Do you need a tool to install harmonic balancer?

Harmonic dampers are typically press-fit and next-to-impossible to properly remove and install without the right tools. You might get away with yanking one off with a common three-jaw puller, but you can bet your boots the damper will be damaged, if not ruined.

Can you put a harmonic balancer on wrong?

It’s not okay to drive with a bad harmonic balancer. The bouncing crankshaft will wear on the main bearings. It can also tear up drive belts and possibly come apart posing a danger to people and property.

How long do harmonic balancers last?

On certain engines, sometimes these last forever, last the life of the engine. And certain engines they might only last 50,000 miles or less than 10 years. This is a good example – because it’s got such a massive piece of rubber – you can see the rubber literally tears apart into two sections.

Does the size of a harmonic balancer matter?

No matter what anybody tells you, size does matter when it comes to the harmonic balancer you use on an engine. Putting an incorrectly-sized balancer on an engine will do more than just cause it to not reach its full performance potential … it will cause serious damage to the rotating assembly.

What causes a harmonic balancer to 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.

What does a bad harmonic balancer sound like?

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.

How do you know if you need a new harmonic balancer?

Signs that your crankshaft harmonic balancer needs to be replaced include: The engine is loud and you feel vibrations coming from your engine. The pulley belt may slip causing your vehicle to backfire or misfire. The vehicle’s ignition timing will be off.

How do I know if I need a new harmonic balancer?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Crankshaft Harmonic Balancer

1. Engine vibration. One of the first symptoms of a potential problem with the harmonic balancer is engine vibration.
2. Misaligned timing marks. Another symptom of a potential problem with the harmonic balancer is misaligned timing marks.
3. Separated harmonic balancer.

Does the weight of a harmonic balancer matter?

No, it does not matter on the size. However, one can shim the swaybar to provide clearance by adding the spacers under the bushing holders on the frame and order an 8″ balancer. If you do order and install the smaller mass balancer, you will notice an improvement in engine acceleration – less mass to spin up.