benimen16

Hi all, I'm new here so I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this (and if it's better suited somewhere else please let me know), but I've noticed an issue with my serpentine belt unseating itself when it starts up. I'll attach a short video of it when it happens but to me it looks like the harmonic balancer is seated in too far? Or maybe everything else is seated out too far??? What would you all recommend on how to fix this? TIA!

mstromquist

You've loaded a wav file which is just a sound clip. From your description though it sounds to me like your harmonic balancer needs changed, ASAP....

benimen16

Oof my bad. I uploaded it to YouTube:
And the harmonic balancer doesn't wobble but you think it still needs replacing?

johnson-rod

They don't always wobble. Mine didn't. It just walked itself backwards until it ran into the front of the engine.

benimen16

Gotcha, I didn't realize that they could just slide backwards. Thanks for letting me know!

mstromquist

Yes, it's bad. This is a screen shot from your video.

benimen16

I Interesting. I'll definitely look into on how to replace the balancer. Thanks for the info!

Johnny Hardcore

Replace it with an aftermarket (ATI or Powerbond etc.) balancer & ARP bolt and pin it while you're at it.

Do not replace it with the delco/GM balancer. They are garbage.

TCFS

@benimen16 you could start "smaller" and check your tensioner and your belt. if the tensioner is not strong enough, to compensate the tension variation in the belt, or if the belt is elongated, this can happen. it did happen to me 2 times and my mechanic changed the belt and tensioner, and it did not bulge since 20kkm. the balancer was good enough, despite 120kmiles. to be sure your balancer is bad, buy yourself a paint pen and draw a line radially on the front, then check after several miles if the outer lip have her own life compared to the pulley centre.
m 0,02.
TCFS

MikeTN77

That is an obvious balancer failure, per the screenshot posted. Hopefully the outer ring hasn't worn into the timing cover yet, and no further damage has occurred. I'm in the middle of gathering parts to do this job myself, as it is an ideal time to replace crank seal, belts and all idlers and tensioners. I'm also doing hoses and water pump. You will thank yourself later on.

Ed Ramberger

You can clearly see before starting how the belt is pulled toward the timing cover because the damper ring walked inward. It's literally angled toward the cover then walks off at startup as the belt tries to align with everything else.

Stingroo

Yeah, that's 100% a balancer failure.

Summit C2501 is another great less expensive option.

benimen16

Thanks for the info everyone! Another quick question: for those who have replaced their balancers before, did you replace the seal as well?

smitty2919

NO need to waste time and money to pin a balancer on a car that will never see boost.

mstromquist

I haven't replaced mine yet but I've done some over the years. It's one of those "while you're in there" scenarios, so yes, replace the seal. It probably needs it anyway.

benimen16

How do you feel about the Dorman 594-115? I was looking on Summit Racing's website and it looks like I can get that one sooner than the Powerbond, the ATI's seemed a bit out of my price range

strand rider

With the labor costs associated with hiring out this job, It might be prudent to install a part that is suitable for race use, but I question that the original part is the garbage some want it to be. This is a part used throughout many GM lines, and lots of corvettes run the original part without failure for the life of the car.

I think a collection of guys who routinely stress their cars to the limits of the design will obviously have a different duty cycle on stock parts than a guy like myself. Who basically just drives the thing , with the occasional rare speedy episodes , But always with some consideration and skill applied towards operating my machine. I am more of the sterling moss philosophy of diving , except my primary concern is safety, not victory.

Toys4Life C5

Powerbond balancer holds up very well.

If you can change a camshaft, you can swap the balancer - IMO. Here is a look at what is involved - in case you are considering DIY.

Johnny Hardcore

Didn't see the OP mention he never planned to boost the car. I owned my first C5 for 18 years before I boosted it. So to say "never" may be premature.

When you're already in there and it only takes 10 minutes seems like a failed opportunity not to do it.

Johnny Hardcore

I don't have experience with Dorman. Others on the string may be able to chime in. My car has a Powerbond SFI.