Quick question re: Harmonic Balancer
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 48
From: Dallas, Texas
Quick question re: Harmonic Balancer
Friends,
I have a quick question about the Harmonic Balancer.
I just started to hear a chirping in the engine compartment which I believe I have traced to the HB.
It seems that the chirping is louder when the engine is cold. As it gets warmer and I drive around, it isn't as loud. Would the chirping produced by the HB diminish with temperature? My thinking is that it would stay the same. If it's supposed to stay the same, then may be the problem isnt the HB and it's something else.
The HB was replaced when the car had 19,000 miles, under warranty, by the original owner. If the problem is with the HB I will replace it with an aftermarket one and get over with.
Many thanks in advance.
I have a quick question about the Harmonic Balancer.
I just started to hear a chirping in the engine compartment which I believe I have traced to the HB.
It seems that the chirping is louder when the engine is cold. As it gets warmer and I drive around, it isn't as loud. Would the chirping produced by the HB diminish with temperature? My thinking is that it would stay the same. If it's supposed to stay the same, then may be the problem isnt the HB and it's something else.
The HB was replaced when the car had 19,000 miles, under warranty, by the original owner. If the problem is with the HB I will replace it with an aftermarket one and get over with.
Many thanks in advance.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,636
Likes: 1,185
From: Lake Worth Beach, Florida
I had the same thing. As the belt warms up the sound goes away. Check your belt for wear. Also check the HB for wobble. There is some slight wobble to the HB even when good.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 48
From: Dallas, Texas
Thanks Rocketman,
There is a little bit o a wobble but not a lot. It's more of a shake than a wobble.
The belt looks good. Only has 62,000 miles.
When the engine is cold you can hear the chirping from inside the house, when warm, you have to open the hood and really look for it.
It may very well be the belt. Will have it checked it this week.
Many thanks for your quick reply.
There is a little bit o a wobble but not a lot. It's more of a shake than a wobble.
The belt looks good. Only has 62,000 miles.
When the engine is cold you can hear the chirping from inside the house, when warm, you have to open the hood and really look for it.
It may very well be the belt. Will have it checked it this week.
Many thanks for your quick reply.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,024
Likes: 793
From: Tollesboro Kentucky
any wobble is a sign it needs to be changed
Not always true.Alot of them had some wobble when they were new.My 2000 did and 120k miles later it is still on the original balancer.It is a good idea to replace them if it bothers you but a new belt is a lot cheaper and easier.
Not always true.Alot of them had some wobble when they were new.My 2000 did and 120k miles later it is still on the original balancer.It is a good idea to replace them if it bothers you but a new belt is a lot cheaper and easier.
Last edited by jamieo; May 2, 2020 at 04:51 PM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 48
From: Dallas, Texas
That's why I was wondering if temperature affected the noise made by the HB if the HB is indeed the culprit. Otherwise, the chirping may be coming from somewhere else such as the belt. I agree that a new belt would be cheaper.
Many thanks
Many thanks
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 48
From: Dallas, Texas
Well... I replaced the OEM Harmonic Balancer with a Powerbond HB. Since they were already there, I had them replace the main belt and the AC belt. That will save having to do it later, anyways. No wobbles with this one!!! I hope this will be a non issue from now on.
Many thanks for everyone's responses.
Much appreciated.
Many thanks for everyone's responses.
Much appreciated.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 154
Likes: 38
From: Western Massachusetts
Well... I replaced the OEM Harmonic Balancer with a Powerbond HB. Since they were already there, I had them replace the main belt and the AC belt. That will save having to do it later, anyways. No wobbles with this one!!! I hope this will be a non issue from now on.
Many thanks for everyone's responses.
Much appreciated.
Many thanks for everyone's responses.
Much appreciated.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 48
From: Dallas, Texas
they charged 6 hours of labor plus parts. Im sure they probably did it faster than that but they started on it as soon as I dropped the car off. They had already ordered the part and had it in their hands by the time I arrived. So, I had no problem with giving them a couple extra bucks. They've been great with my other cars too so it's all good.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 154
Likes: 38
From: Western Massachusetts
I had someone do it as im not a mechanic or even close to it. Lol
they charged 6 hours of labor plus parts. Im sure they probably did it faster than that but they started on it as soon as I dropped the car off. They had already ordered the part and had it in their hands by the time I arrived. So, I had no problem with giving them a couple extra bucks. They've been great with my other cars too so it's all good.
they charged 6 hours of labor plus parts. Im sure they probably did it faster than that but they started on it as soon as I dropped the car off. They had already ordered the part and had it in their hands by the time I arrived. So, I had no problem with giving them a couple extra bucks. They've been great with my other cars too so it's all good.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 48
From: Dallas, Texas
Ok, sounds like I am in the ballpark. I would do it myself, but I am getting too old to do that stuff from a creeper under the car. If I had a lift, I'd do it. For me it is worth it to pay someone at this point. You should be good to go for the life of your car now and not have to worry about it anymore. Thanks for the reply.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,501
Likes: 185
From: Erie PA
Mine wasn't bad, I just changed it since I was adding a supercharger (installed myself) which requires pinning the HB .
pay someone to do it and save you headaches and skinned knuckles
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
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From: Dallas, Texas
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 5
From: Gulf Breeze, Fl
I just bought an '11. The HB had a bad wobble to it. I bought it from a Chevy dealer so they agreed to replace it before the deal was signed. They used an OEM balancer. I asked if they could use an aftermarket and they wouldn't. The brand new one has a little wobble to it. I assume I'll get 30-40,000 miles out of it before it needs to be replaced.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 198
Likes: 48
From: Dallas, Texas
I just bought an '11. The HB had a bad wobble to it. I bought it from a Chevy dealer so they agreed to replace it before the deal was signed. They used an OEM balancer. I asked if they could use an aftermarket and they wouldn't. The brand new one has a little wobble to it. I assume I'll get 30-40,000 miles out of it before it needs to be replaced.
The original owner changed the HB at 19000 miles under warranty at a dealership. Like in your case, they installed another OEM balancer. It started to go bad last week at 64,000 miles. If nothing else, they are consistent... for plus/minus 40,000 miles. Lol
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 82
Likes: 5
From: Gulf Breeze, Fl
You may very well have to replace it again. Just keep an eye on it.
The original owner changed the HB at 19000 miles under warranty at a dealership. Like in your case, they installed another OEM balancer. It started to go bad last week at 64,000 miles. If nothing else, they are consistent... for plus/minus 40,000 miles. Lol
The original owner changed the HB at 19000 miles under warranty at a dealership. Like in your case, they installed another OEM balancer. It started to go bad last week at 64,000 miles. If nothing else, they are consistent... for plus/minus 40,000 miles. Lol