C6 Corvette General Discussion General C6 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Feral Industries

Another Harmonic balancer thread....

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 06:05 AM
  #1  
DaveA's Avatar
DaveA
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Houston tx
Default Another Harmonic balancer thread....

So, I'm having to have the balancer changed on my 2012 Grand Sport, due to the wobbling issue, at 12840 miles. Is this some kind of record ?
i would have expected to get closer to 40-50K miles before something like this happened.
Anyway needless to say I'm going with an aftermarket ATI balancer instead of the POS GM one. I don't know how they haven't addressed the issue, as long as it's been going on.............
Oh well I guess it's just the price of running a Corvette..........

Last edited by DaveA; Oct 13, 2014 at 09:53 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 06:25 AM
  #2  
Hameister's Avatar
Hameister
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,750
Likes: 172
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Default

I would think the harmonic balancer would be covered under warranty.

Are you planning on paying for an after market balancer strictly because you feel it's so much better than OEM, or is it because it's been denied under warranty for some reason?
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 06:39 AM
  #3  
R&L's C6's Avatar
R&L's C6
Race Director
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18,098
Likes: 1,597
Default

Originally Posted by Hameister
I would think the harmonic balancer would be covered under warranty.

Are you planning on paying for an after market balancer strictly because you feel it's so much better than OEM, or is it because it's been denied under warranty for some reason?
It most definitely is.....
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 06:40 AM
  #4  
DaveA's Avatar
DaveA
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Houston tx
Default

Originally Posted by Hameister
I would think the harmonic balancer would be covered under warranty.

Are you planning on paying for an after market balancer strictly because you feel it's so much better than OEM, or is it because it's been denied under warranty for some reason?
I had the car in for an oil change at the dealership, and mentioned the squealing belts, which of course is only bad when the car is cold.
They said, they'd have to change the belts first, at my expense, as it could be a bad belt, even though I told him I'd just changed it a few hundred miles ago. If the squeal came back, they'd then look at the balancer, and the tensioners, so that meant them having the car twice, and in the end, i would end up with another POS balancer which may fail in another 12k miles.
All in all I think it's going to be less hassle to pony up for an ATI, and be done with it

Last edited by DaveA; Oct 13, 2014 at 06:42 AM.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 06:53 AM
  #5  
Hameister's Avatar
Hameister
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,750
Likes: 172
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by DaveA
I had the car in for an oil change at the dealership, and mentioned the squealing belts, which of course is only bad when the car is cold.
They said, they'd have to change the belts first, at my expense, as it could be a bad belt, even though I told him I'd just changed it a few hundred miles ago. If the squeal came back, they'd then look at the balancer, and the tensioners, so that meant them having the car twice, and in the end, i would end up with another POS balancer which may fail in another 12k miles.
All in all I think it's going to be less hassle to pony up for an ATI, and be done with it
I'm rarely comfortable with a diagnostic approach that requires a part be changed to "see if that's the problem".
Especially in light of the fact that the serpentine belt was recently replaced.
If it still squeals after it's replaced, will the dealer reimburse you for the belt that it didn't need?

They should be able to diagnose the issue properly without needlessly replacing parts.
Personally, given the expense involved, I'd go with my warranty, rather that lay out all that cash on my own.

What ever you do, I wish you the best of luck.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:25 AM
  #6  
Speedforhire's Avatar
Speedforhire
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,708
Likes: 83
From: Arkansas
Default

The stealership is jacking you around. They will tell you they measured the runout and it's within specs then charge you for new belts. That's what stealerships do.

You have 3yr-36K bumper to bumper so tell them to fix it or call Chevy Customer Service.............sometimes you have to rattle the cage to get the animals attention.

...............or use some verbal Judo and ask nicely.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:29 AM
  #7  
sevinn's Avatar
sevinn
Safety Car
Supporting Gold
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,755
Likes: 190
From: Baton Rouge LA
St. Jude Donor '14, '16
Default

Originally Posted by DaveA
So, I'm having to have the balancer changed on my 2012 Grand Sport, due to the wobbling issue, at 12840 miles. Is this some kind of record ?
i would have expected to gat closer to 40-50K miles before something like this happened.
Anyway needless to say I'm going with an aftermarket ATI balancer instead of the POS GM one. I don't know how they haven't addressed the issue, as long as it's been going on.............
Oh well I guess it's just the price of running a Corvette..........

Had mine replaced on my 2012 at 4400 miles under warranty. You definitely have a case. You may even be able to get the labor done and supply your own ATI balancer if you are nice enough.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:52 AM
  #8  
DaveA's Avatar
DaveA
Thread Starter
Advanced
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 78
Likes: 1
From: Houston tx
Default

Thanks for all the advice gents.
I thought for a while about getting it done under warranty, but considering the dealership wasn't competent enough to see the wobble in the first place, I think I'll go with a local speedshop here in Houston, which does a lot with LS motors. The labor charge is 6 hrs, but for that I'm getting a damper that I won't have to mess with for 10 yrs or so.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-6

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:57 AM
  #9  
hotmotorsports's Avatar
hotmotorsports
Racer
Supporting Lifetime
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 15
From: Monmouth Maine
Default

Originally Posted by SEVINN
Had mine replaced on my 2012 at 4400 miles under warranty. You definitely have a case. You may even be able to get the labor done and supply your own ATI balancer if you are nice enough.
If they did that, I would think you'd also be entitled to keep the new stock balancer as well.

Chuck M
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 09:58 AM
  #10  
Hameister's Avatar
Hameister
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 7,750
Likes: 172
2015 C6 of the Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by DaveA
Thanks for all the advice gents.
I thought for a while about getting it done under warranty, but considering the dealership wasn't competent enough to see the wobble in the first place, I think I'll go with a local speedshop here in Houston, which does a lot with LS motors. The labor charge is 6 hrs, but for that I'm getting a damper that I won't have to mess with for 10 yrs or so.
I can sympathize. I truly hate going to dealers for anything.

I simply do not trust them.

I have a 2013, with 6,200 miles on it and so far no issues.

I don't even know if the harmonic balancer is still an issue on the 2013, since I don't know of anyone with a '13 that's had a problem.

Hopefully, the issue was resolved for my model year???

Good luck Dave.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 10:08 AM
  #11  
HBsurfer's Avatar
HBsurfer
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
Default

For what it's worth, the mechanic who installed my ATI balancer (Corvette Mike's) told me that the ATI is rebuildable and that if it ever did go out (not likely), the repairs would not require removing and replacing the balancer.

Last edited by HBsurfer; Oct 13, 2014 at 02:10 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 13, 2014 | 10:09 AM
  #12  
AORoads's Avatar
AORoads
Team Owner
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Default

Originally Posted by SEVINN
Had mine replaced on my 2012 at 4400 miles under warranty. You definitely have a case. You may even be able to get the labor done and supply your own ATI balancer if you are nice enough.
Not from what I've read on here---altho I agree that some dealers may do it. In order to replace under warranty, most have said that the dealer won't apply labor charge and won't put on another brand---must use GM part---because future warranty will be on a non-GM part. Again, this is for free-under-warranty replacement.
Reply
Old May 9, 2015 | 10:34 PM
  #13  
Ahmer's Avatar
Ahmer
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 4
From: Houston TX
Default

HOUSTON AREA / Bad Harmonic balancer here. Who did you Houstonians go to?
Reply
Old May 9, 2015 | 11:56 PM
  #14  
Cor430vette's Avatar
Cor430vette
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 104
From: Texas
Default

Originally Posted by DaveA
Thanks for all the advice gents.
I thought for a while about getting it done under warranty, but considering the dealership wasn't competent enough to see the wobble in the first place, I think I'll go with a local speedshop here in Houston, which does a lot with LS motors. The labor charge is 6 hrs, but for that I'm getting a damper that I won't have to mess with for 10 yrs or so.
Read the small lettering at the bottom of the GM Warranty it states the following: We will strive to focus on avoidance of any major cost/repair until your warranty is expired. We will also be unconcerned with doing the job correctly and we will promise to break something else and create a brand new problem. We will guarantee to assign one of our underpaid mechanics to your car either the brand new guy who knows nothing, or a burned out guy who has been doing this forever and really doesn't care at all about his job or your car. We will also guarantee that we will act like all your concerns are unimportant and your expectations unrealistic. Finally, we will return your car dirtier than you left it with us, with new scratches and maybe a new dent which we will claim was already there.

If mine ever goes out I will do it myself before trying to get the stealership to do it. They will simply do it wrong or screw up the steering rack etc etc. Tons of stuff for them to mess up...
You definitely made the right decision, your getting the better aftermarket part and avoiding the GM morons....by the way what is it going to cost you at the speed shop and which one are you using? I am also in Houston....THANKS!

Last edited by Cor430vette; May 10, 2015 at 12:13 AM.
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 08:57 AM
  #15  
Ahmer's Avatar
Ahmer
Drifting
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,619
Likes: 4
From: Houston TX
Default

Do speed shops utilize 3rd party extended warranties?
Reply
Old May 10, 2015 | 06:42 PM
  #16  
Slider-01's Avatar
Slider-01
Pro
Supporting Member
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 656
Likes: 5
From: Wright City MO
Default

Originally Posted by Hameister
I can sympathize. I truly hate going to dealers for anything.

I simply do not trust them.

I have a 2013, with 6,200 miles on it and so far no issues.

I don't even know if the harmonic balancer is still an issue on the 2013, since I don't know of anyone with a '13 that's had a problem.

Hopefully, the issue was resolved for my model year???

Good luck Dave.
Not resolved!. I have a 13 and had to have the balancer replaced last summer at 15,000. We were getting ready to go on a long trip and at times would be in the middle of nowhere; I noticed the balancer doing it's wobble thing. Took it to my dealer (who sponsors our club) who has two Corvette mechanics. Told them the balancer was wobbling; they looked and said yup and replaced it.

I've put about 8k on is since and so far so good.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Another Harmonic balancer thread....





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:35 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE