Can the Harmonic balanacer fail Like the pully?

mp4037 · Apr 11, 2006

I had the pully replaced a few thousand miles ago because the rubber in the middle had gone bad. I was looking at how hard it is to replace the lower radiator hose when I noticed what looks like rubber something or other on the balancer sticking out a little bit.

Can the balancer fail just like the pully?

I was under the impression that the pully was the one that was prone to failure and I hadn't read anywhere that the balancer was likley to fail as well. I'm just curious because I haven't seen one new to compare it too. It looks a little suspect. I will try a post a picture tomorrow.

Fred482` · Apr 11, 2006

If the balancer is of the two piece design, it can fail. It's rare but I've seen some over the years. The rubber insert swells from oil and starts coming out. Then, it's only a matter of time.

Stingray454 · Apr 13, 2006

So if there is no oil leak from the front main seal, do you not have to worry about it?

TomMac · Apr 14, 2006

Any sign of weakness in harm balancer is a real threat to the life of the crankshaft! If the rubber isn't very symmetrical, and outer ring very parallel, replace soon. The pulley is elastic to save other belt-driven components; the Harmonic Balancer saves the crank from torque pulses. Bad HBs and bad clutches are what destroy crankshafts.

mp4037 · Apr 18, 2006

Someone that knows please comment on the shape of the balancer.

I have nothing to compare it too but from the above post this picture doesn't look good.

Fred482` · Apr 14, 2006

Now's the time to replace the seal. Use your own judgement. If it's really dry and no sign of oil seepage, you could leave it. I usually see seepage and replace it while it's accessible.

gmctd · Apr 15, 2006

No, the balancer cannot fail like the acc pulley - that will just start clacking and knocking, and might not do any other damage - might not.

If the harmonic balancer deteriorates - and what you described is initial deterioration - the crank will almost always break at the second main journal.

Other than that, it will break just behind the first main journal.

There exists a small possibility that it will not damage the engine block at the moment of failure.

mp4037 · Apr 18, 2006

Anything special needed when reinstalling this balancer? The more I look at my own photo the more i'm convinced that I need to replace this thing right away.

I read another post that had a pretty good step by step on removing the balancer but not much for reinstallation. Is it as easy as sticking the balancer back on the shaft and torquing it back down?

I will need to do this after work and be able to drive it in the morning so I can't afford to goof and leave it stuck in the driveway. Any help would be much appreciated.

bobbiemartin · Apr 18, 2006

mp4037 said:
Anything special needed when reinstalling this balancer? The more I look at my own photo the more i'm convinced that I need to replace this thing right away.

I read another post that had a pretty good step by step on removing the balancer but not much for reinstallation. Is it as easy as sticking the balancer back on the shaft and torquing it back down?

I recommend a balancer installer. They are easy to make or cheap to buy. You can hammer it on using a mallet or a block of wood, but there is no way to protect the thrust washers with that method.

oil burner · Apr 18, 2006

Rubber looks to be very "lumpy" from PIC's if it feels gummy/sticky I'd replace it ASAP.

Fred482` · Apr 18, 2006

I'd replace it. No tricks, pull it off, tap the new one on, torque the bolt. A drop of Loctite Blue (242) on the bolt is good insurance. Most go on easily. Use a small block of wood between the dampner and the hammer when installing it. Most almost slide on without the hammer. Just tap it to "seat" it all the way before tightening the bolt.

mp4037 · Apr 18, 2006

Thanks for the comments!

Can the Harmonic balanacer fail Like the pully?

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