Bad harmonic balancer?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,345
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From: Feeding Hills, MA
Bad harmonic balancer?
How can you tell when the harmonic balancer is going bad? I've never had to replace one in the 45 plus cars I've owned. This is for a 2004 Corvette with the LS-1 engine, just turned 41,000 miles. It sounded like a bird chirpping every time I stepped on the accelerator and stopped as soon as I took my foot off it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Communist Colorado
How can you tell when the harmonic balancer is going bad? I've never had to replace one in the 45 plus cars I've owned. This is for a 2004 Corvette with the LS-1 engine, just turned 41,000 miles. It sounded like a bird chirpping every time I stepped on the accelerator and stopped as soon as I took my foot off it.
If the balancer looks steady with no wobbling. Check into the idler pulleys. They chirp too when failing.
Le Mans Master
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From: Communist Colorado
Tech Contributor
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Paint a white line on the front of the balancer. Make sure it marks the outer ring abd hub.. Take the car for a frisky drive.
Then examine the white line. If it isnt still lined up,,,your ballancer is TOAST. Sounds like you outer ring is no longer bonded to the hub
The Powerbond is a very good replacement!
Then examine the white line. If it isnt still lined up,,,your ballancer is TOAST. Sounds like you outer ring is no longer bonded to the hubThe Powerbond is a very good replacement!
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: LaPine Oregon
Another reason.............
Another reason to keep a clean engine bay is that petroleum advances the deterioration of the rubber between the hub and outer ring. Heat and oils , then add the engine torque and accessory load.
81c3 gives a good description of symptoms. Bill's painted match line will be fool proof.
Ramification of complete failure or seperation would be 'bad'.
81c3 gives a good description of symptoms. Bill's painted match line will be fool proof.
Ramification of complete failure or seperation would be 'bad'.
Last edited by dieseldave56; May 6, 2010 at 04:45 AM.
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From: Dyer, IN
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Le Mans Master
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From: Communist Colorado
Le Mans Master
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From: Hillsboro OR
Very true. OP - When you are with the rack off changing your balancer, now is the best time to add a new cam. If not now, all of that stuff has to come out again to swap cams.
just sayin'
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Feeding Hills, MA
[QUOTE=dieseldave56;1573985418]Another reason to keep a clean engine bay is that petroleum advances the deterioration of the rubber between the hub and outer ring. Heat and oils , then add the engine torque and accessory load.
Funny thing my car didn't make any noise until after I degreased the engine and gave it a good washing. I wonder if that had anything to do with it?
Funny thing my car didn't make any noise until after I degreased the engine and gave it a good washing. I wonder if that had anything to do with it?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Slidell La
I made the trip 450 miles with no problems, I asked about the bolt, my mechanic called the GM shop, he said that they said there was no problem using the same bolt. Said if I wanted to change it out they sell the bolt about $40 ( harden steel) He also said the GM guy said some corvette owners are fanatics, lol.. yes I am