Originally Posted by
avguy
I use a home grown method for holding the harmonic balancer in place while removing/installing the belt, so I've never needed to lock the flywheel/flexplate. In many years of exchanging information about Aveos, my understanding is that the only way to accomplish that locking is to remove the starter and use that access point to pin it in place. IMO most DIYers don't want the extra PITA of removing the starter, even though it's the only correct way of removing the bolt using standard methods.
I've read a number of posts from guys who used an impact tool on the bolt, and none of them mentioned locking the flywheel. I recall some people did mention using one of those specialty vice-grip tools designed to hold pulleys in place, but the majority didn't say anything about locking it. So I believe that the Aveo balancer bolt can be removed using just an impact tool, but I can't say that for certain because I've never done it that way myself.
My big problem with using an impact tool on that bolt has always been with the reinstallation side of the job, which takes us right back to needing to do the PITA starter removal. However the OP of this thread might very well have bigger problems, and needs to get the balancer off in order to figure out where he's at.