I have a 99 e320. Yesterday, I started hearing an awful grinding noise in the front of the engine and pulled over and shut it off. I had it towed back to my house and upon further inspection this morning I determined that the rubber bushing came out of the harmonic balancer and allowed to to slide back so it is rubbing the front of the engine.

I did a little research on this forum this morning and found out that this is a relatively common problem.

I would like to replace this myself. What is the best way to get it off?
How would you go about keeping the crankshaft from turning while loosing the 17mm allen head bolt? Should I use an air impact wrench? Lastly, does that bolt have left or right hand threads?

From what I can tell, I don't think the pulley rubbed through the oil pan. I guess I can tell when I get it off.


Thanks in advance for the help.

Ron