Remove and replace the harmonic balancer (crankshaft pulley) on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 engine to eliminate vibration or allow crankshaft seal replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Harmonic balancer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Harmonic balancer bolt (if TTY) × 1 — Use OEM specification - verify if reusable
• Drive belt × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface, apply parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent accidental starter engagement
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands
4. Remove right front wheel for access to engine compartment from below
5. Remove plastic engine splash shield and lower cover panels as needed
6. Take photos of belt routing before removal for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive belt
   Locate the drive belt tensioner. Using a socket or wrench on the tensioner bolt, rotate the tensioner counterclockwise to relieve tension. Slide the drive belt off the pulleys and slowly release the tensioner. Remove the belt completely from the engine bay.
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley cover
   Remove the plastic timing cover or crankshaft pulley dust shield if equipped. Remove all cover bolts securing any protective covers around the crankshaft pulley area. Set covers and hardware aside.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Prevent crankshaft rotation
   To prevent the crankshaft from rotating during bolt removal, either have an assistant apply the brake pedal firmly while transmission is in Park/gear, or use a flywheel holder tool installed through the starter opening or bellhousing access. Alternatively, wedge a large pry bar against a flywheel tooth and block it against the engine block. Do not use the harmonic balancer holding tool alone as this can damage the balancer.
   ⚠Never use the balancer itself as a leverage point to hold the crankshaft. This can damage the balancer rubber isolator.
4. 4

   Remove harmonic balancer bolt
   Using a breaker bar or impact wrench, remove the center harmonic balancer bolt. This bolt is very tight (180 Nm). An impact wrench is strongly recommended. Turn counterclockwise to loosen. Remove the bolt and any washer completely. Inspect the bolt threads for stretching or damage - this bolt may be TTY and require replacement.
   ℹ️If the bolt appears stretched (necked down) or shows thread deformation, it must be replaced. Consult service manual for TTY specification.
   Torque spec

   Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install harmonic balancer puller
   Thread the puller bolts into the threaded holes on the face of the harmonic balancer. Do not use the pulley bolt holes - use only the dedicated puller holes. Ensure puller bolts are threaded evenly and fully seated. Position the puller's center forcing screw against the crankshaft snout center.
   ⚠Using incorrect puller holes or an improper puller can crack the harmonic balancer or damage the crankshaft threads.
6. 6

   Remove harmonic balancer
   Tighten the puller's center forcing screw gradually and evenly. The harmonic balancer should begin to slide off the crankshaft. Continue tightening until the balancer is completely free. Remove the puller and balancer together. Inspect the crankshaft snout for damage, scoring, or debris.
7. 7

   Inspect crankshaft and keyway
   Clean the crankshaft snout thoroughly with a clean rag. Inspect for burrs, scoring, or damage. Verify the Woodruff key is present in the crankshaft keyway and is not damaged or loose. If the key is damaged, remove and replace it. Check the front crankshaft seal for leaks - now is an ideal time to replace if seeping.
   ℹ️If oil is present around the seal area, consider replacing the front crankshaft seal while the balancer is removed.
8. 8

   Prepare new harmonic balancer
   Clean the bore of the new harmonic balancer. Verify the keyway slot is clean and free of debris. Apply a light coat of clean engine oil to the crankshaft snout and the inner bore of the balancer. Do not use anti-seize on the crankshaft snout as this can affect torque readings and installation depth.
9. 9

   Install new harmonic balancer
   Align the keyway slot in the harmonic balancer with the Woodruff key on the crankshaft. Slide the balancer onto the crankshaft by hand as far as possible. Use a harmonic balancer installation tool (threaded rod and thrust bearing) or carefully use the balancer bolt to draw the balancer fully onto the crankshaft. The balancer must seat completely flush against the crankshaft timing gear. Do not hammer the balancer onto the crankshaft.
   ⚠️Never hammer or impact the harmonic balancer during installation. This will destroy the rubber isolator and damage the balancer.
10. 10

    Install and torque harmonic balancer bolt
    Install the harmonic balancer bolt with washer (use new bolt if TTY specification requires). Apply a small amount of clean engine oil to the bolt threads and washer contact surface. Hand-thread the bolt to prevent cross-threading. Use the same crankshaft holding method as removal. Torque the bolt to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) in one smooth pull. If TTY specification requires an additional angle torque, follow the service manual procedure.
    ⚠Verify with service manual if additional angle torque is required beyond 180 Nm. Some applications require 90 degrees additional rotation.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley cover
    Reinstall any plastic timing covers or dust shields removed earlier. Install and torque cover bolts to specification evenly.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall accessory drive belt
    Route the new or existing drive belt around all pulleys according to the routing diagram (refer to photo taken during removal or underhood decal). Rotate the belt tensioner counterclockwise and slip the belt onto the final pulley. Slowly release tensioner to apply proper belt tension. Verify belt is seated correctly in all pulley grooves.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall lower engine covers and splash shields with appropriate fasteners
2. Reinstall right front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification
3. Lower vehicle from jack stands
4. Reconnect negative battery cable
5. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes if battery was disconnected for extended period

Verification

• Start engine and verify no unusual vibration, knocking, or rattling from crankshaft area
• Observe harmonic balancer at idle - it should spin smoothly without wobble or runout
• Verify accessory drive belt tracks properly on all pulleys without slipping or squealing
• Check for oil leaks around front crankshaft seal area after engine reaches operating temperature
• Test drive vehicle and monitor for vibrations at various engine speeds
• Recheck harmonic balancer bolt torque after 50-100 miles of driving if not using TTY bolt

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