How to remove vibration damper?

[vtyagi]

Vehicle: 2001 X5 4.4L

Hello,

I'm replacing the water pump and can't remove the vibration damper. I removed the 8 screws that hold the vibration damper to the crank shaft, but I don't know how to pull it off. I tried using a vibration damper puller from Autozone and it doesn't work because it has screws that basically screw into the crank shaft.

I tried to pull it off by hand, but it won't move.

Anyone done this before and have any suggestions?

Also, there is NO WAY you can get the water pump off without removing the damper on a 4.4L engine. There is a long aluminum tube which runs across the front which does not allow for clearance to remove. If someone knows how, I would like to know details.

Vic

[hayaku]

blast it with penetrating oil like pb-blaster, liquid wrench or at the very least wd40. it's rusted/seized on. otherwise you have removed all the bolts neccessary. there is nothing else holding it on. DO NOT hit it to knock it off. just let the penetrating oil sit for about 30 mins and then try pulling it off again.

[jst2878]

I used a rubber mallet and popped it a few times after a few hours of wd40. Don't use any pullers on this you might crack the dampers housing. Good luck and put anti seize lubricant on the back of the damper when u reinstall

[vtyagi]

Just to be clear?: You don't have to remove the Collar Screw (size M18). This is the big screw that goes in the center of the vibration damper?

RealOEM.com BMW E53 X5 4.4i Belt Drive-Vibration Damper

[hayaku]

correct.. not the big screw... just the smaller 8 screws

[vtyagi]

Thank you for that advise!

I got a rubber malot and beat the thing and it popped right off.

[stephx5]

I'm stuck here too now. Have all 8 of the M8's off, soaked that thing in WD40 and hopefully tonight I can pop it off. Did you hit it from above or below?

[vtyagi]

I got it off by gently hitting it with on the top and side and bottom. Gently, take your time and it will come off.