Using incorrect tools to install the harmonic balancer is the most common cause of installation errors. For example, hitting the dampener with a hammer could damage it or other engine internal components. Can you drive with a faulty harmonic balancer? A general rule is you don’t drive the car.
Full Answer
What are the symptoms of a bad harmonic balancer?
Symptoms of a bad harmonic balancer include but are not limited to, rough idle, a vibration at a particular RPM, or a vibration in the engine overall. Sometimes it can be undetected when driving, but will be visible when looking underhood at a running engine. It is just like having a wheel off balance, but it wont vary by speed but engine RPM.
How can you tell if your harmonic balancer is bad?
- The engine sounds are louder than usual and you feel abnormal vibrations coming from the engine.
- The belt in the pulley might slip which will cause the vehicle to misfire or backfire.
- The ignition timing in the vehicle will be off.
- The vehicle might not start at all if the balancer is broken.
How to identify a failing harmonic balancer?
harmonic balancers keep failing
- Heat stress
- Road salt
- Ozone attacking the rubber components of the balancer
- Stress from integrated drive pulleys
- Loads from other devices (powers steering pump, air conditioning compressor, alternator, air pump, water pump
- Road debris inflicted damage
- Crankshaft failure (broken or cracked)
How to troubleshoot a harmonic balancer?
- Heat . Damping crankshaft torsional vibration generates heat. ...
- Exposure . Oil, solvents and ozone will deteriorate the elastomer in a stock harmonic balancer.
- Cracking . Excessive power can crack the hub of a stock harmonic balancer.
- Improper installation / removal . Always use a quality puller and installer kit. ...
- Excessive belt tension . ...
What can go wrong with harmonic balancer?
Although the harmonic balancer may seem simple enough, if it fails, it can cause major problems. Without the balancer dampening unwanted crankshaft vibrations, engine failures, such as worn rod bearings and a broken crankshaft, may result. A faulty balancer can damage the belt and engine-driven accessories as well.
How do you set a harmonic balancer?
2:288:57How to install a harmonic balancer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgainst this giant nut which is what you're going to turn in order to press the balancer onto theMoreAgainst this giant nut which is what you're going to turn in order to press the balancer onto the crankshaft. But the magic part is this big roller bearing. This piece also slides on the shaft.
How do I know if my harmonic balancer has slipped?
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.
Can you run an engine without 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.
Should the harmonic balancer wobble?
Answer: A wobbly harmonic balancer can both be the cause of a speed-dependent engine vibration and the result of one. Either way, the balancer should not wobble.
How do I stop my harmonic balancer from turning?
Lock a pair of large vice grips onto the flywheel so it comes in contact with the bellhousing. This will usually stop the engine from turning over in order to manhandually break HB bolt(s) lose having very limited access..
Does harmonic balancer affect timing?
The only reason moving the balancer would have any effect on timing is if you were using motronic 1.1+, using the front crank sensor.
Can harmonic balancer cause vibration?
So, if your harmonic balancer is going bad, you could get rough engine vibrations, a cracked crankshaft, or even a serpentine belt that gets thrown off its track.
How long do harmonic balancers last?
On certain engines, sometimes these last forever, last the life of the engine. And certain engines they might only last 50,000 miles or less than 10 years.
What is the rubber for in a harmonic balancer?
So… what the heck is it then? The harmonic balancer (also known as the crankshaft damper) is a round disc made of rubber and metal that absorbs vibrations caused by the engine cylinders' firing. It protects the crankshaft.
Does a harmonic balancer increase horsepower?
Adding an upgraded harmonic balancer is a great way to keep your engine from having serious issues as horsepower increases. LeBarron goes a little deeper into the issues a stock harmonic balancer will experience as you up the power.
Is a harmonic balancer the same as a harmonic damper?
A harmonic balancer (sometimes called crankshaft damper, torsional damper, or vibration damper) is the same thing as a harmonic damper except that the balancer includes a counterweight to externally balance the rotating assembly.
How do you tighten a harmonic balancer bolt?
0:455:22Torque Crankshaft Pulley Bolt | Harmonic Balancer Bolt - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe need that handle or arm of this tool to be up against something firm so it stops it from movingMoreWe need that handle or arm of this tool to be up against something firm so it stops it from moving clockwise because we're turning clockwise to tighten. It.
How do you install a harmonic balancer with a puller?
0:292:51HARMONIC BALANCER REMOVER & INSTALLER SET ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe inside of the puller screw is hollow with threaded walls because it's designed to thread overMoreThe inside of the puller screw is hollow with threaded walls because it's designed to thread over the adapter. Next push the puller flange over the puller body with the flat side facing the radiator.
How do I stop my crankshaft pulley from turning?
2:374:49How To Tighten or Remove Crank Bolt without Pulley Holder- Jonny DIYYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHelp feed it through. Give you the coat on you - just doing this - fills up alright so I set it inMoreHelp feed it through. Give you the coat on you - just doing this - fills up alright so I set it in enough that. Come down here turn your crank. And crank should stop let me know you feed it in enough.
Is a crankshaft pulley the same as a harmonic balancer?
The crankshaft pulley, otherwise known as a harmonic balancer, is found on the end of the crankshaft. It's a wheel-shaped device with grooves that connect directly onto the crankshaft.
How to tell if harmonic balancer is bad?
The most common symptoms of a bad harmonic balancer include: Engine Vibrations. The harmonic balancer’s job is to dampen vibrations applied to the crankshaft. As a result, when the balancer fails, you may feel a significant vibration from the engine compartment. Noticeable Harmonic Balancer Wobble.
What does a faulty balancer sound like?
Unusual Noises. A faulty balancer can result in a knocking, rattling, or squeaking sound that corresponds with engine speed. In some cases, the noise is bad enough to be mistaken for an internal engine problem.
What is the hub on a balancer?
A typical balancer has a center hub , an inertia ring, and a rubber insulator (some designs use viscous fluid rather than rubber). The center hub is bolted to the end of the crankshaft. As the crankshaft twists and turns, the inertia ring and rubber ring absorb some of the resulting vibrations.
Can a balancer cause a broken crankshaft?
Without the balancer dampening unwanted crankshaft vibrations, engine failures, such as worn rod bearings and a broken crankshaft, may result. A faulty balancer can damage the belt and engine-driven accessories as well. It’s also possible for the balancer to fly apart, resulting in the destruction of a variety of underhood components.
Can you see a harmonic balancer?
Visible Wear or Damage. 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. If you take a look at the harmonic balancer, you might be able to see visible wear or damage.
Can a balancer fly apart?
A faulty balancer can damage the belt and engine-driven accessories as well. It’s also possible for the balancer to fly apart, resulting in the destruction of a variety of underhood components.
How many bolts are needed to install harmonic balancer?
Unless I'm confused to install ONLY the harmonic balancer its just the 4 bolts that hold it on to the crank and the centerbolt. As long as the belt wasn't wasn't removed it does not matter if the crank rotates any direction. As long as the timing belt wasn't removed then there should be no need to worry about mechanical timing.
Do timing belts have a memory?
Make sure you mark the belt for direction of rotation unless your replacing it. TIming belts and balance shaft belts hold a "memory to them". Working at a shop we see it all the time on timing belt replacement procedures through mitchell on demand which is an online based service manual
Do you have to remove the harmonic dampener?
You have to remove the harmonic dampener and the timing belt cover.
Do you go by harmonic dampener marks?
Do not go by the harmonic dampener marks. They are not as accurate as the other two marks and should not be considered when checking your timing.
Do you need to remove the crank bolt to remove harmonic dampener?
You don't need to remove the crank bolt to remove the harmonic dampener. Just the four little bolts.
Can you skip teeth if you rotate the crank counterclockwise?
I have read in threads that if you rotate the crank counterclockwise, you can, but not always skip teeth. Defiant said that in a few posts that i search for removal of the harmonic balancer.
Does it matter if the timing belt is removed?
As long as the belt wasn't wasn't removed it does not matter if the crank rotates any direction. As long as the timing belt wasn't removed then there should be no need to worry about mechanical timing. Click to expand... You don't need to remove the crank bolt to remove the harmonic dampener.
Why does my harmonic balancer fail?
Most harmonic balancers fail by slipping when the rubber loses adhesion to the metal parts. This can make timing the engine ignition difficult. The outer ring can also slowly work it way off the inner hub causing belt misalignments or allowing the ring to rub against something. It is pretty unlikely to damage the engine by throwing it that far out of balance.
How to check harmonic balancer?
Start your engine and check the harmonic balancer to see if it wobbles while the engine is running. Take a flashlight and shine it directly onto the balancer to see if it goes in and out while rotating. If it wobbles, the harmonic balancer is bad. Turn off the ignition. The harmonic balancer has three parts. The inner part is made of molded steel with a hub that bolts onto the crankshaft. The harmonic balancer has three threaded 3/8-inch holes that are used to pull the balancer off the crankshaft. A rubber insulator separates the third part from the hub. The last part, the fan belt, goes aroun
Can balancers ruin an engine?
In normal situations it is unlikely it would ruin an engine but may har m accessories driven from the balancer.
Can a piston slam into a stop?
ABSOLUTELY NOT, you're looking at some major damage if the piston slams into the stop. I'll assume that was meant as a joke, and bad advice to say the least.
Does the OP need to apologize for using a piston stop?
The entire post was obviously about using a piston stop. Regardless, piston stop usage has been clarified, and the OP gets the picture. No need to apologize. :thumbup:
Do damper timing marks overlap?
The exact years of the type of damper timing marks overlap one another, depending on the exact application.
Can you turn a harmonic balancer bolt?
Just a common sense comment , remove all the spark plugs ,that way you will have very little resistance ,so turning with the Harmonic balancer bolt will be ok.If you are still worried , then use a very short spanner, that way you will not be able to put destructive force/ pressure on the bolt.If its a manual then just put it in gear and push car ,
