1989 Toyota Cressida Wobbly Crankshaft pulley

Tiny
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  • 1989 TOYOTA CRESSIDA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I have an 89 Cressida. Few days ago it started making a continuous clunking noise. On the road, it just stopped momentarily with the engine running and I had to pull away, turn off the engine and re-start again to get home. I took the very not smart approach and changed the water pump thinking it is the cause of the issue. However, after filling the anti-freeze and starting the car, I realized that water pump was not the cause. After recharging the half-dead battery over night and starting the car the next morning, I realized that the car idles fine and normal and the noise is still there. I checked all vacuum hoses for any possible issues and then paid attention to the pulley on the crankshaft. It was wobbling like there is no tomorrow and it was creating the noise. Can someone tell me what parts I need to change if it is only the pulley that needs to be changed? Or at least pointing me to a site where I can find info about changing the pulley.
Sunday, December 16th, 2007 AT 3:24 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
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Hi there,

You will need a gear puller to remove the harmonic balance, you should also replace the seal as well. You will need a special puller to remove harmonic pulley, and the radiator will need to be removed to give better accesses well. I am not sure of any web site that may be of help, but if you are attempting this job, and have the puller, re post and I will advise further.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Monday, December 17th, 2007 AT 10:45 PM
Tiny
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Hi Mark,
Thank you for your response. Since I have realized that I have to replace the pulley, I have been looking for one.
I have checked all import part stores in the Tucson area. None do stock the crank pulley. The only place I can get a new one is thru the dealer for $ 520. I think for that price I can get a nice working used engine. I have not been able to find an aftermarket pulley online either. Is there something I am missing or people usually replace a damaged pulley with a used one from a junkyard? Any advice is appreciated.
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2007 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
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Someone in another forum send me a link about the process of changing the seal on the crankshaft. It is very descriptive:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2007 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
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Hi there,

I did a bit of looking around and it looks like there are no after market units available, I can get them re built but that is not very practicable in this case as I live in Australia. I would look at a second hand unit, it will be cheaper and should do the job, replace the seal, that site will set you straight. With a second hand unit, have a good look where the seal runs, if it is grooved, put a speedy sleeve on it,

Mark (mhpautos)
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Wednesday, December 19th, 2007 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
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Hi,
I have received the used Pulley and it seems fine. However, there are no pins with the part. Does anyone know how I can make one?
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Wednesday, December 26th, 2007 AT 11:04 PM
Tiny
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Hi there,

What are the pins you are referring too? There should just be the drive key from your crank and the crankshaft bolt.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Wednesday, December 26th, 2007 AT 11:08 PM
Tiny
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Mark,
There is one pin that goes inside the pulley. I beleive thats the drive key that you are refering to.
Thanks
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Thursday, December 27th, 2007 AT 12:35 AM
Tiny
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I just found what was left from the key. There is not much left to talk about. Can I buy the crank pulley key as a separate part or do I have to have someone make me one?
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Friday, December 28th, 2007 AT 11:42 AM
Tiny
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Hi there,

That should be a part you can get from Toyota, Just be carefull if you get a key from an industrial hardware, that there are imperial & metric sizes, yours will be metric, they may may be very close in size but close is not good enough, ensure you have the correct key installed or you will be back to square one again.

Mark (mhpautos)
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Friday, December 28th, 2007 AT 4:26 PM

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