C5 harmonic balancer question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 45
Likes: 2
C5 harmonic balancer question
I recently purchased a 99 c5 that has been a joy to drive. I'm happy with the way it is set up so I have been wanted to put some money into the general maintenance aspect of it. During the PPI, my mechanic told me it had a 'slight' wobble in it - at the time I wasn't aware of how common an issue this is - my questions are:
1.
I don't really know what a 'bad' wobble vs a 'slight' wobble look like so I posted a video - if anyone could take a look and share an opinion that would be great.
2. This car is DD - is the powerbond pulley and ARP bolt the route to go?
3. I read a bit on people changing the underdrive pulley as well - is this needed or a performance mod
4. I would also change the A/C tensioner too (mechanic said it was 'slightly leaning') - is there anything else that I should change while I am at it? Gaskets/other pulleys etc?
Thanks!
CLIFFS: Posted a video, how bad is the wobble? Which kit is preferred and what else should I change while in there.
1.
2. This car is DD - is the powerbond pulley and ARP bolt the route to go?
3. I read a bit on people changing the underdrive pulley as well - is this needed or a performance mod
4. I would also change the A/C tensioner too (mechanic said it was 'slightly leaning') - is there anything else that I should change while I am at it? Gaskets/other pulleys etc?
Thanks!
CLIFFS: Posted a video, how bad is the wobble? Which kit is preferred and what else should I change while in there.
Last edited by TRS; Apr 12, 2017 at 11:59 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 343
From: Long Island New York
Hi,
I have a 99 too and mine is like that or perhaps worse.
I am not sure if I will be doing it anytime soon but will keep an eye on it.
I do have a bunch of parts coming in from Rockauto, the two tensioners, the two pulleys and a gator belt.
looking at your youtube vid, I wouldn't replace it just yet.
I have a 99 too and mine is like that or perhaps worse.
I am not sure if I will be doing it anytime soon but will keep an eye on it.
I do have a bunch of parts coming in from Rockauto, the two tensioners, the two pulleys and a gator belt.
looking at your youtube vid, I wouldn't replace it just yet.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,057
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
I recently purchased a 99 c5 that has been a joy to drive. I'm happy with the way it is set up so I have been wanted to put some money into the general maintenance aspect of it. During the PPI, my mechanic told me it had a 'slight' wobble in it - at the time I wasn't aware of how common an issue this is - my questions are:
1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNXZr0m8_xg
I don't really know what a 'bad' wobble vs a 'slight' wobble look like so I posted a video - if anyone could take a look and share an opinion that would be great.
2. This car is DD - is the powerbond pulley and ARP bolt the route to go?
3. I read a bit on people changing the underdrive pulley as well - is this needed or a performance mod
4. I would also change the A/C tensioner too (mechanic said it was 'slightly leaning') - is there anything else that I should change while I am at it? Gaskets/other pulleys etc?
Thanks!
CLIFFS: Posted a video, how bad is the wobble? Which kit is preferred and what else should I change while in there.
1.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNXZr0m8_xg
I don't really know what a 'bad' wobble vs a 'slight' wobble look like so I posted a video - if anyone could take a look and share an opinion that would be great.
2. This car is DD - is the powerbond pulley and ARP bolt the route to go?
3. I read a bit on people changing the underdrive pulley as well - is this needed or a performance mod
4. I would also change the A/C tensioner too (mechanic said it was 'slightly leaning') - is there anything else that I should change while I am at it? Gaskets/other pulleys etc?
Thanks!
CLIFFS: Posted a video, how bad is the wobble? Which kit is preferred and what else should I change while in there.
BTW...I used a new gm bolt and also make sure they put a new front crank seal while its apart...
Last edited by Yello95; Apr 13, 2017 at 05:08 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 19,980
Likes: 74
Just get it done. Mine has the same amount of wobble in a 2000, and I'm getting it done next week. I'm keeping the car forever, so going overboard. ATI is the "Ferrari" of balancers. I'm going ATI balancer ($400 for part), ARP bolt, and crank seal. I'm told it should be good forever with ATI balancer. $1,100 including parts and install. It'll be well worth it.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 714
Likes: 104
From: Springfield Ohio
You don't need a $400.00 balancer if you're not making big power or racing. The PowerBond balancer will be more than sufficient and an OEM bolt is as good as any. ARP bolts are reusable and best for those that dissemble their engines frequently, again mostly those that are racing. Buy quality parts but save a few bucks for other things.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 25,057
Likes: 1,265
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '11
balancer
You don't need a $400.00 balancer if you're not making big power or racing. The PowerBond balancer will be more than sufficient and an OEM bolt is as good as any. ARP bolts are reusable and best for those that dissemble their engines frequently, again mostly those that are racing. Buy quality parts but save a few bucks for other things.
