Hey guys,

I know this has been discussed a thousand times, but I see a lot of different answers and a whole lot of "just take it to a shop". I'm setting aside a weekend in the next week or two to replace my harmonic balancer. It's started chirping when the belts are cold, and so I'm going to go ahead and knock it out before something gets worse.

First of all, if anyone can recommend a shop in Virginia that could do the job on the cheaper side of things, that'd be great. If it's a matter of a few hundred bucks extra, I'll just pay someone to do it. My local Chevy dealer quoted me $1300, and that's more than I'm willing to pay for a job that I could do myself. That said, assuming I do end up doing the work, I know I'll need a new balancer, new balancer bolt / washer, and a tool to install it all. Right now I'm looking at the following:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-c2501

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-910209

I'm assuming I'll also need new accessory belts. Is there anything else that I'm missing? Also, as far as I can tell, the TSB for this issue is a little excessive. I've read about a lot of people just dropping the steering rack and making due with the space they have there. Is there any reason that that is a bad idea?

Finally, what else can I replace while I'm down there, be it performance or wear items? Not looking to add a day to the job, but an extra hour or so wouldn't bother me.

Thanks in advance!

 

You are going to need these tools if you dont already have em;

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/otc-6667/overview/


https://www.summitracing.com/parts/s...5/media/images

You must remove the rack and pinion as you already know, is best not to lower the engine cradle though is how I do it cause this way you must support the engine.

I would recommend to follow instructions on how to remove rack and pinion, just be sure to install the steering shaft back in same position it was when removed or you'll be in for a steering clock spring change just after the fact, don't turn steering wheel after, is best to tie a rope to it in straight up position before disassembly then put wheels in straight up position for steering shaft engagement.

Be sure to observe safety first never trust floor jacks always use jack stands.

 

I didn't remove my steering rack. Just moved it out of the way.
I also pulled off the tensioner pulleys and re-greased the bearings. Not a big deal later on but since you already have the belts off, do it. GM does not put much grease in there and yours will be mostly dry. No need to buy new pulleys. Pop off the cover, clean them up, blow off excess and pack in some new grease.

 

I would pin the crank while you have it out.

BTW that price is ridiculous. Had mine done at a local shop and even with the blower on they only charged me 6 hours labor. (Under $500 total).

 

cover seal, PS fluid, belts if high mileage, possible tensioners/pulleys, possible exhaust gasket if pulling starter to install lock tool

Install tools to buy or borrow: LSx balancer installer (long 16mm stud with nut-$15 on eBay) and Flexplate lock tool if automatic trans ($25 eBay)

Tools to get loaners at auto parts store: Chrysler balancer puller, 250lb torque wrench (be suspect of accuracy)

Google "A&A supercharger instructions" for pics of rack removal.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. I'm going to go ahead and buy the parts tonight. Looking at my schedule though, I'm not sure when I'll be able to get to it. Can anyone recommend a shop in Virginia that will do good work for reasonable prices? Both shops I've talked to (one my dealer, and the other Cooper's Corvettes) quoted me around $1200, which seems ridiculous. If that's what it's going to cost, then I'm going to have to take a weekend off or something.

 

wow that is actually on the low side .....mine was done at the dealer under warranty and I was told the ticket would total 1,900.00

Dave

 

C5 here .... I got the Summit balancer. I had a generic puller and it worked just fine. I did the job myself but it's a real pain and a lot of work, but easy in my opinion. Just be sure you replace everything you can. I replaced the timing cover gasket, all the pulleys, crank seal, water pump seal.