2G Engine vibration and noise

[aaronth777]

Hello all, I have a bit of a situation. I was driving my 98 GSX (6 bolt bottom end), doing a moderate pull at maybe 10psi max, when suddenly something happened and the car started vibrating an unusual amount. I think there was a pop or similar sound but I can't quite recall. The engine is still running perfectly, but there is a noticable vibration felt throughout the car especially in the steering wheel and pedals. It is definitely rpm dependent, and not related to vehicle speed. I did a visual inspection and everything looks fine including the motor mounts and belts. However there is a kind of rattling sound coming from the crank sprocket area which is concerning.

After searching here it sounds like it could be the balance shaft belt, but I don't have the tools to remove the sprocket to confirm it, as I'm 7 hours from home. I'm concerned because if the belt did break, I don't want to leave it there to get caught up in the timing belt. Is there a way to check/remove a broken balance shaft belt without removing the sprocket? Or does it sound like it could be a different issue? I'm open to any ideas.

 

[AWD-Tony]

Try uploading a video.

 

[Vegas Smith]

My guess is something dropped into the timing cover, the crank pulley is separating or something unknown. There's no way to check the belt with out removing the pulley.

 

[aaronth777]

Thanks for the quick replies. Dang, looks like I'm gonna have to find a way to remove the pulley to check. I'll post my results when I get it off.

 

[Vegas Smith]

Thanks for the quick replies. Dang, looks like I'm gonna have to find a way to remove the pulley to check. I'll post my results when I get it off.

You should be able to check the pulley by just looking under the car, but if the crank sprocket is breaking then you'd have to have the pulley off for that. The pulley is easy; only 4 12mm bolts. It's hard to put back on though because you have to put the tight serpentine belt back on.

 

[motomattx]

Honestly if you really can't pull the cover you could in theory poke a hole in the plastic cover above the balance shaft sprocket and stick a drill bit in there and slowly spin the crankshaft and see if the pulley moves with the rotation of the engine, it if doesn't of course the belt is broken and you would want to pull the cover all the way and fish out the broken belt etc etc.