View Poll Results: Harmonic balancer failure poll
I have not experienced a problem
547
64.13%
I think I have a problem now
73
8.56%
I have replaced it once
138
16.18%
I have replaced it twice or more
24
2.81%
I have replaced it, but decided not to use a GM part and went for an aftermarket unit
71
8.32%
Voters: 853. You may not vote on this poll
Harmonic balancer failure poll
08-24-2013, 07:42 AM
#202
Tolero Apto Victum
My balancer has a nice wobble that I recently discovered. I have a 2008 with 30k miles that is just beyond the 5 year warranty.
I called customer service to see if they would still cover some of the replacement costs since I was way under the mileage limit.
After 2 weeks of phone calls, they said they would not cover any repair costs.
I guess I need to find a reputable shop locally to install an ATI or some other aftermarket replacement balancer that won't fail again.
I called customer service to see if they would still cover some of the replacement costs since I was way under the mileage limit.
After 2 weeks of phone calls, they said they would not cover any repair costs.
I guess I need to find a reputable shop locally to install an ATI or some other aftermarket replacement balancer that won't fail again.
08-26-2013, 02:20 AM
#203
Safety Car
Member Since: Dec 2006
Location: Dalllas/Ft Worth Area TX
Posts: 4,642
Likes: 0
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This should help.
The elastomer (sp.) (rubber type substance) cannot take the large amount of torque (stretching) with the balancer and pulley combined as one unit - elastomer was used to seperate the two units that were slipped (laminated) over the TOP OF EACH OTHER, like tree rings layers. The units use to be two separate sections of pulley end side against pulley end side and not combined or laminated on top of each other. That last part, laminated, is the problem. This was not done this way in the old days as many will tell you. They stacked the pulleys next to each other, pulley end side against pulley end side, like lining up dominos one after another and looking at the edges from left to right as shown below:
This is what they use to do: IIII or VVVV. (This is GOOD, pulleys side by side to each other)
This is what they are doing NOW (This is NOT good, pulleys are combined on top of each other with elastomer separating each ring):
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=
=
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Hopefully this helps.
This is what they use to do: IIII or VVVV. (This is GOOD, pulleys side by side to each other)
This is what they are doing NOW (This is NOT good, pulleys are combined on top of each other with elastomer separating each ring):
=
=
=
=
Hopefully this helps.
Last edited by 2006c6keller; 12-14-2013 at 06:56 PM. Reason: To simplify description and make more concise explanation.
12-14-2013, 04:07 PM
#204
Racer
Seems like I see a lot of folks posting threads about the possible / failure of the harmonic balancer on their cars. I was curious in seeing just how pervasive the problem is. If you respond please indicate the mileage on your vehicle when / or each time you experienced the problem.
05...30K on it...so far so good but after reading this thread I have something new to keep and eye on.
Got me thinking about all the company cars I've had over the years and how many balancers I've replaced with some major miles....2010 Infiniti EX35, 124k+ and still driving...2006 Subaru Tribeca 133k...2002 Subaru Outback 153k...1998 Olds 88 213k...1994 Olds Cutlass Supreme 120k....and they all have the same thing in common, NONE of them needed a balancer!
Why the Vette?
Last edited by vforrest; 12-15-2013 at 11:34 AM.
12-15-2013, 11:23 AM
#211
Race Director
Seems like I see a lot of folks posting threads about the possible / failure of the harmonic balancer on their cars. I was curious in seeing just how pervasive the problem is. If you respond please indicate the mileage on your vehicle when / or each time you experienced the problem.
thats what i did around 25,000 miles 05a4z51
12-15-2013, 12:09 PM
#213
Safety Car
you see alot of posts on this because idiots think that the HB will run in a perfect circle up/down front/back and have no idea of what it does, just like the idiots freaking out over some oil drips on the floor, there machines guys they smell, make noise, get hot,leak
12-15-2013, 07:54 PM
#214
Advanced
Member Since: Aug 2011
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
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I guess this is my C6 "Initiation"
Bought a C6 Wednesday; Thursday morning when I cranked up to drive to work I heard chirping, didn't think much of it, figured cold belt, cold engine (26 degrees).
When I looked the car over before signing the paperwork I watched the belt and pulleys as it ran but didn't look all the way down at the HB - top pulleys were very true and engine ran smooth as silk and very quiet.
After reading this thread I heard the chirp again, so I took another look, again everything true until I moved around to a different angle and could see all the way to the bottom where the HB is and sure enough It's wobbling about 3/32 to an 1/8 inch.
I reached down and felt the bolt and it's not loose. Going to keep an eye on it and get it replaced with the ATI unit soon I guess. Right now my pockets are pretty empty from scraping together the funds for the down payment.
When I looked the car over before signing the paperwork I watched the belt and pulleys as it ran but didn't look all the way down at the HB - top pulleys were very true and engine ran smooth as silk and very quiet.
After reading this thread I heard the chirp again, so I took another look, again everything true until I moved around to a different angle and could see all the way to the bottom where the HB is and sure enough It's wobbling about 3/32 to an 1/8 inch.
I reached down and felt the bolt and it's not loose. Going to keep an eye on it and get it replaced with the ATI unit soon I guess. Right now my pockets are pretty empty from scraping together the funds for the down payment.
12-16-2013, 01:39 PM
#217
Instructor
And...
Looks like several started Chirping this weekend. Saturday I heard the belt chirping and I thought, "Harmonic Balancer". Opening the hood, I have about 1/8"+ wobble. (48k miles) Yesterday I ordered the parts and a Puller/Install HB tool set. I'm hoping to do mine one day later this week if everything arrives other wise, I'm going to do Christmas in a Fiat 500.
09-26-2014, 09:51 PM
#219
Racer
09-27-2014, 12:36 AM
#220
Supporting Vendor
Member Since: Sep 2013
Location: Harbor City California
Posts: 2,817
Received 1,012 Likes
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533 Posts
If anyone needs service in California (Los Angeles) we would be glad to help out. We have replaced countless harmonic balalncers (some due to failure but the vast majority for cam swaps). We are a Corvette/LS specialty shop.
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
310-326-2399
or pm us on this forum (search our name or Google/yelp us for reviews).
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
310-326-2399
or pm us on this forum (search our name or Google/yelp us for reviews).
