HB Dilemma
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 729
Likes: 317
From: Ashevile, NC
HB Dilemma
I've been following the HB threads and I've got a dilemma. Just bought an 05 M6 Z51 with 36K on it. My adult son in Wichita picked up the car locally and I'm flying in next week to pick it up and hopefully drive it 600 miles home. Here's the problem, there's a chirping sound that we both first thought was an idler pulley and it still may be but I sure don't want to chance it if it's the HB. The confusing part is that most of the posts here say the chirp is on start up then disappears. This seems to be the opposite, quiet on start then appears. He sent a video of the HB with the car running and the movement appears to be very minimal, however I'm not certain how much movement I'm looking for. If in fact the problem is the balancer, am I safe in driving it 600 miles until I can get it home and do the job myself or shouldn't I run the risk. I have not heard of anybody having a "catastrophic" failure (an actual separation of the pulley) but I suppose it's not unheard of. Obviously if I remove either or both belts in an attempt to eliminate the source there's no load on the HB and it certainly would be quiet. Please click the attached file to see and hear the issue.. Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Bob Winston, Minneapolis.
Last edited by rbwinston; Apr 6, 2021 at 08:06 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 611
From: DFW Texas
The area where the HB sits is extremely confined and if the outer ring "walks" it would contact the steering rack housing, but not separate & fly off. If it is the HB, the worst effect you might have is losing the belt, but most likely you will be fine. Several of the HBs wiggle a little and survive for many years & miles. So you should set your mind at ease, but have it looked at when you get home to identify the source of the noise, which is most likely one of the pulleys.
You will love this car & happy travels.
GD
You will love this car & happy travels.
GD
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 814
From: Virginia
Man......if I had to bet on it, I would say it certainly is the HB after hearing the noise and watching your video. It honestly looks/sounds just like mine did. I did drive mine for approximately 2 months (I usually drive it at least 3x per week) before I was able to pin-point the problem. I would go easy on the old girl and you ‘should’ be able to limp home 600 miles. It was 1 night of 7,000 rpm driving that pushed mine over the edge.
I have seen a video where the HB on a C6 ate its way into an oil pan and the block before it was discovered. The car developed a massive oil leak, and that is the symptom that made them start looking for the problem. It was definitely a bit of an issue getting that one repaired.
Good luck with the car. Don’t let this discourage you. My car is SO AWESOME after getting it fixed. I absolutely love it.
I have seen a video where the HB on a C6 ate its way into an oil pan and the block before it was discovered. The car developed a massive oil leak, and that is the symptom that made them start looking for the problem. It was definitely a bit of an issue getting that one repaired.
Good luck with the car. Don’t let this discourage you. My car is SO AWESOME after getting it fixed. I absolutely love it.
