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How Can I Tell if My GM Engine's Got a Failed Harmonic Balancer?

Imagine. You're headed across the US-421 in the Chevy Camaro or Corvette you love driving. You start feeling the engine vibrating. You try speeding up a little; it gets noisier -- louder. Then the front end starts squeaking, squealing.

Sure, these could be signs of a faulty belt. But a lot of times, they suggest you've got a bad harmonic balancer. Don't worry; we're here to help you figure things out.

Here's all you need to know about harmonic balancers, including some common problems a faulty one can cause, and what to do to fix the balancer itself.

Harmonic Balancers 101

Also called a crankshaft balancer or a crankshaft damper, the harmonic balancer is a round disc attached to the crankshaft -- one that protects it (and indirectly, the engine) by absorbing the vibrations the engine cylinders produce as they fire.

Three parts make it up:

  • A hub (which is bolted to the crankshaft itself);
  • A balance ring (basically, the crankshaft pulley; it drives things like the air conditioner and alternator); and
  • A rubber dampener (which connects the hub to the balance ring)
  • Common Harmonic Balancer Problems

  • For one, at the end of a long life, the damper can start to soften (or even get harder), at which point, it'll start to deteriorate. If you're having cooling system problems at the same time, and they're making your engine overheat, or you've got oil leaks, the breakdown can happen a lot faster than usual.
  • Secondly, the balance ring can slip, knocking a belt off-track, and this can end up damaging the water pump and just about every other part the belt helps run.
  • Third, vibrations can start affecting the crankshaft, cracking it, or worse, even breaking it. That happens, and catastrophic engine damage follows.
  • How to Fix a Harmonic Balancer

    You'll need a special puller for the job. Don't use tools like prybars, wheel pullers, or mallets -- these'll damage the balancer almost immediately. You'll also need specific tools to install a new one. If you've got them, and the skillset to go with them, the job's straightforward -- just follow manufacturer instructions. If not, the pros will be glad to help.

    Shop OEM Crankshaft Balancers at GM Wholesale Direct in Winston-Salem NC

    We've got what you need; it's genuine GM, made to fit your ride, and best of all, affordable. Plus, we'll ship fast, anywhere in the US. Contact us with any questions.

    Crankshaft Balancer
    Part Number: 12551537
    Other Names: Vibration Damper
    Replaces: 6272221
    Description: All models. 5.0l. 8 cylinder, gas, 305. 8 cylinder, t.b.i. 5.0l. 305-f. 5.7l. Without zr1, 1984-91. This GM Genuine Part is designed,...
    Fits:
    • Chevrolet:
      • C1500,
      • C2500,
      • Camaro,
      • Corvette,
      • G10,
      • G20,
      • G30,
      • K1500 Pickup,
      • K2500 Pickup
    • GMC:
      • C1500 Pickup,
      • C2500 Pickup,
      • G1500,
      • G2500,
      • K1500 Pickup,
      • K2500 Pickup
    • Pontiac:
      • Firebird
    MSRP $192.46
    $122.88
    MSRP $192.46
    $122.88
    M20x2.25 Crankshaft Balancer Bolt
    Part Number: 09440024
    Other Names: Pulley Bolt
    Description: 4.3L, damper to crank. 2003-14 4.3L. This GM Genuine Part is designed, engineered, and tested to rigorous standards and is backed by...
    Fits:
    • Chevrolet:
      • Express 1500,
      • Express 2500,
      • S10
    • GMC:
      • Savana 1500,
      • Savana 2500,
      • Sonoma
    MSRP $4.79
    $3.33
    MSRP $4.79
    $3.33
    DAMPER
    Part Number: 19301706
    Description: DAMPER
    MSRP $245.00
    $235.21
    MSRP $245.00
    $235.21
    DAMPER
    Part Number: 12498008
    Description: DAMPER
    MSRP $165.86
    $159.21
    MSRP $165.86
    $159.21
    DAMPER
    Part Number: 24502535
    Description: DAMPER
    MSRP $639.85
    $614.25
    MSRP $639.85
    $614.25
    F (S)Pulley
    Part Number: 19355269
    Replaces: 03858533
    MSRP $77.50
    $52.13
    MSRP $77.50
    $52.13

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