Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!!
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 58
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From: Rincon Georgia
Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!!
I have a 1998 A4 C5. I noticed the other day that the large pulley(harmonic balancer/crankshaft) has a wobble to it. It isn't real bad, but doesn't look normal either, or is it. That is the question, is this something on all or what. It's not loose and has never been replace. The engine has never been worked on. It has 55,000 miles. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 8,392
Likes: 859
From: Naples Florida
Re: Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!! (rayjerman)
Had mine replaced back in September. The belt came right off when I was driving to work. My car at the time had 56000 on it. The mechanic had to replace the whole balancer and a new belt too. Theres a rubber piece that wears off in there and thats what causes it to break off like that.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,596
Likes: 120
From: East Tennessee
Re: Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!! (rayjerman)
Mine has been wobbling for a while (79K miles) but the last time at the dragstrip killed it. The outer ring moved forward about 1/4 inch and was running out about an 1/8 inch afterwards. No other fix but to replace the balancer if it gets bad, figured I'd throw a cam in there while it was apart :cheers:
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 1
From: ann arbor michigan
Re: Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!! (rayjerman)
I have spent years working with my customers that produce these units (from proto types to full production in the millions). To put it simply, these things are designed & manufactured to run dead nuts. Any deviation and you have a bad unit or one that is going bad. If you want to see a big repair bill, just wait until the rubber insulation comes apart. The unit comes apart and the rotating larger part spins all over the engine bay. Bad units do get out into the field and it is with all car manufactures. As a side note: there are only 3 manufacturers in the USA.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 570
Likes: 1
From: Las Colinas, Texas
Re: Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!! (rayjerman)
rayjerman- I saw a Firebird LS1 the other day on the dyno. Had to stop the pulls because of the wobble in the balancer. Do not beat up the nose of your crankshaft before checking this out. Also, be sure whoever tightens down the balancer uses a NEW bolt which is designed to stretch and should not be reused. Ten dollars of insurance. Good luck :smash:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 3,284
Likes: 0
From: I just killed your thread Redneck AZ
Re: Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!! (rayjerman)
Just went throught the same dang thing. Posted here as you did and got the same responses. Replaced mine with ASP Under-drive pulley. New pulley is dead on.
Not an easy DIY but is possible if you have the right tools and time on you hands.
Later, Keith :flag
Not an easy DIY but is possible if you have the right tools and time on you hands.
Later, Keith :flag
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Springfield Georgia
Re: Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!! (knkayotte)
Thanks for the input guys. I think me and my brother will do the work. Do I have to pull any of the rack and pnion parts put of the way or anything else. It's a 1998 A4. Where can I get an under driven pulley, good idea being is that I have to replace it, huh?!
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Joined: Sep 2002
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Re: Harmonic Balancer Pulley???!!!!! (1998NassauBlue)
I agree about using a new bolt - that's what I did when I installed my Auto Specialties pulley. Some bolts are made to stretch a little bit and cannot (or at least shoud not) be reused.