Yes, another, "is my harmonic balancer bad" thread
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Yes, another, "is my harmonic balancer bad" thread
Hello, All. Looking to purchase a c6 so I went to check out a 2005 base 6spd today. Liked it, for the most part.
After reading about common issues, recalls, etc I'm thinking there may be a problem here. Also, checking CarFax shows the balancer has been changed twice recently. Car only has 42k. Check out this clip. (Apologies for the video, apparently I dont know how to use my cell phone)
Could this be something more since it seems to be reoccurring? Checked the vin and i believe i am out of problem #s..
Input appreciated
After reading about common issues, recalls, etc I'm thinking there may be a problem here. Also, checking CarFax shows the balancer has been changed twice recently. Car only has 42k. Check out this clip. (Apologies for the video, apparently I dont know how to use my cell phone)
Could this be something more since it seems to be reoccurring? Checked the vin and i believe i am out of problem #s..
Input appreciated
Last edited by LameC6; May 30, 2018 at 08:27 PM. Reason: Hyperlink text
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
Doesn't look like it is wobbling to me.
As far as having two balancers replaced already, as long as they keep installing the GM balancer, it remains a concern. Some have been reported here to have gone bad in as few as 4,000 miles. GM never changed the poor design so aftermarket is the only way to eliminate the problem. All C6's have the same lousy part.
Don't let it steer you away from a car you like. Negotiate $1200.00 down on the price and have an aftermarket balancer installed after you own it.
As far as having two balancers replaced already, as long as they keep installing the GM balancer, it remains a concern. Some have been reported here to have gone bad in as few as 4,000 miles. GM never changed the poor design so aftermarket is the only way to eliminate the problem. All C6's have the same lousy part.
Don't let it steer you away from a car you like. Negotiate $1200.00 down on the price and have an aftermarket balancer installed after you own it.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
It was replaced at a dealer, twice. Makes sense.
I've been thinking maybe I am just being paranoid, but it appears as if pulley is worn more on the inside. Although, could be trick of the light. I do like the car alot, though.
I've been thinking maybe I am just being paranoid, but it appears as if pulley is worn more on the inside. Although, could be trick of the light. I do like the car alot, though.
Last edited by LameC6; May 30, 2018 at 08:50 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
I bought mine with a wobbling balancer. Pointed it out to the owner and he knocked $2000.00 of the price so I bought it. Installed the ATI balancer the next day and have never worried about since
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
I had it done at a Corvette specialist. It was the day after I bought the car and was a little intimidated for some reason. I normally do all of my own work and if I had to do it now, over four years later, I would do it myself. Other than electrical glitches, these cars are pretty easy to work on
ATI balancer parts and labor was $1100.00
ATI balancer parts and labor was $1100.00
Last edited by HBsurfer; May 30, 2018 at 11:46 PM.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
I had it done at a Corvette specialist. It was the day after I bought the car and was a little intimidated for some reason. I normally do all of my own work and if I had to do it now, over four years later, I would do it myself. Other than electrical glitches, these cars are pretty easy to work on
ATI balancer parts and labor was $1100.00
ATI balancer parts and labor was $1100.00
Guess I am just being paranoid... so it seems some degree of "wobble" is normal.
Thanks, guys!
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 141
From: Kaukauna WI
Maybe my eyes are deceiving me but I can definitely see a wobble when you zoomed in. It's slight, but it's there. And if it was already replaced twice, and you have a slight wobble now, it's going to need one again soon.
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,436
Likes: 875
From: Bay Area CA
Viewing the video at full screen definitely has a more noticeable wobble. Surprised you do not have cold start squeaking belt syndrome. When you replace it go aftermarket, i.e. ATI. I did and no more wobble.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 392
From: Atlanta - - - - - Save the manuals
There are two problems
-- 1) The bolt backs out (which IMHO seems to be do to faulty installation.)
-- 2) The rubber between the two rings of the HB gets delaminated.
Symptoms are a wiggle in the outer ring of the HB however a slight wiggle is normal. The failure (prob #2) is that the outer ring either moves toward the engine and hits the cam cover or moves forward and hits the steering rack. If this happens you need to shut off the engine immediately or you can do serious damage.
I check mine occasionally for movement. Some suggest putting a mark on the HB to check for movement.
Here's a '98 we fixed, not a difficult DIY in my opinion.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,436
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From: Bay Area CA
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 189
Likes: 50
From: Martinez GA
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 311
Likes: 270
From: San Diego CA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Navigator
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Derby Kansas
I'm replacing the original HB in our 2006 base model C6 (LS2), and I'm trying to decide the best bang-for-the-buck. If the PB1117N is up to the task, I'll install it. If the PB1117SS is that much better, I'll go with it.
Thoughts?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 311
Likes: 270
From: San Diego CA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I bought the N and took it to my mechanic. He said i looked a little better than the OE unit but he couldn't see how he could pull it off if ut failed. I took it back and bought the SS. I never want to have to replace it again. It looks like a 100% better quality piece.