Timing Chain Replacement HELP! - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Gregscalemodels · 03-01-2026, 04:39 PM

Hey everyone, I am in the process of replacing my timing chain on my 2011 3.6L, as the last shop I took it to wanted $5,414. Thats a hard pass for me. I have enough tutorials and videos to guide me through the process and I am pretty much all the way in removing everything but one thing I cant find a video on is a safe way to remove the harmonic balancer bolt. I currently don't have an impact driver and have read they wont even work unless you get a high quality, powerful, expensive one and funds arent really allowing that with everything I just spent for a full timing kit, oil pump, a new water pump and some tools and new fluids. I've also seen that I should remove the starter and lock the flex plate, and if thats what I need to do then thats what I will do, its just that my starter is a PIA to remove and install due to my long tube header coming down right beside it. Are there any other recommended ways to remove the Harmonic bolt easily and safely and if so how. I havent even attempted removing it yet as I dont want to reverse the engine and be sure I have the right tools to do it. Thanks for any and all responses in advance.

gtstorey · 03-02-2026, 07:27 AM

Good breaker bar and socket with a cheater pipe on it. Plus the jig to lock the flywheel at the starter if they make one for that engine.

ariZona28 · 03-02-2026, 10:28 AM

Videos are helpful but do yourself a favor and grab a Chilton manual. Fairly straightforward info with torque specs, notes, warnings and cautions. I bought mine at Autozone several years back for around $30.

CamaroCracka · 03-05-2026, 08:53 AM

I use a mid-torque Dewalt impact, but you can check out the Torque Test Channel for some good cheaper options. Other than that, what gtstorey said.

03-01-2026, 04:39 PM	#1
Gregscalemodels Drives: 2011 Camaro 3.6 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Ohio Posts: 13	Timing Chain Replacement HELP! Hey everyone, I am in the process of replacing my timing chain on my 2011 3.6L, as the last shop I took it to wanted $5,414. Thats a hard pass for me. I have enough tutorials and videos to guide me through the process and I am pretty much all the way in removing everything but one thing I cant find a video on is a safe way to remove the harmonic balancer bolt. I currently don't have an impact driver and have read they wont even work unless you get a high quality, powerful, expensive one and funds arent really allowing that with everything I just spent for a full timing kit, oil pump, a new water pump and some tools and new fluids. I've also seen that I should remove the starter and lock the flex plate, and if thats what I need to do then thats what I will do, its just that my starter is a PIA to remove and install due to my long tube header coming down right beside it. Are there any other recommended ways to remove the Harmonic bolt easily and safely and if so how. I havent even attempted removing it yet as I dont want to reverse the engine and be sure I have the right tools to do it. Thanks for any and all responses in advance. Last edited by Gregscalemodels; 03-01-2026 at 04:41 PM. Reason: spell check

03-02-2026, 10:28 AM	#3
ariZona28 Give speed a chance Drives: 2015 Camaro 2LS, 2015 Camaro Z/28 Join Date: Nov 2019 Location: Mesa, Az Posts: 2,857	Videos are helpful but do yourself a favor and grab a Chilton manual. Fairly straightforward info with torque specs, notes, warnings and cautions. I bought mine at Autozone several years back for around $30. Attached Images __________________ 2LS: a TREMENDOUS machine. Z/28: it's a BIT MORE POWERFUL, of course.

03-05-2026, 08:53 AM	#4
CamaroCracka Drives: 2010 Turbo LS3 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Palm Bay, FL Posts: 3,065	I use a mid-torque Dewalt impact, but you can check out the Torque Test Channel for some good cheaper options. Other than that, what gtstorey said. __________________ 2010 SS - Kind of an On3 kit, CTR 78/80, CompCam 239/251 620/632 122+4, E85, Z28 suspension and ZL1 diff with Outlaw axles. Gen6 ZL1 brakes. 2011 Vert - 416/w 230/236 .612/.602 115lsa, 1LE suspension w/32mm rear bar. Z28 diff. Gen6 ZL1 brakes.

03-02-2026, 07:27 AM	#2
gtstorey Drives: 2010 Camaro SS2,L99, LSA SC Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 2,480	Good breaker bar and socket with a cheater pipe on it. Plus the jig to lock the flywheel at the starter if they make one for that engine.