Subaru Repair: 97 legacy outback crankshaft pulley, crankshaft pulley, legacy outback

Question
Hello,

I'm working on replacing a timing belt and water pump on a 97 Legacy Outback wagon 2.5L. I've made it to the point where I need to remove the crankshaft pulley, but this is where I have run into trouble. During my first attempt at removing the pulley I tried to use a chain wrench to hold the pulley in place while loosening the crankshaft bolt. This had no effect on loosening the bolt, but did result in the outer part of the pulley slipping and spinning independently of the inner part. Subsequently, I have purchased as specialized crankshaft pulley wrench (which I should have done in the first place).

So my question is, did I damage the crankshaft pulley itself by spinning the outer part of the pulley independently of the inner part of the pulley? Should I be concerned that the timing notch on the pulley is no longer in the same position that is was before?

Any info/insight you can provide is appreciated.


Answer
Hey Will,

Yes you did damage the crankshaft pulley, the outer ring should never spin free of the inner ring.  Keep in mind it is also the "harmonic balance" device at the end of the crankshaft.  There not all that expensive but I would only buy an O.E. there is one aftermarket product I have seen and I was not impressed. I hope you also plan on buying the camshaft pulley tools as well?  It may be very difficult to line up the timing marks with out them as the cam shafts will try to turn if not locked in place. Also a must in the removal of the cam sprockets to replace the cam seals which is a good idea while you are in there.  Try not to let the cams "snap" back when you take the belt off as this can cause valve to valve contact and damage to the valves can occur.

Justin