Harmonic Balancer question !!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 75
From: Medford, Oregon
Harmonic Balancer question !!
I am poised to change out my factory A/C Delco harmonic balancer that was installed about 3 1/2 yrs. ago (new at that time). It looks as if the GM balancer bolt itself has loosened and allowed the HB to walk forward about 1/4''. While observing the HB while the engine is running, it shows absolutely 'no' wobble. So, I am asking would it be reasonable to remove HB that has no wobble and relatively new, replace crank seal, re-install A/C Delco HB with a ARP bolt and consider this the fix, or buy a new Powerbond HB. I realize that everything is based on inspection of parts when removed, but if bolt torque loss was the reason for HB walking, can one feel safe with re-install and new bolt. Looking for sound mechanic's feedback, Thanks guys !! 
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
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2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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personally if it were me and I was going in that far already and knowing what eventually happens to the stock balancers I would just get an aftermarket unit... you can also pin the crank to the new balancer and that will help keep the bolt from backing out again
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 136
Likes: 6
From: Lees Summit Missouri
I am poised to change out my factory A/C Delco harmonic balancer that was installed about 3 1/2 yrs. ago (new at that time). It looks as if the GM balancer bolt itself has loosened and allowed the HB to walk forward about 1/4''. While observing the HB while the engine is running, it shows absolutely 'no' wobble. So, I am asking would it be reasonable to remove HB that has no wobble and relatively new, replace crank seal, re-install A/C Delco HB with a ARP bolt and consider this the fix, or buy a new Powerbond HB. I realize that everything is based on inspection of parts when removed, but if bolt torque loss was the reason for HB walking, can one feel safe with re-install and new bolt. Looking for sound mechanic's feedback, Thanks guys !! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 65
From: Rochester Hills MI
if the actual inner hub walked out, I would consider replacing the front main seal also. I seriously doubt the inner hub walked out on the crank. Most likely, the outer hub is walking out on the inner hub. Check the face of the balancer. The inner should be flush with the outer. Post pics if you can.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,644
Likes: 479
From: OK
I was thinking, hell, just take the old bolt out, start another one and crank it down...mmmm not that simple....
NOW that I get the picture... I would get a Powerbond, ARP bolt and seal...sorry you have to do this. Good luck!
By the way.... thanks for your patience with me guys... I'm still learning and on occasion will say something that, looking back I think... well, that was stupid!
I need to get it thru my thick head this isn't a 350 engine in a 72 model pickup...
Last edited by 73Corvette; Aug 28, 2015 at 11:19 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,665
Likes: 789
From: Hernando MS
if the actual inner hub walked out, I would consider replacing the front main seal also. I seriously doubt the inner hub walked out on the crank. Most likely, the outer hub is walking out on the inner hub. Check the face of the balancer. The inner should be flush with the outer. Post pics if you can.
Mine separated Wednesday, I also never saw any wobble.. even looked at it last Saturday. It dropped the AC belt off the back side, the outer pulley ring moved forward a good 1/2" and bumped the steering rack. I was just about to start a couple projects on it and this definitely isn't what I had in mind.
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Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Well, I am an idiot... jeez. I finally got off my butt and went out to the shop and popped the hood to see what I would do if it were my car... and I SEE now that it isn't as simple as I thought it would be.......
I was thinking, hell, just take the old bolt out, start another one and crank it down...mmmm not that simple....
NOW that I get the picture... I would get a Powerbond, ARP bolt and seal...sorry you have to do this. Good luck!
By the way.... thanks for your patience with me guys... I'm still learning and on occasion will say something that, looking back I think... well, that was stupid!
I need to get it thru my thick head this isn't a 350 engine in a 72 model pickup...
I was thinking, hell, just take the old bolt out, start another one and crank it down...mmmm not that simple....
NOW that I get the picture... I would get a Powerbond, ARP bolt and seal...sorry you have to do this. Good luck!
By the way.... thanks for your patience with me guys... I'm still learning and on occasion will say something that, looking back I think... well, that was stupid!
I need to get it thru my thick head this isn't a 350 engine in a 72 model pickup...
Your honesty is refreshing.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Even if using a stock diameter HB, I would definitely go with a Powerbond "race series" (their best quality) and ARP bolt. 