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