It is normal. Right=Tight Left=Loose. I just replaced my harmonic balancer on tacoma yesterday. I had to put a breaker bar and 2x4 for support. Then very very briefly hit the starter and it broje the bot loose. I tried about everything else and it didn't work.
take off the fan shroud and there is one bolt holding the balancer on, its easy.
On any motor, the harmonic balancer is on the front of the crankshaft. It is what the pulley is bolted to.
behind the harmonic balancer
120
Crankshaft Pulley !
The harmonic balancer on a 1990 Toyota 4 Runner is turned clockwise to loosen it. This is backwards from most bolts to prevent it from being loosened by the rotation of the engine.
harmonic balance has left hand thread
on an 84 Toyota the oil pump is located behind the harmonic balancer
Labor costs to fix a harmonic balancer on a 1998 Toyota Tacoma typically range from $100 to $200, depending on the shop's hourly rate and the complexity of the job. This repair usually takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the technician's experience and the vehicle's condition. It's best to get a few quotes from local mechanics to find the best price. Additionally, parts costs should be considered, which can vary based on whether you choose OEM or aftermarket components.
with a balancer puller you will need a balancer installer also a hammer of any kind is never ever needed
Have you tried looking on the engine block and on the harmonic balancer?
To change the harmonic balancer seal on a Toyota truck, first, disconnect the battery and remove any components obstructing access to the harmonic balancer, such as the serpentine belt and crankshaft pulley. Use a puller to carefully remove the harmonic balancer from the crankshaft. Replace the old seal with a new one, ensuring it's seated properly, then reassemble by reversing the removal process, tightening bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Finally, reconnect the battery and check for leaks.