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Balancer starting to go?

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Old Mar 31, 2026 | 10:25 PM
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Default Balancer starting to go?

Hey all brand new here! Was wondering if my balancer is starting to go out. 1998 c5 with 86k miles roughly. It seems to me that the balancer is the original and I know the fail range is right where I’m at. Just want some opinions on if it’s time to start looking for a new balancer or not. I marked a line on the balancer with a marker and gave her hell for about half an hour and it was still lined up perfectly afterwards. Maybe I’m just worrying too much?
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Old Apr 1, 2026 | 12:09 AM
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It still looks ok from what I can see in the video. I would just keep an eye on it for now
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Old Apr 1, 2026 | 07:30 AM
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looks super healthy to me. I'd be surprised if it were original. Many many owners just do OEM replacements. All these upgraded balancers are more prevalent on these forums with enthusiasts present.
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Old Apr 1, 2026 | 07:34 AM
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Put a witness mark on it across the rubber seal and if it moves you know you have an issues. Just a line of white paint.
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Old Apr 1, 2026 | 08:05 AM
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They usually make noise when its life expectancy is coming to a end!
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Old Apr 1, 2026 | 12:03 PM
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Originally Posted by hyperv6
Put a witness mark on it across the rubber seal and if it moves you know you have an issues. Just a line of white paint.
This.
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Old Apr 1, 2026 | 01:54 PM
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Moved to C5 Tech.
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Old Apr 1, 2026 | 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Korgare
Hey all brand new here! Was wondering if my balancer is starting to go out.
What have you observed that led to that question?
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Old Apr 1, 2026 | 09:39 PM
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Originally Posted by lucky131969
What have you observed that led to that question?

Just that rubber ring just seems like it’s out far or just in general when it should be flat with the metal correct?
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Old Apr 2, 2026 | 10:03 AM
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Originally Posted by Korgare
Just that rubber ring just seems like it’s out far or just in general when it should be flat with the metal correct?
My rubber is rounded a bit and sticks out a bit. I think thats a good thing because you could actually see if the rubber is rotting and cracked. The rubber will actually split around it's circumference and the pulley will wobble quite noticeably; it may also slip. Put a white stripe of paint across it from the hub, across the rubber, onto the pulley.... and check it regularly for developing wobble and slip.
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Old Apr 2, 2026 | 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Korgare
Just that rubber ring just seems like it’s out far or just in general when it should be flat with the metal correct?
I certainly cannot make the assessment when it's spinning at 1000 rpm.
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