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Does harmonic balancer affect timing?
The harmonic balancers found on many vehicles are constructed as two pieces of metal with a rubber layer in between to dampen the vibrations. If the layers separate or slip, the timing marks, which are usually stamped into the front of the pulley, can shift and thus throw off the placement of the timing marks.
What makes a harmonic balancer go bad?
Over time, the crankshaft harmonic balancer can go bad from constant exposure to chemicals, the elements, or from old age. If this happens, the crankshaft may develop cracks and ultimately fail.
Will harmonic balancer cause knock?
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 sound does a bad harmonic balancer make?
How do you test for a bad 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.
How do you diagnose a bad harmonic balancer?
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.
- Noticeable Harmonic Balancer Wobble.
- Unusual Noises.
- Illuminated Check Engine Light.
- Visible Wear or Damage.
How do you know if your harmonic balancer is bad?
A knocking noise from the engine is the main symptom of a bad harmonic balancer. A squeaking noise is another symptom of a bad balancer. When dealing with a bad harmonic balancer, getting it fixed as soon as possible is vital for car owners, since it can cause the engine catastrophic damage.
How do you replace a harmonic balancer?
Part 1 of 1: Replacing a harmonic balancer. Remove the harmonic balancer bolt by using the strap wrench to hold the balancer still. Hold it still while loosening the bolt with a socket and ratchet handle or breaker bar. It will be very tight, so pull hard. Step 4: Remove the harmonic balancer unit.
What is a crankshaft harmonic balancer?
The crankshaft harmonic balancer is a device connected to the front of an engine’s crankshaft, usually built into the crankshaft pulley. Its purpose is to absorb and reduce harmonic vibrations from the engine as the crankshaft rotates, as harmonic vibrations at high engine speeds can cause accelerated wear and damage to the components.