Harmonic Balancers
Thread Starter
Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Philadelphia, PA
Car: '88 Camaro
Engine: v6-173-2.8L
Transmission: Automatic
Harmonic Balancers
Does anyone know where I can find a Harmonic Balancer for my 88 v6 camaro. Does anyone know the part number. my Harmonic Balancer is all messed up when I turn the car off it keeps spinning and rattles. Has anyone ever replaced one of these?
Member

Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Cheyenne, WY
Car: '89 Camaro RS
Engine: LB8 V6 MFI
Transmission: T-5 5-speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42:1
I'd say first thing would be to call around to the local junkyards in your area to see if they'd be willing to part with one for a fair price.
Other than that, you could post a WTB ad in the classifieds section for that harmonic balancer.
They aren't hard to remove or re-install.
You'll need basic hand tools: 1/2" drive ratchet, small 1/2" drive extension, assorted large metric sockets (don't know the exact size on the crank bolt), a breaker bar (piece of pipe), and a long screwdriver/prybar to stop the motion of your engine when you're loosening the crank bolt.
Ideally, a 1/2" drive impact pneumatic air-gun would be used to take the crank bolt loose.
When reinstalling the new harmonic balance, use a block of wood and either a hard rubber mallet or small hand sledge hammer to tap the balancer back on the end of the crankshaft. Don't hit the balancer w/ the steel hammer... hit the block of wood first.
Any Chilton's or Hanyes engine manual that includes our 2.8L MPFI engine will walk you through the job better than I can describe here.
If you get hung up somewhere, keep posting replies... someone's sure to chime in w/ some help.
Other than that, you could post a WTB ad in the classifieds section for that harmonic balancer.
They aren't hard to remove or re-install.
You'll need basic hand tools: 1/2" drive ratchet, small 1/2" drive extension, assorted large metric sockets (don't know the exact size on the crank bolt), a breaker bar (piece of pipe), and a long screwdriver/prybar to stop the motion of your engine when you're loosening the crank bolt.
Ideally, a 1/2" drive impact pneumatic air-gun would be used to take the crank bolt loose.
When reinstalling the new harmonic balance, use a block of wood and either a hard rubber mallet or small hand sledge hammer to tap the balancer back on the end of the crankshaft. Don't hit the balancer w/ the steel hammer... hit the block of wood first.
Any Chilton's or Hanyes engine manual that includes our 2.8L MPFI engine will walk you through the job better than I can describe here.
If you get hung up somewhere, keep posting replies... someone's sure to chime in w/ some help.
Last edited by Mr_Metal; Jul 5, 2004 at 05:58 PM.
I would strongly suggest you do not OPERATE ENGINE AT ALL! DUE TO HARMONIC BALANCERS CAN EXPLODE INTO PIECES OF FLYING METAL.
You shouldn't have a problem finding the part.
Call local engine rebuilders, too! They should have LOTS lying around.
MAKE SURE you get the correct one AND also buy a balancer repair sleeve for your balancer. THAT WILL HELP remove a CHANCE of oil seepage outta front timing cover.
PS It'll still leak & ya really should do the timing chain replacement NOW, too!
You shouldn't have a problem finding the part.
Call local engine rebuilders, too! They should have LOTS lying around.
MAKE SURE you get the correct one AND also buy a balancer repair sleeve for your balancer. THAT WILL HELP remove a CHANCE of oil seepage outta front timing cover.
PS It'll still leak & ya really should do the timing chain replacement NOW, too!
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Wa
Car: 85 Firebird
Engine: 2.8
Transmission: T5
Have you tried NAPA? I think that they are about 60$ at NAPA. Make sure and rent or buy the tool to pull it off nad install it. I almost had to buy a new crank and who wants to beat on a new balancer with a hammer?
Member

Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 229
Likes: 0
From: Cheyenne, WY
Car: '89 Camaro RS
Engine: LB8 V6 MFI
Transmission: T-5 5-speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42:1
Originally posted by Driberif85
I almost had to buy a new crank and who wants to beat on a new balancer with a hammer?
I almost had to buy a new crank and who wants to beat on a new balancer with a hammer?
If you've got a gear puller/steering wheel puller available to take the harmonic balancer off... that's all you need for the job.
TAP (NOT beat) the balancer back on w/ a rubber mallet and block of wood. I've been putting engines together for many years and haven't damaged one of them yet w/ this method.
Supreme Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 0
From: UCIrvine or SFV, CA
Car: 1999 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: LS1 - 346 ci
Transmission: 4L60E
When you do get the balancer, from wherever you get it, stop by Autozone and BORROW their Harmonic Balancer Installer and their Harmonic Balancer Puller. All you gotta do is leave a deposit which will be returned to you when you return the tools. Made my timing chain job so EASY, especially when I realized I forgot to put RTV sealant on the bottom of the chain cover, requiring me to remove the balancer again to seal the cover.
Trending Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
monte87cortez
Transmissions and Drivetrain
2
Sep 26, 2015 08:10 PM
roysatikas
Transmissions and Drivetrain
0
Sep 22, 2015 08:15 PM





