Harmonic Balancer? Anyone replace?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 9,464
Likes: 1
From: Modesto CA
Harmonic Balancer? Anyone replace?
Anyone replace their harmonic balancer in their Corvette yet? Last night when I was driving around, I kinda got on it a little bit while driving down the road, and I notice that the car was running a little rough. When I pulled in the gas station to get gas, I heard a "Clunk, Clunk", that sounded like it was something stuck in the pulley system, around where the crank pulley was. So I took my flashlight and shined it down there, and I seen a piece of my balancer laying in the cavity down there, along with my balancer just swining around on the pulley. So, is it easy to replace, or should I take it in and have it done. Also, what kinda balancer should I get? OEM, Fluidamper, Etc.? All help is appreciated!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach Florida USA
Re: Harmonic Balancer? Anyone replace? (TIMSPEED)
Timspeed:
What you experienced is fairly common.
The rubber between the inner and outer hub deteriorates and allows the outer hub to shift, or in your case, let loose.
Doing it yourself depends on your ability, and your tools. You'll need a balancer puller, and a balancer installer. It is an EZ job, although EZ is subjective.
Brief rundown: Remove belt, lower pulley, balancer, and front seal from timing cover. Replace seal with new, install balancer, pulley, and belt.
Problems arise if your puller is too large, it hits the crossbar, and you can't get it off. Or you don't have a balancer installation tool, and have to buy or make one.
For a street motor, stock is fine. If you like the romance of dropping names, Fluidamper as well as many others can be purchased at 2-3 times the cost of a stock piece. On the other hand, buying an aftermarket will probably be the last one you buy. Your choice....Your wallet.
Good luck with your project.
Joe
PS Driving it the way it is should be avoided.
[Modified by Mr. G., 9:55 AM 9/16/2001]
What you experienced is fairly common.
The rubber between the inner and outer hub deteriorates and allows the outer hub to shift, or in your case, let loose.
Doing it yourself depends on your ability, and your tools. You'll need a balancer puller, and a balancer installer. It is an EZ job, although EZ is subjective.
Brief rundown: Remove belt, lower pulley, balancer, and front seal from timing cover. Replace seal with new, install balancer, pulley, and belt.
Problems arise if your puller is too large, it hits the crossbar, and you can't get it off. Or you don't have a balancer installation tool, and have to buy or make one.
For a street motor, stock is fine. If you like the romance of dropping names, Fluidamper as well as many others can be purchased at 2-3 times the cost of a stock piece. On the other hand, buying an aftermarket will probably be the last one you buy. Your choice....Your wallet.
Good luck with your project.
Joe
PS Driving it the way it is should be avoided.
[Modified by Mr. G., 9:55 AM 9/16/2001]
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 51,504
Likes: 6
From: Sacramento CA
Re: Harmonic Balancer? Anyone replace? (Mr. G.)
Mine went out at 90k. Get a GM replacement, and have the dealer install it. It's a royal PITA to try to do it yourself!! A fluidampr would be a waste of money on your car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 1
From: Bowie MD
Re: Harmonic Balancer? Anyone replace? (TIMSPEED)
Yes, it is doable in your garage, with standard tools and the balancer puller (that you can rent or borrow). I would replace with a stock unit. Depending on money and how long your gonna keep car. Cheapest is one from junkdealer or ebay. Second cheapest is from discount GM dealer like Jim Pace. Third is from Your local dealer. Most expensive are those race units. I bought a used one on ebay for $25.oo. Remember there is a huge bolt and washer in the middle of the unit that has to be removed before you attach the puller. It is around an inch size.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: West Palm Beach Florida USA
Re: Harmonic Balancer? Anyone replace? (corvette1990)
Timspeed:
If you choose to go used, as corvette90 suggests, I've got a good one off an 85 I can sell you for $20. + shipping.
Joe
If you choose to go used, as corvette90 suggests, I've got a good one off an 85 I can sell you for $20. + shipping.
Joe
