Eliminating Balance Shaft without engine removal?

[Gunter]

Is it possible to remove the balance shafts without pulling the engine? I would really like to get rid of them after hearing about them punching through the blocks and stuff but pulling the engine is so much work

 

[GVR4592]

It can be done, but it's not as easy when the engine is out of the car. Getting the new bearings in is a pain in the ass with the engine in the car. I've only done it once, I won't do it again. Pulling the engine takes a little over an hour and it's well worth the time spent, it makes the job much easier. Make sure you don't use any RTV on the front case.

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

I just removed both balance shafts a couple of weeks ago with the engine in the car. I had no real problems with the bearings once I had the proper tools. It can be done but if you are able to pull the engine I would suggest doing so because it does suck trying to do this on a creeper and the car on jack stands.

 

[logic]

What boosted_91_tsi said. I've done it in both a 1g and a 2g with the engine still in the car, and while it's definitely doable, you'll swear quite a bit trying to get the right angle to pull the front shaft out completely. Then, you'll swear trying to find enough room to comfortably press the new bearings in. Once you have the front case off, the clearance problem is pretty obvious.

As a tip: I ended up having to unbolt the carrier for the driver's-side axle on both cars to get the engine and tranny to move enough so the front shaft would clear the frame and give me enough wiggle room to bash...er...press a pair of new bearings in.

 

[boosted_91_tsi]

you'll swear quite a bit trying to get the right angle to pull the front shaft out completely. Then, you'll swear trying to find enough room to comfortably press the new bearings in. Once you have the front case off, the clearance problem is pretty obvious.

That is when you break out "The Tool"....

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And if you have a Dremel, the medium grit abrasive wheels works wonders for removing old gasket material without scoring the surface up. Just dont use it at high speeds.

 

[Gunter]

As a tip: I ended up having to unbolt the carrier for the driver's-side axle on both cars to get the engine and tranny to move enough so the front shaft would clear the frame and give me enough wiggle room to bash...er...press a pair of new bearings in.

Hahahah, ok well since its doable, i may try with it still in the car. I'll wait for a weekend when i have a bunch of time to spend in frustration Thanks for the tip Logic

 

[prplhz96]

You will save alot of headaches if you pull the engine. If you decide to do it with the engine in, one thing that I have always done to get the front shaft out is slide it out as far as you can, cut it(literally in half) and slide the other half out. Trying to get the angle right is a pita as mentioned in a previous reply.

 

[Gunter]

I was thinking this except my friend said it might be forged steel or something and the only way to cut it or anything would be to shatter it, but what is the balance shaft made out of, obviously its possible if you've done it?

 

[LaN-]

you dont even have to remove the front balanced shaft, to eliminate them. Just leave it in there. As long as its not hooked up it works fine. Basically, instead of replacing the bearings you just leave the shaft in there to block off the holes.

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/balance-shafts.html

its all there.

 

[logic]

A hacksaw, a good blade, and about half an hour of constant cutting will get you through the front balance shaft.

 

[prplhz96]

you dont even have to remove the front balanced shaft, to eliminate them. Just leave it in there. As long as its not hooked up it works fine. Basically, instead of replacing the bearings you just leave the shaft in there to block off the holes.

http://www.vfaq.com/mods/balance-shafts.html

its all there.

Again IMO, you are better off removing the front shaft and using the block off bearings. Reason being is that you will no matter what increase your oil pressure with the shaft removed and new bearings installed.