How do I know if my harmonic balancer needs replacing?

Bad Harmonic Balancer: Signs to Watch Out For

1. Engine Vibrations. The harmonic balancer’s job is to dampen vibrations applied to the crankshaft.
2. Noticeable Harmonic Balancer Wobble.
3. Unusual Noises.
4. Illuminated Check Engine Light.
5. Visible Wear or Damage.

What are the signs of a harmonic balancer?

10 signs of stock elastomer harmonic balancer wear.

• Cracked, bulging or missing rubber.
• Harmonic balancer wobbles.
• Separatation between the hub and outer ring.
• Timing marks slipped. Timing error code or mis-fire.
• Excessive wear on main bearings.
• Oil pump failure.
• Broken crankshaft.
• Loosening or broken bolts.

What happens if your harmonic balancer is wobbling?

When the harmonic balancer is wobbling, it would be best not to run the engine. The harmonic balancers function is to counteract the vibrations in the engine so damage doesn’t occur. When it fails, it can cause premature wear on the bearings, or lead to major engine damage.

Can a harmonic balancer be repaired?

The good news is, the harmonic balancer can easily be repaired with a kit that usually retails for under $10.

Can you start a car without a harmonic balancer?

The harmonic balancer is essentially part of the crankshaft pulley. And because the belts that go around the crankshaft pulley run all of the car’s accessories, without the harmonic balancer you’d have no air conditioning, no power steering, no alternator and no water pump.

What causes the harmonic balancer to go bad?

Over time, the crankshaft harmonic balancer can go bad from constant exposure to chemicals, the elements, or from old age. If this happens, the crankshaft may develop cracks and ultimately fail.

What happens when harmonic balancer is bad?

If the harmonic balancer gets too old or fails and can no longer properly absorb the harmonic vibrations, the engine will shake excessively. The shaking will become even more pronounced, and therefore dangerous to the engine at high speeds.

Why is my crank pulley wobble?

If the fan-belt pulleys that bolt to the harmonic balancer are dismounted, bent, or distorted, it may cause the crankshaft pulley to wobble. You can remove these pulleys using the standard tools. Then, check them for flatness or rust. Sometimes, some dirt may get trapped under the pulley.

How long does it take to replace a harmonic balancer?

The book lists it as 7 hours, a post on the Forum lists it as 4 hours. Mine just went bad, got the dreaded squeak. The book lists it as 7 hours, a post on the Forum lists it as 4 hours.

What would cause a harmonic balancer to break?

Will a car run without a crankshaft?

The crankshaft position sensor is the most important of all engine management sensors, and the engine will absolutely not run without it.