I’m in the process of changing my timing chain and balance chain. I’m having issues getting the balance shaft sprockets off. I have used two drill bits to stick into the holes to engage the teeth of the sprocket as I attempt to break the center sprocket bolts free. However, I’ve now bent and destroyed two bits doing this as the bits give out under the pressure. I wouldn’t imagine these need that much torque to remove. I did see one forum mention releasing some sort of tabs before putting bit/pin in hole, but no further details were given and I haven’t seen anything else in any videos besides just putting bit/pin in the hole to engage the sprocket for removal. Is there something I’m supposed to do before putting bit/pin in hole to engage sprocket for removal? Or do I just need to find some harder steel bit/pin to use? Saw something mentioned about using a bent Allen wrench to engage the sprocket, anyone done that or have alternative methods if a bit/pin is too weak to hold sprocket while breaking the bolt free?

 

DO NOT take the balance shatf sprockets off!!!! How would you propose to put them back on?
Why are trying to, they are not a usual wear item.

 

They are part of my kit, and are upgraded/updated replacements.You put them back on by engaging the teeth to hold the sprocket in place, like you do when removing, while you tighten the bolt.

 

That is working out real good. What does upgraded mean?

 

This is the difference pictured. The “upgraded,” or “improved” as Cloyes calls it, eliminates the cushion rings. Not sure how much better it really is, but they claim it’s better somehow.

 

The shop manual just says "remove the sprockets. The tabs you refer to are holding the shafts in the bores.
Those don't look like they are the same size. I would not even try, especially if the reason is "because they are in the kit". For that matter, the cam sprockets should not be worn enough to worry about.

 

You place a pin punch in the hole outside the sprocket and engage it in the teeth.
Im with Donbrew, no need to change them

There’s a video in here from Cloyes
https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-...in-kits-60394/

 

If it ain't broke, break it!

 

I used my old chain….wrapped it around sprocket and clamped the biggest pair of visegripes I had as tight as I could, as close as I could to the sprocket and wedged the end of the gripes against something(dont remember…been a min. since I did mind). It will mess up the chain links but I was replacing it anyway

good luck