Another balancer ??
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
Another balancer ??
Hey folks, I'm sure most C-6 owners are familiar with the harmonic balancer problems. As much as I hate having work done at a dealer due to the cost, in this case it seems to maybe be the best option for this work as the local dealer probably has a lot of experience replacing these things due to their faulty nature. But heres the issue, it seems really lame to have another (probably faulty also) GM balancer put on at the dealer, but I don't think a dealer will install anything but a GM balancer. So my question is this....has anyone ever taken a good aftermarket balancer into a GM dealer and asked them if they would install it ? And if so...did they politely show you the door or what was their response ?? Thanks all.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,513
Likes: 1,301
From: Windermere FL
My Chevy dealer had absolutely no problem installing an ATI balancer I supplied while they were replacing the AC compressor. All they did was charge me for the nut which I forgot to order. Car was out of warranty.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,576
Likes: 237
From: Murphy NC
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 109
Likes: 8
From: Outside Philadelphia Pa.
I don't know if it affects all C6s but more than you might think. I have an 07 with 69,000 and it went bad. It started with a squealing noise, like the belt was worn but a new belt didn't cure the problem because the HB had begun to seperate. My Vette mechanic told me his 07 HB went at 90,000. If you look at the HB and see a gap like it's seperating or if you're hearing a squealing noise you may want to get it looked at.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
glerma.....Most of the early C-6's will probably eventually have the problem with some of them having it with very little mileage on them. Take a look at the balancer while the car is idling and watch for a wobble. You'll be able to see it with no problem. A small amount of wobble is acceptable but when it gets to severe it needs to be checked out and probably corrected. Average cost at a GM dealer is at or around $1,200. As mentioned in the org. post....that price is for an org. GM balancer. Why do that though when the new balancer will probably have the same issue since GM never has corrected the problem.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18,079
Likes: 1,560
glerma.....Most of the early C-6's will probably eventually have the problem with some of them having it with very little mileage on them. Take a look at the balancer while the car is idling and watch for a wobble. You'll be able to see it with no problem. A small amount of wobble is acceptable but when it gets to severe it needs to be checked out and probably corrected. Average cost at a GM dealer is at or around $1,200. As mentioned in the org. post....that price is for an org. GM balancer. Why do that though when the new balancer will probably have the same issue since GM never has corrected the problem.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 314
Likes: 4
From: Ontario
From what I understand, it is the rubber, elastomeric or whatever material between the hub and the outer ring that gives up and lets the outer ring go wonky. It's not like harmonic balancers are some new invention. I've never known one to give up the ghost. Then this. I certainly wouldn't go back to factory stuff. The guy who does any work on our car, quoted me about $1100 for an ATI balancer installed and had the parts in stock if needed. It seems you have to pull half the front end apart to get at the balancer. Labour is a big part of the cost.
Last edited by Keith Tedford; Jan 21, 2014 at 06:58 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18,079
Likes: 1,560
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Sterling Heights Michigan
Another HB
I called the dealer here in Michigan where i bought the car and explained to them what mine was doing. They said as soon as i bring the car out of storage bring it in so they could check it. And if it needs replaced i could have them install another balancer on it instead of a GM, but they could not warranty the part only the work. So if I do need a new one I will bring in a Powerbond 25% underdrive to have installed. I still can't believe a car that is only driven 6 months a year and with 35000 on it, i have to make a major repair like this.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
I called the dealer here in Michigan where i bought the car and explained to them what mine was doing. They said as soon as i bring the car out of storage bring it in so they could check it. And if it needs replaced i could have them install another balancer on it instead of a GM, but they could not warranty the part only the work. So if I do need a new one I will bring in a Powerbond 25% underdrive to have installed. I still can't believe a car that is only driven 6 months a year and with 35000 on it, i have to make a major repair like this.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,959
Likes: 526
Sorry for not wording 100% correctly and saying "ALL" C-6's. Someone please shoot me for that. As usual there is always someone that has way to much time on their hands and they have to get in these forums and nit-pick everything. PLEASE !!! Bet the guy doesn't even know what a harmonic balancer is....lOL