What to look for in a harmonic balancer?
If you take a look at the harmonic balancer, you might be able to see visible wear or damage. For example, the rubber insulator may have deteriorated, resulting in a separation between the hub and outer portion of the balancer.
Can a bad harmonic balancer cause an engine to shake?
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.
What causes the timing marks on a harmonic balancer to shift?
Misaligned timing marks. The harmonic balancers found on many vehicles are constructed as two pieces of metal with a rubber layer in between to dampen the vibrations. If the layers separate or slip, the timing marks, which are usually stamped into the front of the pulley, can shift and thus throw off the placement of the timing marks.
What is the purpose of a crankshaft harmonic balancer?
The crankshaft harmonic balancer is a device connected to the front of an engine’s crankshaft, usually built into the crankshaft pulley. Its purpose is to absorb and reduce harmonic vibrations from the engine as the crankshaft rotates, as harmonic vibrations at high engine speeds can…
What do you need to know about harmonic balancer?
The harmonic balancer is an engine component found on virtually all rotating internal combustion engines and plays an important role in protecting the engine from dangerous harmonic vibrations and potential damage. For this reason, if you suspect that your harmonic balancer may be having an issue,…
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.
Misaligned timing marks. The harmonic balancers found on many vehicles are constructed as two pieces of metal with a rubber layer in between to dampen the vibrations. If the layers separate or slip, the timing marks, which are usually stamped into the front of the pulley, can shift and thus throw off the placement of the timing marks.
How do you remove a harmonic balancer from a car?
You will have to dismantle other components such as the bumper or the front fender and even the radiator. 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).