This procedure covers removal and installation of the harmonic balancer (crankshaft pulley) on the 2AR-FE 2.5L I4 engine, including accessing the component and torquing the critical crankshaft bolt.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley × 1 — 13470-28030 or equivalent
• Crankshaft pulley bolt × 1 — Replace if TTY - verify with service manual
• Engine oil × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post
3. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Remove front passenger-side wheel and inner fender splash shield for access
5. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove engine undercover and splash shield
   Remove the engine undercover fasteners using 10mm socket. Remove the passenger-side front fender splash shield to gain access to crankshaft pulley area. Set all fasteners aside for reinstallation.
2. 2

   Remove drive belt
   Locate the drive belt tensioner on the right side of the engine. Using a 14mm socket or wrench on the tensioner bolt, rotate the tensioner counterclockwise to release tension. Slide the serpentine belt off the pulleys and remove from engine bay. Inspect belt condition and replace if worn.
3. 3

   Remove right engine mount bracket
   Support the engine from above using an engine support bar or floor jack with wood block under oil pan. Remove the right engine mount mounting bolts using 17mm socket. Remove the engine mount bracket bolts to access the crankshaft pulley area. This provides necessary clearance for pulley removal.
   ⚠Ensure engine is properly supported before removing mount bolts to prevent engine from shifting or dropping.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove crankshaft pulley bolt
   Install crankshaft holding tool or use a strap wrench to prevent crankshaft rotation. Alternatively, have an assistant apply brakes firmly while transmission is in gear. Using an impact wrench with 19mm socket, remove the crankshaft pulley center bolt in counterclockwise direction. If no impact wrench is available, use a long breaker bar, but crankshaft MUST be secured. Remove bolt and washer, keeping them for inspection.
   ⚠️Do not attempt removal without securing crankshaft. Engine damage can occur if crankshaft rotates unexpectedly during bolt removal.
5. 5

   Remove harmonic balancer
   Thread a harmonic balancer puller into the threaded holes on the face of the pulley. Tighten the puller's center bolt gradually and evenly to pull the harmonic balancer off the crankshaft snout. Do NOT use a pry bar or hammer, as this can damage the balancer or crankshaft. Once loose, remove the balancer and puller together.
   ⚠Never strike or pry on the harmonic balancer. Improper removal can cause balance issues or damage the crankshaft seal.
6. 6

   Inspect crankshaft and front seal
   Inspect the crankshaft snout for damage, scoring, or wear. Check the front crankshaft seal for leaks or damage; replace if necessary. Clean the crankshaft snout and balancer mating surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. Inspect the harmonic balancer for cracks, separated rubber insulator, or wobble indicating failure.
7. 7

   Install new harmonic balancer
   Apply a thin film of clean engine oil to the crankshaft snout and inner bore of the new harmonic balancer. Align the balancer keyway with the crankshaft key and slide the balancer onto the crankshaft snout as far as possible by hand. Use a harmonic balancer installer tool or large socket matching the hub diameter (NOT the outer pulley) to press the balancer fully onto the crankshaft until it is properly seated.
   ⚠Never drive the balancer onto the crankshaft using the outer edge or pulley section. Force must be applied only to the inner hub to avoid damaging the balancer.
8. 8

   Install and torque crankshaft pulley bolt
   Inspect the crankshaft pulley bolt. If it is a torque-to-yield (TTY) bolt, install a new bolt per service manual requirements. Install the washer and bolt. Using the crankshaft holding method from removal, torque the crankshaft pulley bolt to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify the bolt is fully seated and properly torqued.
   ⚠️This is a critical torque specification. Under-torquing can cause the balancer to come loose and cause catastrophic engine damage. Verify TTY status before reusing bolt.
   Torque spec

   Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall right engine mount bracket
   Position the right engine mount bracket back into place. Install and torque the mounting bolts to the specified values per the torque spec list. Ensure engine is properly aligned before final tightening. Remove engine support once mount is secured.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall drive belt
    Route the serpentine belt around all pulleys according to the belt routing diagram (typically found on a decal under the hood). Rotate the tensioner counterclockwise and slip the belt onto the final pulley. Release the tensioner slowly to apply proper tension to the belt. Verify belt is properly seated in all pulley grooves.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall passenger-side fender splash shield and all fasteners
2. Reinstall engine undercover and torque fasteners appropriately
3. Reinstall passenger-side front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification
4. Check engine oil level and top off if necessary due to minor spillage during procedure
5. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• Start the engine and listen for any unusual noises from the front of the engine, particularly squealing or knocking
• Observe the harmonic balancer while engine is running to ensure it rotates smoothly without wobble
• Verify drive belt is tracking properly on all pulleys and is not slipping
• Check for any oil leaks around the front crankshaft seal area
• Road test the vehicle and verify normal operation with no vibration or accessory issues

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