How to Pull the Crankshaft Pulley on a 2001 Accord

Removing the crankshaft pulley on a 2001 Honda Accord is a real feat for a do-it-yourselfer with common tools. The problem is the crankshaft bolt is exceptionally tight with 185 foot-pounds of torque on it. Small home air compressors will not build enough pressure for a 1/2-inch drive air gun to get the nut off. A constant 150 pounds of pressure is required to operate an air gun with sufficient force. An electric 1/2-inch impact is the tool to use. The second problem, which is relevant only if you are attempting to loosen the pulley bolt by hand, is keeping the crank from turning. A special tool from Honda is needed to keep the pulley from turning. Remember, unlike most engines, the crankshaft turns counterclockwise on a Honda.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts one turn on the driver's side wheel using a lug wrench. Raise the front of the car using the floor jack. Place a jack stand under each side of the car on the subframe. Lower the car so it rests on the stands. Continue to remove the lug nuts and the wheel.

2

Remove the inner splash shield using a socket. Place the special Honda pulley retainer tool on the crankshaft pulley. Place the handle so it is on the rear quadrant of the pulley. This way it will get caught on the body to prevent it from turning. Place a jack stand in front of the rotor.

3

Place a socket and the extension on the crankshaft nut and lay the extension on the jack stand. Install the breaker bar on the extension and then the cheater pipe over the bar, and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it. Remove the crankshaft pulley and replace. Reinstall the bolt in the same way turning it clockwise to tighten it to 185 foot-pounds of torque.