install harmonic balancer
   Align the keyway in the harmonic balancer with the key on the crankshaft. Slide the balancer onto the crankshaft snout by hand as far as it will go. Use the harmonic balancer installation tool (threaded installer or press-on tool) to fully seat the balancer. The balancer should be flush with the crankshaft snout when fully installed. Never hammer the balancer onto the crankshaft.
   ⚠️Hammering on the harmonic balancer can cause immediate or delayed crankshaft damage, including cracked crankshaft or thrust bearing failure.
9. 9

   Install crankshaft pulley
   Position the outer crankshaft pulley onto the harmonic balancer hub, aligning any locating features. Ensure pulley is fully seated before bolt installation.
10. 10

    Install and torque crankshaft pulley bolt
    If using a new TTY bolt, apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the threads and underside of bolt head. Install the crankshaft pulley bolt by hand. Using a torque wrench, tighten the bolt to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft). If service manual specifies additional angle tightening for TTY bolt, apply the specified angle after reaching initial torque. Verify bolt is fully seated and torque specification per service manual recommendations.
    ⚠Verify with Ford service manual whether this bolt requires torque-to-yield angle tightening beyond the 180 Nm specification.
    Torque spec

    Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall serpentine belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the routing diagram photographed during removal. Rotate the belt tensioner clockwise and slip the belt onto the final pulley. Release tensioner slowly. Verify belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.
12. 12

    Reinstall splash shield and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the engine splash shield or skid plate using the appropriate fasteners. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle to ground. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all fasteners are properly torqued, especially the harmonic balancer bolt
2. Verify serpentine belt is correctly routed and seated on all pulleys
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in engine bay
4. Reconnect battery and clear any diagnostic trouble codes if necessary

Verification

• Start engine and listen for unusual noises, vibration, or belt squeal
• Observe harmonic balancer while engine is running at idle - there should be no wobble or visible runout
• Rev engine slightly (1500-2000 RPM) and verify smooth operation without vibration
• Check for any fluid leaks around front crankshaft seal area
• Test drive vehicle briefly and monitor for vibration at various engine speeds
• Recheck harmonic balancer bolt torque after first 50-100 miles if using TTY specification

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