How long does a crankshaft harmonic balancer last?
The crankshaft harmonic balancer is also known as the crankshaft pulley damper. It is connected to the engine crankshaft and reduces vibrations coming from your engine. In addition, it serves as a pulley for drive belts. Without a crankshaft harmonic balancer, your car would not run smoothly and would have constant problems, including trouble starting. There are two elements of the crankshaft harmonic balancer. They include an energy and mass dissipating element. Together they work to balance and get rid of engine vibrations.
Every time the cylinders in an engine ignite, torque is applied to the crankshaft. At certain speeds, the torque is synchronized with the cylinders, which creates resonance. This resonance causes too much stress on the crankshaft. If this stress continues, the crankshaft will break and your vehicle will become inoperable. To balance vibrations and resonance, the mass element resists the acceleration of vibrations, and the energy element absorbs them.
Over time, the crankshaft harmonic balancer can fail due to constant exposure to chemicals, the elements, or old age. If this happens, the crankshaft can crack and eventually fail. As soon as you notice any signs that your crankshaft harmonic balancer is failing, it is important to have the damaged crankshaft harmonic balancer replaced by a professional mechanic right away. Ignoring this problem will only make it worse and lead to an overhaul.
Since this part can wear out over time, it is important to recognize the symptoms so that the crankshaft harmonic balancer can be replaced before problems escalate.
Signs that your crankshaft harmonic balancer needs to be replaced include:
- The engine is loud and you feel vibrations coming from your engine.
- The pulley belt can slip causing your vehicle to kickback or misfire.
- The moment of ignition of the car will be turned off
- Car won't start at all
It is important to replace your balancer as soon as you notice a problem, otherwise other parts of your vehicle may be damaged and your vehicle will become inoperable.
