C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Harmonic Balancer Wobble

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Old Aug 26, 2014 | 10:52 PM
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Default Harmonic Balancer Wobble

I just bought my first vette, a 1993 base model. A buddy and I went to change out the serpentine belt which was old and cracked and we noticed the harmonic balancer wobbled. I took it to a shop and the guy replaced it, but it looks like it still wobbles some. He says it's just from the movement of the engine, but I'm not sure. It wobbles more at an idle, but is smooth when rev'd. Thoughts? Thanks!
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Old Aug 27, 2014 | 03:28 PM
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Last car I had ('76 Firebird Formula) with a wobbly balancer jumped time on the first hard downshift after I noticed the wobble
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Old Aug 27, 2014 | 03:34 PM
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The balancer shouldn't wobble.....WW
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Old Aug 29, 2014 | 07:03 PM
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Originally Posted by WW7
The balancer shouldn't wobble.....WW


The center hub that gets pressed onto the end of the crankshaft may have a problem...but the actual balancer bolts to it. So if it is wobbling...I think it is the hub.

The crankshaft 'run-out should not be that much(.008" approx)...and nowhere to where you can actually see the crankshaft move from to rear.

DUB
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Old Aug 29, 2014 | 07:33 PM
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I'd replace it
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Old Aug 29, 2014 | 09:00 PM
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If it is bolted to the hub correctly then I don't see how it can wobble.....unless it is bent, the hub is bent or loose, or the shaft is bent. Have you tried taking off the serpentine belt and reaching down to see if you can wiggle the balancer? If you can, then either it isn't bolted to the hub, or the hub is loose on the shaft.
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Old Aug 29, 2014 | 09:18 PM
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They are 2 pieces bonded together with rubber in the middle. If damaged or improperly pulled or can just get hit with something while driving and just start coming apart. Sometimes
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Old Aug 29, 2014 | 10:08 PM
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Originally Posted by cudamax
They are 2 pieces bonded together with rubber in the middle. If damaged or improperly pulled or can just get hit with something while driving and just start coming apart. Sometimes
Thought so, but when I removed the balancer from my '95 (to get to the optispark) it appeared to be one solid piece.
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Old Aug 29, 2014 | 11:59 PM
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Wow Sorry It's Different. That Sucks. It looks to be 1 piece with a built in flange. What the heck does it bolt to? is there another flange on the crank? Here is a photo of one on ebay. Just move down for full photos
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-OEM-GM-LT4-Corvette-Harmonic-Balancer-FACTORY-STOCK-7-Underdrive-C4-LT1/171126033735?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D24643%26meid%3D12fb93bfa2584ec885ad06302c226163%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D10413%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D120848420080&rt=ncThat can be a big problem if that kinda balancer isn't the problem.
You better hope its the balancer or its just loose because if the cranks nose has a little flange for this to bolt to.
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Old Aug 30, 2014 | 12:24 AM
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Looks to be still a 2 piece Here is the other half
and a nice keyed billet piece too
http://www.hawksthirdgenparts.com/pr...d-Caprice.html
Still has a big bolt in the center, just like the older ones. Maybe its loose? and wasn't bottomed out. Can't see this at least inner piece having any problems with them oblonging in the crank snout causing it to wobble
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Old Aug 30, 2014 | 05:51 PM
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YES...the balancer and hub are 2 pieces. Often times just getting the balancer off the hub is FUN due to it getting stuck.

DUB
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Old Aug 30, 2014 | 06:47 PM
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Well maybe this one was stuck and got Fuxuked up
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Old Aug 30, 2014 | 07:40 PM
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Double check that the correct washer is used on the bolt that holds the HUB to the crankshaft.
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