Harmonic Balancer gone bad
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Harmonic Balancer gone bad
Prices squeaking coming from my 2007. Popped the hood and after a closer look I saw the Wobbling harmonic balancer!
anyone have a good tech in the area to recommend - Northern Jersey.
thanks in advance
anyone have a good tech in the area to recommend - Northern Jersey.
thanks in advance
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 207
From: Columbus Ohio
Do a search and fix it yourself if you have access to a lift. Some people do it on jack stands but I wouldn’t try it. Lots of info on this known problem with these cars. Had to replace mine.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 729
Likes: 317
From: Ashevile, NC
Many of us have gone though this problem!! I did it myself on jack stands but it's not fun!! If you're fairly handy with a good variety of hand tools you can do it. Lots of articles and video's on this site and the web. Parts are around $400, labor is another story!! Seems like most guys are paying around $1500 give or take for the complete project. I'd recommend a PowerBond balancer, new front seal, new drive belt, checking tensioner bearings. Biggest pain is removing the steering rack to allow clearance to the balancer. You'll need to rent a Chrysler style puller. You'll also need a torque wrench capable of 250 ft. lb. If it's an automatic you'll need a flywheel lock tool (inexpensive), if a stick just put it in 6th gear, set the hand brake. Do NOT let a Chevrolet dealer do this project! Too expensive and you don't want a factory balancer as they haven't changed the problem to the best of my knowledge. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Makes sense. I found that ATI was a preferred brand while doing some research on here. I’ve watched the videos on YouTube and honestly just don’t have the patience to get into something this involved. Was hoping someone in the area had a recommended mechanic that is knowledgeable and capable of this type of work. Most mechanics either don’t have the right lift to accommodate a vette or don’t wanna do it cause it requires the special puller tool. Either way this is going to have to be done by someone else. Appreciate the guidance!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
ATI balancers are made to SFI ratings for the racetrack, and are excessive in design,....and cost, as a result. If you are driving the car on the street, its way more than necessary. The other fact is, as ATI notes in their instructions, the balancer may have to be honed or machined to fit your crank, as they make it slightly small, on purpose, to get this tight fit. All of that cost money to do....and even worse, if the mechanic just bolts it up WITHOUT doing this......then the balance is not properly installed. If money is no object, and you prefer to have parts that are above and beyond what you need....then go for it. Many do.
As for finding a mechanic....I understand the dilemna. Either the power steering rack has to be dropped, or the entire front cradle has to be dropped, to gain access to the balancer for replacement. That all equates to much more labor, and its associated cost, than changing a balance on an old Chevy. I just spent over $1200 to get it done.
I was told that Chevy HAS fixed the problem with a new balancer from them, and therefore you can use a new Chevy balancer and the problem is resolved.
As for finding a mechanic....I understand the dilemna. Either the power steering rack has to be dropped, or the entire front cradle has to be dropped, to gain access to the balancer for replacement. That all equates to much more labor, and its associated cost, than changing a balance on an old Chevy. I just spent over $1200 to get it done.
I was told that Chevy HAS fixed the problem with a new balancer from them, and therefore you can use a new Chevy balancer and the problem is resolved.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I had ordered on the Lingenfelter website and noticed they had a list of approved repaid shops. I contacted East Coast Supercharging and they said it is the part they recommend and a fairly straightforward job since they do these a lot. All that said, they claim to have experienced techs that handle way more complex matters; just stinks they are 1.5 hrs away.
the ATI part was $450 and I suspect with alignment and other basics like belt, bolt and washer to be around $1500 all in. Not thrilled about it but if it’s a one and done, my brother always said “buy once, cry once”.
the ATI part was $450 and I suspect with alignment and other basics like belt, bolt and washer to be around $1500 all in. Not thrilled about it but if it’s a one and done, my brother always said “buy once, cry once”.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,605
Likes: 344
From: No Where USA
I had ordered on the Lingenfelter website and noticed they had a list of approved repaid shops. I contacted East Coast Supercharging and they said it is the part they recommend and a fairly straightforward job since they do these a lot. All that said, they claim to have experienced techs that handle way more complex matters; just stinks they are 1.5 hrs away.
the ATI part was $450 and I suspect with alignment and other basics like belt, bolt and washer to be around $1500 all in. Not thrilled about it but if it’s a one and done, my brother always said “buy once, cry once”.
the ATI part was $450 and I suspect with alignment and other basics like belt, bolt and washer to be around $1500 all in. Not thrilled about it but if it’s a one and done, my brother always said “buy once, cry once”.
Paid $1800 at a Corvette shop on Long island.
Retired & lovin' it!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,471
Likes: 543
From: Jackson NJ
Speak with Doug Ring at 609-752-0321.
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