What happens if harmonic balancer falls off?
What happens if harmonic balancer falls off?
If the harmonic balancer gets too old or fails and can no longer properly absorb the harmonic vibrations, the engine will shake excessively. The shaking will become even more pronounced, and therefore dangerous to the engine at high speeds.
What causes a harmonic balancer to fall off?
Elongation Damage Of The Damper And Or Crankshaft Keyway A worn keyway could cause the balancer to fall off. As a result, overheating and damage to the engine will be the end result.
Where did the harmonic balancer fall off my car?
Recently we rebuilt the top half of the engine and ever since that time our harmonic balancer has fallen off and belts and bolt. First came off when starting down echo summit in Sierra mountains above Lake Tahoe. No power steering or brakes on winding road and a sheer drop off on our side of the road.
What are the components of a harmonic balancer?
A harmonic balancer is like a punching bag for the crankshaft. There are two basic components in a harmonic balancer: inertial mass and an energy-dissipating element.
What causes an imbalance in the harmonic dampener?
The mass of the flywheel, flex plate and/or torque converter are on the other side of the rear main bearing. If these parts are out of specification, they can cause an imbalance in the crankshaft for which the dampener might not be able to compensate.
Can a timing belt be replaced with a harmonic dampener?
Always use the correct procedure and tools to pull the dampener from the vehicle. To replace the timing belt on most vehicles, the dampener must be removed. The most important thing to remember is to never put pressure on the outer ring or try to persuade it with a hammer.
What happens if your harmonic balancer comes apart?
Rubber that is missing, squeezing out of place or dry rotted is a problem and calls for replacement. Never attempt to reassemble a balancer that is coming apart. Hardened seals can damage the harmonic balancer. On many engines, the harmonic balancer also serves as the sealing surface for the front crankshaft seal.
Can a harmonic balancer be rebuilt on an antique car?
When the original part is no longer available, they can sometimes rebuild a harmonic balancer. Specialized services are available to replace the rubber and make other repairs. This is very valuable with an antique vehicle, where original parts are no longer available. With proper service, the harmonic balancer can last the life of the engine.
What kind of rubber is used in a harmonic balancer?
The hardness of the rubber in the harmonic balancer is critical. We can measure the hardness of rubber with an instrument called a durometer. Rubber used in the construction of a harmonic balancer may measure around 60 on the durometer scale. Deterioration makes the rubber softer but age and heat can also cause it to harden.
What causes a balance ring to slip out of position?
Continuous force on the rubber mounting builds heat. Heat builds up and can damage the rubber that bonds the ring to the hub. When this occurs, the balance ring can slip out of position. Over heating the engine can make the situation far worse. Excessive engine heat will cause damage to the rubber.
