The last generation of the Pontiac Grand Am was produced from 1999 through 2005. All models had a four-speed automatic transmission. The crankshaft pulley rarely malfunctions, but it needs to be removed to gain access to the harmonic balancer. The crankshaft pulley is held on with three bolts. You will need to replace the crankshaft pulley bolt, as it cannot be reused.
Raise the vehicle and support it with jack stands. Loosen, but do not remove, the three bolts in the crankshaft pulley, if your year and model Grand Am uses a pulley separate from the crankshaft balancer. You want to break them loose while the belt is still on the vehicle. If the bolts will not break loose, spray them with lubricant to help loosen them.
Rotate the accessory drive belt tensioner toward the center of the engine with the appropriate socket to loosen tension on the belt. Lift the belt off the pulleys. Allow the tensioner to gently rotate back into place.
Install the harmonic balancer holder. Remove the center crankshaft pulley bolt, using the breaker bar or the air gun. Remove the crankshaft balancer, using the balancer puller. Remove the three bolts holding the pulley on, if the pulley is separate from the balancer, then pull the pulley off the balancer.
Lubricate the front seal and sealing surface on the crankshaft balancer with chassis grease. Place the balancer on the crankshaft, lining up the keyway. Tap it into place, using the rubber mallet. Install the crankshaft pulley bolt and washer.
Install the balancer holding tool. Mark the socket next to the one to four marks on the tool to represent the zero point. Tighten the belt by rotating the socket clockwise 90 degrees. At 90 degrees, the socket indexes with the next mark on the tool. Repeat until you reach 129 foot-pounds of torque. Tighten the bolt an additional 90 degrees with a conventional socket. Do not use the torque wrench for the last 90-degree turn because you will damage the bolt.
