Replacement Harmonic Balancers

Many harmonic balancers, also known as vibration dampers or torsional dampers, have V-grooves on their circumference to engage the accessory drive belt, but this component is far more than just a pulley. As the name implies, the harmonic balancer helps to balance the engine, and some balancers have weights that work with the crankshaft counterweights to offset the weight of the piston and connecting rod assemblies.

The balancer also dampens the torsional distortion and vibration in the crankshaft that is created by the combustion process, which could break the crankshaft if not otherwise dissipated. When the cylinders fire, the force exerted on the crankshaft by the pistons and connecting rods causes it to deflect and then spring back. This twisting and distortion occur so rapidly that at certain engine speeds vibration and resonance develop.

The typical harmonic balancer consists of a metal hub that mounts to the crankshaft snout, with a thick metal inertia ring surrounding its circumference, separated by a rubber ring. The rubber flexes, allowing the inertia ring to counteract the crankshaft’s twisting motion. With a functioning harmonic balancer, your engine will operate smoothly and reliably. However, age and the environment can conspire to diminish the balancer’s effectiveness. Heat and exposure to road salt and fluids like oil can cause the rubber to soften and deteriorate. In some cases the rubber can harden and crack and lose its flexibility.

Regardless of whether the rubber softens or hardens, the harmonic balancer will no longer be able to function as designed, possibly leading to excessive vibration and crankshaft damage. In extreme cases of rubber disintegration, the outer ring can completely separate from the hub, causing catastrophic damage to surrounding components. But a defective balancer doesn’t have to come apart to affect other systems. Accessory drive can be diminished and because balancers often have the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor interrupter ring mounted on them, engine function can be affected and the “CHECK ENGINE” light may illuminate.

No matter which of these problem you’re experiencing, our replacement harmonic balancers are the solution. They’re made of superior materials for increased durability, and many come complete with a new crankshaft Woodruff key, for a complete repair. And since exposure to oil is often the cause of harmonic balancer failure, a front crankshaft seal oil leak should not be ignored. If your leak has been caused by a hardened seal and grooved harmonic balancer hub, we have repair sleeves that will create an effective sealing surface, and replacement seals to make your engine oil tight.