Super easy crank pulley bolt removal
Thread Starter
Former Sponsor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 15,526
Likes: 19
I agree that you should never use a torque wrench as a breaker bar, but I don't believe there is anything wrong with using a torque wrench to loosen a bolt. Basically, if the bolt isn't seized, and will loosen without exceeding the max rated torque of the wrench, then it shouldn't be hard on it.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 743
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From: Rapid City, South Dakota
This is good advice, but I would advise against using an actual torque wrench to loosen any type of bolt! My torque wrench box says to never use torque wrench to break loose bolts, only tighten. Doing so may cause the torque wrench to malfunction. Use a breaker bar instead.
Otherwise good info!
Otherwise good info!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
I discovered this trick years ago, but recently used it to remove my crank pulley bolt. All you need is a can of high pressure compressed air, like this, and a torque wrench. Go for a drive to get the engine up to normal operating temperature, then park the car with the transmission in a high gear and put the parking brake on. Immediately spray the crank pulley bolt for ~20 seconds with the spray can turned upside down until you see ice forming on the bolt (like this). Immediately get the torque wrench, and remove the bolt. It should loosen almost as easily as a lug nut.
