Nissan Repair: 1998 Nissan Pathfinder, nissan pathfinder, drive pulley

Question
QUESTION: Von Sudderth, I have a 1998 Nissan Pathfinder with the 2 wheel drive and the 3.3 litre engine.  I have replaced all of the belts and pulleys and it is still make a loud chirping noise.  So I removed one belt at a time and took a look at the main Drive Pulley (Harmonic Balancer) and noted that it was sliding in and out and that is what was causing the problem.  I can purchase the new part at Nissan and I was wondering how difficult of a job or what is involved to replace the main pulley.  Do you have any tips for me to perform this job.
Thanks

Sincerely

Francis

ANSWER: Francis,

It is not a difficult job if you have air tools.  If your pathfinder is a manual it makes it easier to hold the crank while you loosen the harmonic balancer bolt.  Otherwise, it is just a matter of getting things out of the way.  If you have a lift it helps to get under the vehicle.  If not, make sure the vehicle is supported and chocked.  First, take the belts off and then the radiator and then pull the clutch cover/ inspection plate and wedge a screwdriver in the starter ring and have someone hold it while you loosen the bolt.  You might get lucky and not need a puller.  But, if the balancer is stuck it will require a puller to get it off the crank.  Lubricate the surface where it interacts with the seal and install the new one.  If you want to install a new front seal the timing cover and timing belt will have to come off.  Your choice here on changing it or not.  But, it will be a much longer job and if yours is not leaking...

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Von Sudderth, I have a follow up question.  Since I am going to do this myself and my vehicle is a automatic.  I am going to get a strap wrench to hold the pulley and a 3 prong flysheel puller to complete the job. How will I know if the crankshaft front oil seal will need replacing.  Also while I am doing this job I have never had to replace my water pump should I go ahead and undertake this while im at it.  Please let me know you thoughts.  Sincerely

Francis Aguirre

Much Appreciated.

Answer
Francis,

If you have 90,000 miles on the vehicle I would replace the waterpump, timing belt, tensioner pulley and the front seal.  Now, if the miles are less you could just replace the balancer.  But, you will need to remove the inspection cover to get access to the automatic flexplate.  Same as a clutch flywheel.  Use a screwdriver to wedge the flexplate to allow you to loosen the harmonic balancer bolt.  It is too tight just to use a strap.  Also, you are going to need a breaker bar or an impact wrench to make this work.