1992 500SL Removing Harmonic Balancer Please Help
 

Recently purchased this car and repairing/replacing alternator, tensioner, water pump, radiator, etc. I will get some pics up on the forum, but its gotta run first:o

Trying to get the water pump off the car and after searching this forum I see the harmonic balancer must come off before you can get to the bottom water pump bolt.

I have soaked it with PB Blaster for a couple of days. Today I went to gently pry it off and its budging for sure but won't break loose. So question is: do I need to rent a three-pronged puller??

*********I should have noted earlier but I just removed the 6 smaller surrounding bolts, NOT the larger center bolt.


Please help, getting frustrated and need ideas. Thanks in advance.

Grant

First, congratulations on your R129. I just purchase a 1995 SL320 a few weeks ago.
I would definitely get a puller. Is there an auto parts store where you can borrow one? Even with the puller you many need to tap it with a hammer to initially break it loose.

I wanted to update this posting in case it helps somebody else someday.

I soaked the center of the Harmonic Balancer with PB blaster for a couple of days. The trick to getting it off for me was grabbing it at 2 o'clock and 6 o'clock positions and just working it off with opposing hand force. A puller was NOT needed in my case.

The center bolt did NOT have to come off for my 92 500SL M119 engine, just the surrounding 6 bolts.

Hope this helps someone else someday.

-Grant