Due for a harmonic balancer replacement? Leave it to the expert team at mycar

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Your car has started giving a little more shake and rattle to its roll, sending shudders up from the engine bay and rumbling like a diesel truck. Maybe you haven’t given much thought to your car’s harmonic balancer before, but now it’s time to get in touch with your local mycar mechanic and have it looked at.

Chances are, the balancer has worn out or become damaged and is due to be replaced. When you book in with mycar, we’ll get the problem sorted out in no time and have you driving smoothly once again.

Book your harmonic balancer replacement

Contact your local expert Call 13 13 28

When your harmonic balancer starts to fail, mycar is here to help

Replacing a faulty harmonic balancer not only makes for a more comfortable ride, it is necessary for protecting the engine and the crankshaft. If you have noticed shaking and shuddering, unusual or excessive noise, call your local mycar shop. We’ll talk through what’s been going on and make a preliminary assessment that will help us make a jumpstart on the diagnostic process. From there, we’ll work out a time that suits you to bring the car in and get to work making a thorough inspection. If the harmonic balancer has become worn or damaged, a qualified mechanic will remove it and install a quality replacement.

What does a harmonic balancer replacement cost?

Replacing a harmonic balancer will typically set you back about $200- $2000, depending on factors such as the make and model of your vehicle and the type of part required. Talk to your mechanic before work begins to get an upfront quote.

At mycar, we understand that car repairs can put extra pressure on your finances, so we’ve made it easier to manage things your way. Cover the bill upfront with Zip Pay or Afterpay, then make smaller repayments over time.

The ins and outs of harmonic balancer repair

Replacing a harmonic balancer is a bit of an involved process that can take a number of hours. To start, your mechanic will loosen off the tensioner bolts that hold the accessory belts on, and remove the drive belt. The centre bolt is detached from the harmonic balancer, and a pulley is used to pull the balancer off the crankshaft. From there, a new harmonic balancer can be fitted, the centre bolt replaced, and the belts and tensioner bolts returned to the correct settings. Once everything is put back together, your mechanic will perform a test drive to ensure everything is working smoothly.

What are the symptoms of a bad harmonic balancer?

Harmonic balancer problems will usually be noticed first as an increase in vibration from the engine. Other signs and symptoms to watch out for include:

A knocking, rattling or squeaking sound that worsens when you accelerate
Check engine light on
Engine failure
Harmonic balancer is visibly damaged, separated or missing altogether
Timing marks are out of alignment

Harmonic Balancer Q&A

Can a car run without a harmonic balancer?

A car can’t run properly without the harmonic balancer, and you may have trouble turning on your car if the harmonic balancer is broken. As it typically also runs accessories such as the water pump, driving without a functional harmonic balancer can lead to serious engine damage and breakdown.

What happens when a harmonic balancer fails?

If the harmonic balancer fails, it won’t absorb harmonic vibrations and as a result, your engine will shake. Because the car’s accessories are connected via belts to the harmonic balancer, if the balancer breaks down, then the accessories can also stop working. These can include power steering, water pump, air conditioning and the alternator. It will also cause the crankshaft to shake hard enough to damage the crankshaft itself and the engine bearings.