Harmonic Balancer Disintegrated! Is this normal

93 Lesabre

Got Home from work today and the wife said the car was making a loud knocking noise. Thought it might be the power steering pump, but on further investigation, noticed that the harmonic balancer had huge chunks missing from the rubber portion of the balancer.

Is this normal. I have not seen this happen before. Or is there some other reason for it to disentegrate (excessive vibration from crank, etc.) or just old age.

I have changed the harmonic balancer on a Dodge Caravan so I am aware of the problems with the bolt removal.

Thanks for the input.

Yeah, it happens. Its more age-related than anything as the rubber wears out over time.

A new HB runs from $50 to $200, depending on where you buy one from (I'd use Ebay if you aren't in a rush).

The balancer is constructed of two metal pieces connected by a rubber spacer. This type of failure is not that uncommon. All balancers are subjected to the same types of failures. The failures are typically a result of:
1) Heat stress
2) Road salt
3) Ozone attacking the rubber components of the balancer
4) Stress from integrated drive pulleys
5) Loads from other devices (powers steering pump, air conditioning compressor, alternator, air pump, water pump
6) Road debris inflicted damage
7) Crankshaft failure (broken or cracked)
8) Damaged vanes on the balancer causing faulty inputs to the computer

If you have changed a balancer before, you know the procedure. It helps to have a good impact wrench, capable of 500 ft lbs of torque or more and a balancer removal puller. By the way, the universal removal tool at AutoZone doesn't work. The puller used for the 3800 is a special design. It may be hard to find at your local auto parts store! The link below shows the "Lisle" puller (Manufacturer # 45300) designed specifically for the GM 3800 balancer. Harmonic Balancer Puller for GM 3300 And 3800 V6 Cylinder Engines (http://www.toolsource.com/ost/product.asp?sourceid=NO+SOURCE&dept%5Fid=500&pf%5Fid=90196&mscssid=X5JJC336D1K38H8ANWPQQ89RRTNH72A5)

The $10.99 universal kit from Harbor Freight 46 PC. BOLT PULLER SET (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37824) will do the same thing, you just have to be careful not to tighten the three bolts down enough to hit the CPS in back. (If it happened to be in that position).


(http://www.toolsource.com/ost/product.asp?sourceid=NO+SOURCE&dept%5Fid=500&pf%5Fid=90196&mscssid=X5JJC336D1K38H8ANWPQQ89RRTNH72A5)

You can also just get a regular ol' three jaw puller and use it. I do it and it works fine. You have to get a big one though or else the jaws won't reach the back of the harmonic balancer. You simply put the three jaws around the back after you have removed the center bolt and then put the bolt back in by hand a bit (not very far). You then put the center part of the puller on the bolt head and screw down. You have to hold the three jaws in place while you screw until the tension will hold them. Using this method, and once the harmonic balancer bolt it out, I can remove the balancer in about one or two minutes.

http://www.made-in-china.com/image/2f0j00mYravUQRTEiBM/Three-Jaw-Puller.jpg