Should I replace the Harmonic balancer on my c5
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 4
From: Lancaster, PA
Should I replace the Harmonic balancer on my c5
Racer
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 324
Likes: 157
From: Maine
Mine looks just like yours and is going to be replaced in the spring. The car is in storage heated storage (they clam mouse free) about 5 miles away so it has to wait.
The fact that on a long trip it can fail and take out the timing cover or steering rack has me scared, so the original has to go.
The fact that on a long trip it can fail and take out the timing cover or steering rack has me scared, so the original has to go.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
I had mine fixed within the first year of ownership, replaced at around 55k miles. My car's HB was far worse than yours, loud belt noise and dramatic wobble. That said, all of the forum experience suggests it's only a matter of time before the factory HB gives out. You probably don't need to urgently replace it. I wouldn't worry about driving it around town if you don't currently see or experience problems. It's not like the 911 IMS bearing failure that will total your engine. But you might as well put it on your list. First thing after buying a C5: change all the fluids and check the air filter, belts and hoses.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,700
Likes: 3,469
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I am replacing the balancer this winter in my '03 Z06 with 38k miles. Its still almost 19 years old even with the low mileage. Rubber does not age well. Not worth the risk in my opinion.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 10,936
Likes: 478
From: EAST TENNESSEE