Harmonic wobbly!!!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: DeBary Florida
Harmonic wobbly!!!
First of all you guys rock!!! I've been watching from the sidelines and you guys have helped me alot. But now a new problem. My 2000 A4 has belt squeak thats driving me CRAZY! By the process of elimination I am pretty sure its the tensioner on the A/C belt. I've replaced the main belt and tensioner and with the A/c belt of no squeak! But during this process I noticed my harmonic balancer wobbles probably a little more 1/4 inch back and forth!!! Is this normal? How much time do I have? Is it time for balancer and while I'm at it the cam? Thanks in advance for your help!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,140
Likes: 0
From: GOCC - Rebels Without A Clue Santa Barbara, CA
Yes it needs to be replaced. They are notorious for wobble, and if not addressed it can do some real damage. Mine ate the timing chain cover . Make sure you replace the bolt also. It is a one time piece. 
Check out aftermarket harmonic balancers. There is alot out there.
Check out aftermarket harmonic balancers. There is alot out there.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,486
Likes: 2
From: http://www.mphparts.com 800-364-1975
Seems like there's a lot of harmonic balancer issues coming up right now! More so than I've seen in the past.
If your car is a 2000 and you're doing a cam job, might as well throw in a new balancer. It seems like the stock balancers can start to acquire a wobble after many years. Don't forget you'll also need a new balancer bolt, regardless of whether you get a new balancer.
Fred Beans is running a special right now with parts at dealer cost through the end of the month. I am getting a new balancer, bolt, front engine seal, etc. from them. I think the price was just under $90 for a new balancer.
Your other option is an aftermarket balancer. LS1Speed.com has some decent options. Some people swear by the ATI balancer, but that's "on special" at $500 right now and I've been told by some very knowledgeable people that the ATI piece is not really ideal for a street car.
HTH
If your car is a 2000 and you're doing a cam job, might as well throw in a new balancer. It seems like the stock balancers can start to acquire a wobble after many years. Don't forget you'll also need a new balancer bolt, regardless of whether you get a new balancer.
Fred Beans is running a special right now with parts at dealer cost through the end of the month. I am getting a new balancer, bolt, front engine seal, etc. from them. I think the price was just under $90 for a new balancer.
Your other option is an aftermarket balancer. LS1Speed.com has some decent options. Some people swear by the ATI balancer, but that's "on special" at $500 right now and I've been told by some very knowledgeable people that the ATI piece is not really ideal for a street car.
HTH
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,599
Likes: 1
From: Texas
A cam is the perfect time for replacing that wobbly pulley. (or vice versa) It's exactly how I did mine and if you have a shop do the work, sometimes they will put the pulley on for free with a cam install. Heck of a deal since the dealership quoted me 800+ in labor for the pulley alone!!! 
adn good luck!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: DeBary Florida
Thanks guys. What is the worst that could happen if I let it go for a few months? I really wanted to do the heads when I did the cam but I can spend that much around the holidays. Should I just do the cam, balancer and springs. Augh, but later when I do the heads (AFR) wont they already have good springs. Or do the cam/ balancer with the stock springs? I'm torn like an old sweater!! 
