Kiwi: I was browsing threads and happened to come across yours. I have a '92 300e with a harmonic balancer that's completely shot (rubber is split and it rattles and moves around with engine running). It seems you have had success in completing this repair.

I was first wondering if its even necessary for me to remove the hub behind the balancer, or is the hub also held in place by the 27 mm center bolt?

also, does the 27 mm center bolt penetrate all the way into the lower timing cover? I.E. if I remove center bolt, am I effecting the timing of the engine?

I would like to repair this without having to worry about the timing of the engine, lining up keys, etc. but I fear that may be impossible.