Harmonic Balancer

[LadySmith]

Can someone tell me the function of the harmonic balancer and what would warrant one to be replaced?

As many of you know, I've been having trouble with my 95 Buick Park Avenue.

Hubby is going to put on a CKPS this weekend sometime, but he told me to call around and get prices of a Harmonic Balancer too...he said something about it looked bad...warped or something, so he'd probably go ahead and change that too. The prices I got on it range from $77 - $145.

Anyway, that just got me curious as to the function of it and why one would need to be replaced, since I know that the CKPS goes somewhere near it.

I LOVE learning this car stuff!

[Airjer_]

The harmonic balancer/crank pulley has to be removed in order to service the crank sensor located right behind it. The balancer has the exciter rings mounted to it that allow the crank sensor to pick up the signal that it sends off to the module. The balancer also has the crank pulley mounted to it. The pulley is mounted with rubber. Over time the rubber can degrade enough where either it starts making a truly unique rattling noise. Or it stops spinning with the balancer.

These parts typically see years and years of service with no problems!

[LadySmith]

Originally Posted by Airjer_

The harmonic balancer/crank pulley has to be removed in order to service the crank sensor located right behind it. The balancer has the exciter rings mounted to it that allow the crank sensor to pick up the signal that it sends off to the module. The balancer also has the crank pulley mounted to it. The pulley is mounted with rubber. Over time the rubber can degrade enough where either it starts making a truly unique rattling noise. Or it stops spinning with the balancer.

These parts typically see years and years of service with no problems!

Yeah, that's what hubby was saying...if he's gonna remove it anyway, according to how it looks (he said by glancing at it looks pretty bad), he might replace it.

Hmm...could the harmonic balancer cause our problem? Like not picking up the signal good from the crank sensor?

He's still gonna replace the crank sensor, but I'm just curious.

So, harmonic balancer can go years and years with no problems? This is a 13 year old car.

I'm just curious of any symptoms one would give if it does need replacing.

[Airjer_]

No the crank sensor is what produces the signal. The Exciter rings are purely mechanical. They are either there or they are not. You'll see them once the old one is off or you get the new one.

[HotZ28]

This is how the balancer will look on the back side. Notice the reluctor rings (3X & 18X) are the ones that turn through the grooves in the CKPS shown in your other thread. I have seen some balancers fail in less than 10-yrs and others that outlasted the engine and car, so you never know when it will fail.

If it does fail, there are no adverse side effects, other than the metallic hammering sound you will here to help remind you it is time to install a new one!

BTW, if Hubby does decide to replace the balancer, stick with OEM quality. Many aftermarket ones, are now a product of China!


Click Here for more info on balancers.

[LadySmith]

Thank y'all! So, really it would be a waste for hubby to replace it unless it's really really worn out when he takes it off to put on the CKPS?

[LadySmith]

Originally Posted by HotZ28

This is how the balancer will look on the back side. Notice the reluctor rings (3X & 18X) are the ones that turn through the grooves in the CKPS shown in your other thread. I have seen some balancers fail in less than 10-yrs and others that outlasted the engine and car, so you never know when it will fail.

If it does fail, there are no adverse side effects, other than the metallic hammering sound you will here to help remind you it is time to install a new one!

BTW, if Hubby does decide to replace the balancer, stick with OEM quality. Many aftermarket ones, are now a product of China!


Click Here for more info on balancers.

So, is that Dorman brand that it mentions ok, or should I get actual AC Delco?

3 of the reputable parts places around here (not the chain stores....the ones that also sell AC Delco on many parts), has the ATP brand. Is that any good?

[wafrederick]

Another thing,do not use a pry bar or hammer to remove it and make sure he does it right.There is a special puller that is a must and Lisle sells it.

[HotZ28]

Originally Posted by LadySmith

So, is that Dorman brand that it mentions ok, or should I get actual AC Delco?

3 of the reputable parts places around here (not the chain stores....the ones that also sell AC Delco on many parts), has the ATP brand. Is that any good?

Automatic Transmission Parts (ATP-Inc.) is a US company located in Morton Grove, Il. Most parts were made in the USA; however, with the recent outsourcing to “Global Manufacturing” it is hard to say where anything is made today! Dorman is a product of China! I would use only the OEM balancer.