What happens when harmonic balancer breaks?
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.
Is it bad to drive without a harmonic balancer?
The harmonic balancer is essentially part of the crankshaft pulley. And without it, you can do damage to the crankshaft and the engine bearings.
Where is the harmonic balancer in an engine?
The crankshaft harmonic balancer is a device connected to the front of an engine’s crankshaft, usually built into the crankshaft pulley.
What happens if you have a bad harmonic balancer?
If a malfunctioning harmonic balancer is installed, too much stress is applied to the crankshaft. If this continues, your auto will not start due to a cracked crankshaft. As mentioned in the introduction, the elements absorb and resist the vibrations’ acceleration. Hence, the harmonic balancer is an integral part of your car’s engine.
Why is the crankshaft pulley and harmonic balancer important?
You may think that the crankshaft pulley is not as important as other parts of your car’s engine, but actually, it is vital to the proper operation of your vehicle. The crankshaft pulley comes with a harmonic balancer. Just from the name, the crankshaft Pulley/harmonic Balancer is a mediator between pistons and crankshaft.
What are the symptoms of a bad crankshaft harmonic balancer?
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Harmonic Balancer. 1 1. Engine vibration. One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the harmonic balancer is engine vibration. The harmonic balancer is 2 2. Misaligned timing marks. 3 3. Separated harmonic balancer.
How does a harmonic balancer work on a car?
The device must be interference fit to the crankshaft for it to operate with maximum efficiency. It is connected to the crank pulley. It is the rubber inside the pulley which is responsible for absorbing the vibrations generated by the crankshaft and keep them at a safe level. This helps the crankshaft from failing.
How do you remove a harmonic balancer from a crankshaft?
In a general sense, removing your harmonic balancer, you will have to take out the belt from the crankshaft pulley. After which, you will then remove the harmonic balancer mounting bolt off with a socket and ratchet. After removing them, you will need to use the harmonic balancer puller.
What are the symptoms of a bad harmonic balancer?
They are usually made of rubber and metal, which easily absorbs any harmonic vibrations that could harm the engine otherwise. Usually a problem with the harmonic balancer will produce a few symptoms that can alert the driver of a potential problem that should be serviced.
How much does a harmonic balancer puller cost?
You will also have to go out and buy a harmonic balancer puller (a device used for safely removing a harmonic balancer without damaging other components in the car). They will cost you around $25 or so.