Replacing the harmonic balancer

[thec1arity]

As the topic states...I'm looking at replacing my harmonic balancer tomorrow. My car chewed up and spit out a serpentine belt...then did the same thing to a new one within the first mile. I noticed a very slight wobble on the harmonic balancer and also noticed that a piece of the lip that holds the serpentine belt in place is chipped off. It's the belt that wraps around the power steering, A/C, and idle.

Are there any tips or tricks I should know before going into this? Anything people that have experience with this can suggest?

Thanks.

EDIT: Does anyone know if any guides that at least take you partially through the process? I did a bunch of searches and really didn't find anything helpful.

 

[thec1arity]

Alright, I just got this harmonic balancer from autozone. Yes, I know it's cheap but its at least in one piece and not rusted.

Wish me luck! Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!

 

[bullettdsm]

Any tips or tricks would be greatly appreciated!

No tip or trick, just statement of fact. You will want to use this tool;
Pullers OTC Tools OTC 6284 - Chrysler Harmonic Balancer Puller Set

You can normally rent/borrow it from Autozone/advanced. A regular 3 jaw puller can drive you nuts.

MB

 

[thec1arity]

No tip or trick, just statement of fact. You will want to use this tool;
Pullers OTC Tools OTC 6284 - Chrysler Harmonic Balancer Puller Set

You can normally rent/borrow it from Autozone/advanced. A regular 3 jaw puller can drive you nuts.

MB

Alright, awesome. Both of them are within 2 miles of me.

 

[thec1arity]

Ok, well, its been replaced. So far it's not throwing any belts. Some of the shaking the car was doing in the 50-55mph range has disappeared but theres no telling what else was thrown off or for how long it was driven like that.

Here's to hoping there isn't any serious damage.

 

[bullettdsm]

Ok, well, its been replaced. So far it's not throwing any belts. Some of the shaking the car was doing in the 50-55mph range has disappeared but theres no telling what else was thrown off or for how long it was driven like that.

Shaking at higher speeds is often times suspension/tires. You may want to look at balancing/checking the tires, front end alignment and checking out suspension points (specifically any ball and socket). The rear suspension can also cause shaking.

If you start to throw belts again, the "usual suspect" is the tensioner located between the power steering pump and the ac condenser. Many people just take it off and run a different size belt (if that's the problem)

Here's to hoping there isn't any serious damage.

Ah yes, postive thinking

MB

 

[thec1arity]

Shaking at higher speeds is often times suspension/tires. You may want to look at balancing/checking the tires, front end alignment and checking out suspension points (specifically any ball and socket). The rear suspension can also cause shaking.

If you start to throw belts again, the "usual suspect" is the tensioner located between the power steering pump and the ac condenser. Many people just take it off and run a different size belt (if that's the problem)


Ah yes, postive thinking

MB

I inspected my suspension last night and it definitely needs to be replaced....at least the shocks do...and the bushings. The right front shock absorber is leaking fluid.

The more I inspect this car, the more I realize that the people that had it before me didn't do anything routine on it...and definitely didnt take it to be serviced at the dealer. If they did, they sure didn't after the warranty ended. 90% of the probelms I'm finding is normal wear and tear.

The first owner of the car bought it in Indiana...and from the looks of it, they don't have inspections. If they do, its not very often. The tires look to be pretty new. They have a ton of tread on them and very little sign of use.

Also, the shaking seems to happen more often around that 60mph mark. When you get it upto 70 it seems fine.

My first priority is getting this catalytic converter replaced. I'm tired of this thing sounding like a damn lawn mower.

 

[Locke]

Indiana (as a state) has no emissions inspections. A couple oddball counties do, though.

Also, the shaking seems to happen more often around that 60mph mark. When you get it upto 70 it seems fine.

This is pretty much a text-book example of the symptoms of a tire out of balance.

 

[thec1arity]

Indiana (as a state) has no emissions inspections. A couple oddball counties do, though.



This is pretty much a text-book example of the symptoms of a tire out of balance.

Awesome. I need to get it fixed...pretty annoying to say the least!