Balance shaft?

Recently the balance shaft in my Galant has become loose and I can hear it move around. I did a bit of research and it just helps with engine vibration and it is more of a creature comfort. What kind of problems would I get if I just left it in there and drove around for a while? Also could I just remove it and not replace it?

I know this is not the galant forums but it takes forever to get an answer and since these are common in most 4 cylinder engines I thought maybe you guys could hep me out.

Thanks
JV

I found this page that says I could completly remove the balance shaft. Is this possible?

http://www.ecanfix.com/~mdhamilton/balanceshaft.html

yeah u can remove it, but dude its so much work! tooooooo much for a frikn daily commuter!
btw how do u know its out of balance? it NEVER gets out of balance man! i'm sure u have a bad engine mount...

i removed the balance shafts on my 4G54, as most people do. If you can, i would. but the engine should be balanced when you do, because if its not complelety zero balanced you'll notice what would have been minor vibrations. I would leave them in, but buy new chains/guides/balance shaft bearings. You dont want it to be rattling around and moving, because the metal will flake off and end up ruining your bearings in the engine.