replaceing harmonic balancer
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9
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replaceing harmonic balancer
My harmonic balancer walked toward the engine. I take it I need to replace the balancer, or ???. If I need to replace it can anyone give me step by step instructions on how this task is done.
I have a 1999 vette.
Thanks
I have a 1999 vette.
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 54
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From: St. Charles MO
www.ls1howto.com
go to the c5 heads/cam page, its very helpful.
i dont this a few weeks ago, and it took my just under 6 hours working slowly and with a handful of breaks.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: Boynton Beach Florida
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
This is a major operation, at least for me.The steering rack has to come down to get the HB off. I took mine to a dealer and the labor was about $600.00. The way I see it that was money well spent.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 124
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From: Chesapeake VA
I recently did this job on my 2000. There is a pretty good procedure with pics at www.magnacharger.com on how to access the HB. Their procedure is written to install their supercharger, but it gives good guidance on how to pull the steering rack and get to the HB. Took me a full day to do the job. You will need a good puller and a tool to press the new balancer on. You can make one with threaded rod. Do a search on this forum and you will find info on what one looks like. Hardest problem I had was breaking the crank bolt loose. Good luck.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
Harmonic balancer
I believe Magnuson has their installation manual on line.....it will give you a detailed, step by step approach to taking everything out to get to the balancer.
Thing you may need.....torque wrench that at least goes to 240 ft/lb(that is the factory setting). I used a 4 foot length of pipe to put over my breaker bar to get the bolt broken free (I have a stick and you can put it in 4 th gear to break the bolt...slow steady pressure on the bar will do it). The bolt is either a 23 or 24 mm .
when you have the balancer off...suggest you change the timing cover/crank oil seal, you dont want to have to do this procedure over again when the seal goes.
A lot of little hurdles to over come doing it....but well worth the savings of $600.00
Thing you may need.....torque wrench that at least goes to 240 ft/lb(that is the factory setting). I used a 4 foot length of pipe to put over my breaker bar to get the bolt broken free (I have a stick and you can put it in 4 th gear to break the bolt...slow steady pressure on the bar will do it). The bolt is either a 23 or 24 mm .
when you have the balancer off...suggest you change the timing cover/crank oil seal, you dont want to have to do this procedure over again when the seal goes.
A lot of little hurdles to over come doing it....but well worth the savings of $600.00
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 103
Likes: 2
From: Boynton Beach Florida
2018 C6 of Year Finalist
I recently did this job on my 2000. There is a pretty good procedure with pics at www.magnacharger.com on how to access the HB. Their procedure is written to install their supercharger, but it gives good guidance on how to pull the steering rack and get to the HB. Took me a full day to do the job. You will need a good puller and a tool to press the new balancer on. You can make one with threaded rod. Do a search on this forum and you will find info on what one looks like. Hardest problem I had was breaking the crank bolt loose. Good luck.
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
I put a new fluid damper on mine a couple of years ago.
It is work..took me all day (6-8 hours) at the local self help shop.
A couple of points. If you have the right size puller you don't have to remove the radiator. You will need to remove the puller and tap off the HB the last inch or so. No big deal, just good to know info.
Use your old bolt to install the new HB. Then use a new bolt for final Tq.
Remove the starter and use a large screwdriver to hold the flywheel while Tqing the bolt.
When putting the steering rack back in make sure the metal liner in the rubber mounts are lined up correctly. I beat the crap out of them trying to get them back in until someone pointed out the metal liner was not lined up. Fix right in easy then.
Just a couple of hard lessons learned.
It is work..took me all day (6-8 hours) at the local self help shop.
A couple of points. If you have the right size puller you don't have to remove the radiator. You will need to remove the puller and tap off the HB the last inch or so. No big deal, just good to know info.
Use your old bolt to install the new HB. Then use a new bolt for final Tq.
Remove the starter and use a large screwdriver to hold the flywheel while Tqing the bolt.
When putting the steering rack back in make sure the metal liner in the rubber mounts are lined up correctly. I beat the crap out of them trying to get them back in until someone pointed out the metal liner was not lined up. Fix right in easy then.
Just a couple of hard lessons learned.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 132
Likes: 1
By the way, after the install the serpentine belt was rock smooth. How sweet!
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Halle / Germany
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 1
From: Rugby North Dakota
Have to move the pre-cat out of the way - been a while since I've had stock exhaust, but you might have to remove the "H" pipe to get access.
