You can get the tool for cheaper from some sources, not sure off the top of my head. MB doesnt recommend holding the flywheel to remove the balancer. You can break the crankshafts on the 112 and 113 engines easily by doing that. I sure some pple have done it, but with my luck I would end up breaking it. On the older engines you can do that, but thats why they made the balancer tool for the 112 and 113. Depending on how good of a customer you are to the dealer, you might be able to get the balancer good willed since it is a known problem. good luck.