Is my Harmonic Balancer failing/failed?

[TheOctane]

So over the past few weeks my when my car (98 GSX) drops in rpms at idle due to normal up and downs (AC, headlights, ect) sometimes i hear this soft banging/rattle/ping from the belt area.

then today during start up, the engine fires and clang clang clang clang clang...i shut it off and see the alternator belt sitting off the pully.

Its pitch black and freezing and i have little access to lights where it sits currently.

I know typically its rare to throw a belt that shows no signs of wear so im thinking its the balancer...

am i right...How can i check this...i dont have a lift and i cant see shit down there..

thanks in advance guys

 

[DSM1G90]

With that ALT belt off (and is the AC belt on or off?), reach down there are grab the pulley and see if it has any sideways play...

 

[lcrivers816]

whatever happened??

 

[gho5tone]

Any update on this? I have similar symptoms and have yet to pulled the lower timing cover out or checked it.

 

[mike_tsi]

From my experiences with harmonic balancer going out have been. Belt coming off too. You can tell by leaving it running and looking down at the balancer, it will be wobbling if it is going out soon. Also noticed if you turn the AC on it will make a grinding noise from the balancer area and that means it is also going out. Hope that helps..