Harmonic Balancer???
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Eastover South Carolina
Harmonic Balancer???
I've recently noticed a slight vibration when exceeding 60 MPH......it comes and goes in a very set rhythm but no audible sound. I had it up on a rack at a local Vette shop while getting the oil changed and noticed that below the balancer there is a bit of black dust below the balancer. How sure can I be that it may be a balancer going bad. I did a search and got mixed results in a definite answer. last.......about what would be a godd estimate on time to repair and cost of replacement?
I posted this in the Tech section but got only 1 reply and 2 reads......I did more searches and looks like between a 4-5 hour job........but question still is how certain can I be that it is the issue? i also found the part for around $115.
Bob
I posted this in the Tech section but got only 1 reply and 2 reads......I did more searches and looks like between a 4-5 hour job........but question still is how certain can I be that it is the issue? i also found the part for around $115.
Bob
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 295
Likes: 4
From: Riverside California
I would agree with the 4-5 hours to r & r the balancer. On the factory stock balancer usually the rubber starts to fail and the outer pulley ring moves away from the center hub. If the pulley is wobbling or you can see the rubber starting to creep out between the two parts it is probably time. The other failure is the crank bolt coming loose and the whole assembly moves forward towards the steering rack. In either case you should see some belt misalignment. Go back in with new not used and most will advise an aftermarket balancer. You should also replace the crank seal at the same time.
When my balancer started failing I did not have any vibration at any rpm. You say it is happening around 60 mph,not sure if you have a man. or auto trans. but I would try to gradualy raise the engine rpm with the clutch depressed while parked and see if you can detect it without the car moving. It may help narrow it down to the engine or the drive train.
Hope this helps.
When my balancer started failing I did not have any vibration at any rpm. You say it is happening around 60 mph,not sure if you have a man. or auto trans. but I would try to gradualy raise the engine rpm with the clutch depressed while parked and see if you can detect it without the car moving. It may help narrow it down to the engine or the drive train.
Hope this helps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,786
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From: Iowa
if its enough to cause a vibration you should be able to see it. idle the engine and look at the balancer, is it rotating true or wobbling? that's the answer to your question...if you do have to replace it I would never put the OEM unit back on, because this same problem will eventually reoccur. go with a high quality aftermarket unit and it will be fine forever. I went with an SLP Underdrive, if you don't want a UDP you can still find OEM size pulleys that don't have that rubber part in them.
when mine went bad all I heard was a really bad belt squeal. I looked to see what the problem was and found the pulley wobbling like crazy.
when mine went bad all I heard was a really bad belt squeal. I looked to see what the problem was and found the pulley wobbling like crazy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 6
From: Lake Oswego, Near Portland Oregon
Same with mine.....sudden onset of bad squealing....When I checked the belt with the engine running I could see the wobble. It was in the shop the next day.....expensive to R&R....This happened at a little over 120K miles.
Jennifer:
Last edited by FiberglassFan; Nov 11, 2008 at 02:13 AM.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 55
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From: Eastover South Carolina
I did take a look at the pulley as it idled and saw no wobble or any noise...so will keep an eye on it. Thanks for all the advice and agree that an aftermarket replacement would be better when the time comes for the repair.
Bob
Bob
