Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun can be accomplished with a breaker bar and a socket. It is not always necessary to use an impact gun to remove a stubborn crankshaft pulley bolt when you have a breaker bar and a socket.
This method requires more physical effort than using a power tool, but it’s still a reliable way to get the job done. When the crankshaft pulley bolt is tightly fastened, you can use a breaker bar to apply more force than a handheld ratchet.
A socket is used to attach the breaker bar to the bolt head. It is crucial to use the appropriate size socket that correctly fits the bolt. This method may take some time, but it is a dependable solution.

Credit: grassrootsmotorsports.com
Step 1: Gather The Necessary Tools And Equipment
Socket Wrench
Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun is not as difficult as it seems. You just need the right tools and a bit of elbow grease. Here are the necessary tools and equipment you’ll need for the job.
- Socket wrench: A socket wrench speeds up the process and ensures accurate torque application, which is essential.
- Socket extensions: These will help you reach the bolt without having to change your position too much.
- Socket set: A socket set with various sizes is ideal, as the size of the bolt may vary.
- Penetrating oil: Apply a good-quality penetrating oil to the bolt to avoid causing any damage to the engine or bolt.
- Hammer or mallet: You’ll need something to hit the wrench with if it’s challenging to loosen the bolt.
- Reinforced belt: You don’t want to damage the timing belt on the engine, so use a reinforced belt to keep it from getting damaged.
Using The Socket Wrench
After gathering all the necessary tools, it’s time to get down to business. Follow these simple steps to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt.
- Slide the socket onto the socket wrench and attach the extensions until the socket is long enough to reach the bolt.
- Apply the penetrating oil to the bolt, ensuring that it penetrates the threads.
- Attach the socket to the bolt and position the reinforced belt over the pulley.
- Use the socket wrench to turn the bolt clockwise to loosen it.
Tips For Using The Hammer Or Mallet
Sometimes, it’s impossible to loosen the bolt with just a wrench. Here are some tips for using a hammer or mallet as an alternative.
- If the wrench handle has a square hole, a hammer or mallet can be used to hit the handle.
- Hold the handle with one hand, and hit it with the hammer/mallet in the opposite direction with the other hand.
- Try to increase the force you apply to the handle slowly and steadily.
Make sure you don’t hit any other parts of the car while using the hammer/mallet.
Using these tips, you should be able to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without too much hassle. Remember, take your time and be patient, and don’t forget to take safety precautions when working on your vehicle.
Step 2: Secure The Car’S Crankshaft
Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun can be a frustrating task, but it’s not impossible. In this section, we will discuss the second step of the process, which is securing the car’s crankshaft. Here’s how you do it.
Use The Reinforced Belt To Secure The Crankshaft
The crankshaft is a crucial component of your car’s engine, and any damage to it can result in costly repairs. Therefore, it’s crucial to secure it before attempting to remove the pulley bolt. Here’s how you can do it:
- Place the reinforced belt around the crankshaft pulley.
- Make sure the belt is tight and secure around the pulley.
- Once the belt is tightly in place, place a block of wood on the belt.
- Gently insert a pry bar between the block of wood and the nearest part of the ground to secure the block.
- Use the pry bar to keep the block of wood and the belt in place.
- This step will prevent the belt from slipping, and the crankshaft will remain locked in place while you remove the pulley bolt.
Keep Safety In Mind
While attempting to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt, make sure you prioritize your safety. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes.
- Ensure that the car is parked on a level surface to prevent accidents.
- Make sure the engine is off before beginning the process.
- Keep the workspace clean and free of any debris.
Securing the crankshaft is a crucial step in removing the pulley bolt without an impact gun. Once you’ve implemented these steps, you can move on to the next step, which is removing the bolt itself.
Step 3: Apply Penetrating Oil
Before moving on to the actual process of removing the crankshaft pulley bolt, it is important to apply penetrating oil. This will help loosen the bolt and make it easier to remove. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Penetrating oil can be purchased from any local hardware store.
- Some of the most popular penetrating oil brands include pb blaster, wd-40, and liquid wrench.
- Make sure to apply the penetrating oil evenly to both the crankshaft pulley and the bolt.
- Allow the oil to sit for at least 10-15 minutes before proceeding with the next step.
- If the bolt is particularly stubborn, you may need to apply the oil multiple times to fully loosen it.
Remember, applying the penetrating oil is a crucial step in removing the crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun. Skipping this step could result in damaging the bolt, which can be a costly repair. So take the time to do it properly and you’ll be one step closer to successfully removing the bolt.
Step 4: Use Wrench And Socket
Use The Socket Wrench And Socket Extensions For Leverage
When it comes to removing crankshaft pulley bolts without an impact gun, using a socket wrench and socket extension is an effective method. To do this, follow these steps:
- Firstly, take the socket wrench and attach the socket extension to it.
- Then, attach the socket to the extension and make sure it is secure.
- Hold onto the socket wrench while using the socket extension for leverage.
Turn The Bolt Counterclockwise To Loosen It
Once you have attached the socket wrench and socket extension, you can begin to loosen the bolt. Here are the next steps:
- Position the socket and extensions so that they are in line with the bolt.
- Turn the socket counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.
- Continue turning the socket until the bolt is completely removed.
Using these two steps, you can successfully remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without the need for an impact gun. Remember to use safety precautions while handling the bolt and tools to avoid injury.
Step 1: Gather The Necessary Tools
Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and proper technique, it can be done efficiently. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove crankshaft pulley bolt without using an impact gun.
Electric Impact Wrench
An electric impact wrench is a powerful tool designed to provide efficient torque without putting in much effort. With this tool, you can easily remove stubborn bolts and nuts without exerting too much force. Here are the key points to consider when using an electric impact wrench:
- Use a high-powered electric impact wrench with a torque rating of at least 300 ft. lbs.
- Attach the right sized socket to the end of the wrench.
- Place the socket over the center bolt of the crankshaft pulley and turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.
- Once the bolt is loose, remove it manually with a socket wrench.
Socket Set
Using a socket set is an efficient way to remove stubborn bolts and nuts. Here are the key points to consider when using a socket set:
- Use a socket set that fits the bolt size of the crankshaft pulley bolt.
- Secure the socket into the socket wrench and attach it to the bolt.
- Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.
- Once the bolt is loose, remove it manually with a socket wrench.
Socket Wrench
A socket wrench is a hand-held tool used to turn nuts and bolts. It is an essential tool in removing the crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun. Here are the key points to consider when using a socket wrench:
- Place the socket over the center bolt of the crankshaft pulley.
- Keep the socket in place by holding onto the socket wrench.
- Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.
- Once the bolt is loose, remove it manually with the socket wrench.
Penetrating Oil
A penetrating oil is a chemical compound designed to penetrate the microscopic gaps in metal parts to loosen rust and corrosion. Using a penetrating oil is ideal when removing a stubborn crankshaft pulley bolt. Here are the key points to consider when using a penetrating oil:
- Spray the penetrating oil onto the crankshaft pulley bolt.
- Let it soak for at least 30 minutes, or as specified on the label.
- Try to loosen the bolt using the electric impact wrench, socket set, or socket wrench.
Now that you have gathered the necessary tools, you are ready to tackle the stubborn crankshaft pulley bolt. Remember to apply penetrating oil as it makes the task easier. However, if the bolt still won’t budge, you may need to seek a professional mechanic’s help.
Step 4: Use Strap Wrench
Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun may seem like a daunting task, but it’s achievable with the right tools and techniques. In this guide, we’ll take you through the essential steps involved in removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun.
In this section, we’ll discuss the fourth step, which is using a strap wrench.
Place The Strap Wrench On The Crankshaft Pulley
Now that you have removed the fan belt, you will need to place a strap wrench on the crankshaft pulley. This tool works by “wrapping” around the pulley, allowing you to apply pressure as you turn the pulley counterclockwise.
Apply Pressure As You Turn The Crankshaft Pulley Counterclockwise
Once you have the strap wrench in place, apply pressure as you turn the crankshaft pulley counterclockwise. It’s essential to maintain a steady grip on the strap wrench while turning the pulley. This process may take some elbow grease, but it will get the bolt loose.
Check For Any Damages
After you have removed the bolt, examine both the bolt and the crankshaft pulley for any damages. Crankshaft pulley bolts are commonly torqued to over 100 foot-pounds, so it’s not uncommon to see some wear and tear. If you notice any damage, replace the bolt and the pulley as soon as possible.
Reinstall And Tighten The Bolt
Once you have successfully removed the bolt, you can reinstall and tighten it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you don’t have access to a torque wrench, you can use a standard wrench or socket to tighten the bolt. However, be careful not to overtighten the bolt.
Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun requires patience, the right tools, and techniques. By following these steps, you should be able to remove the bolt and get back to working on your vehicle in no time.
Step 4: Use Breaker Bar
Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun can be challenging, but a breaker bar can make the process easier. Here’s how to use it efficiently:
- Insert the breaker bar into the socket: First, fit the breaker bar into the socket, making sure it is secure and in place.
- Push down on the breaker bar while turning it counterclockwise: Once the breaker bar is securely fit into the socket, push down on the bar while turning it counterclockwise to loosen the bolt.
Using the breaker bar requires a significant amount of force, so use both hands for added stability. Leverage your body weight by pushing down on the breaker bar, which will help loosen the bolt. If the breaker bar is not long enough, you can use a pipe to extend it and gain additional leverage.
By using the breaker bar correctly, you can remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun quickly and efficiently. Remember to exercise caution and use protective gear when working on your vehicle.
Step 4: Use Electric Impact Wrench
Removing a stubborn crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun can be a challenging task. In this guide, we’ve outlined the steps to remove the bolt using hand tools. In the previous step, we’ve shown you how to use a breaker bar to loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt.
In this step, we will show you how to use an electric impact wrench to remove the bolt easily and quickly.
Connect The Electric Impact Wrench To The Socket
Before you begin, ensure that you have an electric impact wrench that is compatible with the socket size of the crankshaft pulley bolt. You will also need an extension bar that fits the socket. Here’s how to proceed:
- Connect the extension bar to the socket that fits the bolt.
- Then, connect the socket to the electric impact wrench.
- Ensure that the connection is tight and secure.
Use The Wrench To Loosen The Bolt
With the electric impact wrench properly connected to the socket, you are now ready to remove the stubborn crankshaft pulley bolt. Here’s how you can do it:
- Place the socket squarely on the bolt head, ensuring that it is flush against the bolt.
- Hold the electric impact wrench firmly with both hands, ensuring that its trigger is turned on.
- When you’re ready, apply continuous pressure on the electric impact wrench trigger. The wrench will apply high torque force to the bolt. This will help to loosen and remove the bolt from the crankshaft.
Using an electric impact wrench can save you time and effort when removing crankshaft pulley bolts. However, it’s important to ensure that you have the right tools and equipment to get the job done. With this guide, you should now be able to remove crankshaft pulley bolts without an impact gun.
Frequently Asked Questions On How To Remove Crankshaft Pulley Bolt Without Impact Gun
How Can I Remove A Crankshaft Pulley Bolt Without An Impact Gun?
You can use a breaker bar and a socket, a hammer and a chisel, or a pneumatic air gun. Alternatively, you can use a pulley holder tool to stop the pulley from rotating while you loosen the bolt.
Can I Remove A Crankshaft Pulley Bolt Without Any Tool?
Unfortunately, you cannot remove a crankshaft pulley bolt without any tool. You need at least a breaker bar and a socket, or a hammer and a chisel to apply force to remove the bolt.
Can I Reuse A Crankshaft Pulley Bolt?
It is recommended to replace the crankshaft pulley bolt every time you remove it. This is because the bolt is under high stress, which can affect its strength and cause it to snap during operation.
What Happens If The Crankshaft Pulley Bolt Snaps?
If the crankshaft pulley bolt snaps, the engine will stop running. The bolt can also cause damage to other engine components. It is essential to replace it immediately to avoid potentially catastrophic engine failure.
How Tight Should I Torque The Crankshaft Pulley Bolt?
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the torque required for your specific vehicle. Generally, it is around 80 to 120 foot pounds, but it can differ. It is essential to use a torque wrench for accurate and consistent results.
Conclusion
Removing a crankshaft pulley bolt without an impact gun may seem like a daunting task, but by following the right steps, it should not be a problem. With the use of simple tools and a bit of patience, you can easily remove the bolt.
Firstly, remember to position your vehicle properly, then utilize the breaker bar or ratchet to loosen the crankshaft bolt along with the pulley holding tool. Keep in mind safety precautions by wearing personal protective equipment and avoid damaging the components.
Lastly, it’s important to take your time during the process and not rush. By following these steps, you will be able to remove your crankshaft pulley bolt smoothly without the use of an impact gun. Save yourself some money and give it a try.