c5runs

should i be concern with a wobbly crank/balancer pulley? at idle i can clearly see it wobble, but if its revved to 1,200rpm or above it stops.

this is on a '01 C5. the org. engine seized up and a 20-25k '02 engine was put in. also the damn oil pressure sending unit is shot. it reads 80psi on the cluster and 130psi on the digital display. the shop we used is a reputable shop around here, but it's been pretty rough dealing with them. we haven't had the opportunity to discuss it with the shop yet since we just picked it up today.

intoc6s

If it wobbles, i would say its loose. I wouldn t be driving it with it loose- At All. Sounds like the bolt is backed out in the center of the balancer. The steering rack will(should) stop it from coming all of the way out, but it won t keep u from engine damage. Get it checked ASAP!

frty9r

Stock balancer is a 2 piece bonded. It is separating. Replace it before it comes apart.

kerryt1

I had the same issue at about 17k miles, the pulley is separating. I replaced mine with a Powerbond 25% underdrive.

dgrant3830

Its still wobbling even though it appears its stops at the higher RPM. You just can't see it. As stated, replaced it right away or the steering rack will which will cost you some major dollars to repair all the damage. Don't wait.

B-Vette

I just installed a Powerbond (stock configuration, not underdrive). Time will tell now if it can hang in there for the long haul.

timemender

The Powerbond unit is reputed to be a quality piece and is designed to prevent “walking” off the hub.

The stock GM balancer on the other hand is a first class POS, with a half-assed design. Many GM units wobble a little (just a little) when new.

c5runs

thanks for all the info guys. i will get the pulley checked out.

road pilot

REplace it soon.

clif

My old balancer had the wobble, so I had it replaced.
Out with the old...


.. and in with the new (double pinned):




I went with the Innovator's West 10% OVER-drive unit with an 8-rib pulley.

vette29209

replace it !!! but check you water pump. that what made my balancer go bad and pop !!

VA-Z06

I jumped on the forum today hoping to find a quick answer to my latest issue with the z06... Think I might have found it with this thread.

So, I had a horrible squeal that got worse with higher revs for the last week and then it started leaking coolant yesterday so I replaced the water pump today and within 5 minutes of it running on the new water pump a different sounding squeal started... sounds like it's the the balancer and when I look at it, it's vibrating back and forward and sounds awful with any high revs.

Does this sounds about like what happened to yours, vette20209?

If so what do you all recommend? I saw the mention of the powerbond and the innovators west. Any thoughts so far on there use?

SiL3NtXWS6

Powerbond makes a good pulley, i used one on my old car.

lucky131969

Ok, I give....how does the water pump take out the harmonic balancer?

slothy

opposing forces duh!

ya id love to hear how a water pump could cause a balancer go bad, even if it leaked...

gcgxplosv1216

Pretty common I just changed one on my 97, changed the water pump thermostat and the belts & hoses as well. You may want to do this also, the balancer rubbed a hairline fracture in the timing cover so I had to change it also. Check it very closely I thought I was done had to go back to change the cover.

Good Luck!

puzzleboy

I think some of the posts here are overzealous. Many C5 balancers wobbled, new from the factory. It doesn't mean they're coming apart. Check the posts, you'll see a lot of low mileage cars with the same issue.

Blown427conv

My balancer wobbles a little but I've been living with it. Did have to put a Gatorback belt on the engine to quiet down the squeaking it was causing but no problems for many miles.

dankhts

common problem.... replace it with an aftermarket powerbond UD pully - that's what I did...

wcsinx

Not saying it isn't something to concerned about, but this is true. Additionally what I've seen on several cars is what I call a visual wobble. That is it just appears to be wobbling because of uneven coloration (be it dirt, oxidation, rubber, etc.) on the balancer. Carefully touch a scribe (tape it to a yardstick or something) to the balancer while the engine idles to see if there really is non-axial motion or if it just looks like there is.