dbielicke

I know this has been beaten to death on these forums, but I was wondering about what can all go wrong with a balancer that wobbles? How long can it go on like that before real issues occur? Also, how much 'wobble' is really a problem? I recently bought my 06 and it had 68k miles on it at the time, and I noticed a little bit of movement in the HB. I know a lot of people on here have said they had to replace theirs around 25k. Mines at 70k now, is it past any certain point? Any direction would be appreciated! Thanks

let er eat

It can rip up belts and rub through the front cover in extreme situations...especially if it comes apart.

Fortunately it will not harm your RPO package components...

dbielicke

So you think I should leave it be until I notice issues with the belts or hear any chirping?

let er eat

I had slight chirping and the dealer replaced it under warranty last summer. If you don't have a warranty it's 1300+ to get it fixed.

Ymmv

dbielicke

I guess I can take it in and see what they say. Thanks!

Not So Fast

From what I have read on here the slight wobble is common and said to not be a worry Until it starts chirping.
Mine does wobble just a bit but not doing (fix) it until it sings Then probably go after market like ATI or something, costs more but why put the same POS back on
Unbelievably GM hasn't fixed the problem yet
NSF

mlicker

windyC6

I got some bad news for ya. If it comes apart it can do a big number underneath the hood...esp. if its turning some high RPM's when it flys. Real bad damage is rare, but easily possible. Just do some research and then you are basically at the mercy of all the different opinions so it will be up to you to try and figure out the riff from the raff. Good luck.

dbielicke

Thanks NSF. I think I'll take it to my mechanic and see what he thinks (I trust his judgement). And if he says it needs to be replaced then so be it! Windy, you certainly are right when it comes to opinions...seems like every has at least one if not more on this subject. Haha

HBsurfer

Unless you have a warranty and are getting this for free, don't put another stock balancer in there. The part had never been re-designed so you will risk the same problems. Use ATI, Powerbond, etc.

dbielicke

You wouldn't by chance know that part # for the powerbond one would you? SLP Performance Underdrive Balancer Pulleys 100230A is on summitracing but it doesn't specifically say it's for a corvette. Thanks

MikeERWNC

I dropped a belt and it took out my Steering rack.
I can only imagine what a five pound ring of steel can do under the hood at 1500RPM.

I personally replaced my OEM HB at 66K miles with a Jegg's.
Much cheaper the an ATI. Serves the same purpose.
It has been doing good for 100K worry free miles now.

You are going to want to look at your tie rod boots also. Mine were gone when I did the HB along with the end links.
All these parts should be checked when doing the HB.
The sway bar and power steering rack need to come out of the car to get to the HB.

BLEKVET

It is quite possible to cause bearing damage over a period of time. Lesser issues are underhood/accessory/component damage from flying belt or damper parts if it separates just as others have described. Also, front seal failure.

I heard the same from the dealership "a little wobble is normal". Mine wobbled a lot. Took no chances and installed an ATI and had it pinned to the crank. $500 parts. $998 labor.

Walt White Coupe

If it isn't chirping, drive the car and ignore it.

HBsurfer

I installed an ATI on my LS2. I can get that part number if it would help. I have no info on Powerbond other than a lot of people have had good luck with them

Mike's LS3

Always had a slight wobble since new, 2008. Then, added a supercharger at 60k miles. The wobble got worse and caused belt chirp. Installed an ATI, no chirp and no wobble. The way is should of come from the factory.

Have the HB checked out.

v26278

I agree a belt chirp is a red flag. Since you bought it used, I would check to see whether has a gatorback belt installed. A gatorback can make the chirp go away for a while, without addressing the cause, buying time for a seller to unload the car. So if it wobbles enough to concern you, have it looked at by someone who knows what they're looking at. Theres nothing wrong with gatorback belts, other than they can be used to cover up belt alignment problems.

windyC6

Yea....this forum easily falls prey to the cliche of..."every one is entitled to their opinion"....sad part is though that when people need honest, accurate info that they may have to sift through some really bad and inaccurate "opinions".....

let er eat

Wait...you are saying that everything said on this forum isn't true...that's just crazy talk.

windyC6

Heck no I didn't say that !!!!....but...well....you know....