1999 Harmonic Balancer

Anyone have an idea as to what or why my harmonic balancer (HB) would appear to be sliding away from the engine? I replaced the serpentine belt on 3-3-13. That belt had a couple of tears in it. The engine ran so quiet with the new belt. Just figured the problem was with the belt. Well Sunday evening the new belt started flapping and actually split right down the middle. Looking for a cause, I could tell the HB was not in align with the A/C pulley. Started the engine and it looked like the HB had a slight wobble to it. The car ran fine until the belt split. So, there hasn't been any signs of a problem. Released the belt and tried to tighten the bolt, but the engine would turn. The car has over 200,000 miles on it.

Sounds like the outer ring of the balancer is coming apart from the hub, I would replace it. An impact gun will loosen the bolt thru the wheel well. other wise take of the trans inspection cover and wedge the flywheel teeth so the engine won't turn.

Thanks. I've never seen a HB move away from the engine before. I was concerned when the bolt was tight and the HB was in the position that it was. It looked like maybe other parts were moving out with it (not good) but the engine runs smooth. So I should be able to replace the HB and that should fix it?

Only the outer hub would walk out not the inner, that is secured to the crank by the bolt.

Thanks again. With your info and talking to others, I've learned how the HB is designed. I'm having a new one installed along with the front seal today.