Thanks so much for the thorough video. Filming while wrenching is certainly not easy, so it’s greatly appreciated!! I’m currently installing the A&A kit on my 02, using your videos as a guide :) would love to see your links for torque spec sources!
Wow! As always the expert makes it look easy. I think I could do this with the right tools and a lot of weekends. I don't know if I want to spend those weekends. LOL. I appreciate you sharing this information with us. It's making C5 ownership look a lot less painful.
Every mechanic MUST use a Torque wrench, I know quite a few guys that make sure they have a NASCAR sized tool chest, but they are missing what in my opinion is one of the ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE tools. Thanks for another fantastic video.
Thanks for the comment! I agree - especially when you fully understand how bolts work (the proper stretch) and especially if you pulled some threads out like I did when I was a youngster. I was always stripping bolts on my bike as a 10 year old..
Definitely the best tutoring Vid I’ve come across on the Net. Well done, super clear with very helpful , cautionary tips. I will honestly say , after watching these 3 parts I’m actually looking forward instead of dreading doing this job. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lift, but I’l make due . Thanks , from above the 49th parallel !
If you're using Jack stands, build yourself a sturdy box to stand on so if you need to go up top to reach something you can do so. As you're doing this job you're mostly on the bottom but you're up top a lot to doing things so that's dirty box would come in handy. Good luck!
Your videos were outstanding. We bought a 1999 Corvette as a project car in December and invested in a QuickJack and tools to repair the car. The first major thing we did was replace the harmonic balancer and although our car was slightly different under the hood we could not have done the job without your detailed videos. Thanks so very much!!!
Probably one of the most In Depth how-to videos I've ever watched. Spectacular and absolutely informative. Thank you so much! This one goes in the archives!!! I'm sharing!!
I appreciate that, I have some plans in the works to add another Corvette to the fleet. I just have to find the right one, and maybe get past this pandemic pricing craze!! Thank you for the comment, knowing that people enjoy the videos are the main motivation!
Ha, ha . Finally one I got finished before I saw your job & am I glad it's over ! 69,000 miles I knew not to buy another stock GM Balencer I bought & installed a powerbond ( I didn't pin it) waiting for a comment on that
Thank you for a superb video, absolutely 2 thumbs up. I just finished installing my harmonic balancer. Just a few things that I found helpful… I used a 3 foot extension on my breaker bar but could not budge the crankshaft bolt, I heated the bolt with a butane torch for 3 minutes (I timed it) and the bolt moved without effort. When installing the fan shroud, it helped to tie off the hose on the driver’s side to the frame. It made just enough extra room. - Alley Oop
another presentation singularly outstanding in the category, congratulations on the high quality instructional work. I suspect a lot of people overlook the harmonic part of the balancer name, and expect to replace it as one would with most parts, if it matches the looks and fitment of the old part, it is correct, overlooking that it is tuned to quell destructive vibrations only on a stock engine. Harmonic vibrations are the reason solders walk and don't march across bridges. perhaps you have seen automobile bridges fail when wind caused normal vibrations to stack up in harmony, destroying a suspension bridge designed before such effects were designed against. You start running consistently outside of what expected use GM tuned the balancer for, or, more commonly, install aftermarket parts that move the engine vibrational frequency outside of the original destructive frequencies dampened by the stock part , and you can expect parts to break, with the balancer going first, since it is designed to get vibrated in oppositional sympathy with the engine, and it no longer does. with a damper tuned to the incorrect frequency, probably the main bearings will fail first, if the damper doesn't self destruct. Very much like spark plugs, where if you start changing things around, you might need a new part that looks the same, but functions differently. only people don't fault the original specified spark plugs like they do with a damper that self destructs because it is now seeing conditions it was not designed for. these dampers are not one size fits all. Although they look the same, they are tuned to dampen specific frequency ranges, which are stamped on the part.. I suspect a lot of people finding fault with the stock balancer are just following the lead of other people who also didn't understand that fitting this part requires an understanding of the specific destructive harmonic vibrations of the application, which are implied as correct only with a stock part controlling stock vibrations. I have read posts where extensive engine work was done, and the new damper was selected essentially by looks, picked only because it had an extra groove, in case they wanted to install a wider belt to run a supercharger later on.
Think about this for a minute. A lot of folks when upgrading their clutch switch to a lightweight flywheel. How much harder do you think that makes the harmonic balancer work! Someone out there (not me) could probably use math to come up with the answer. I will just go with "significantly"! Happy 4th!
Definitely a helpful series of videos, as I would imagine that just about every C5 owner is going to experience this issue at some point. I still have some inspecting to do under hood, but the chirping sound is very similar to what I've heard on various videos via TH-cam, and there is a slight wobble to the damper, which I've heard is normal, but I'm not taking any risks here. The car only has 49k or so miles, but it's still 25 years old. I plan on driving this car a lot and for many years to come, so I want to know that I can jump in and drive across the country if I want to and it will be unlikely that I have any problems. I know that this car is extremely reliable and the few issues they do have aren't particularly major- as long as you don't let them get to the point where they can do serious damage.
I haven't checked my balancer yet but plan to sometime next year when I retire. I don't want to devote down time for fixing my 03. I plan to use your video to change it out if I need one. Right now I'm guessing I have the stock balancer on it. I do have a two post lift so no problem there. However, the one change I would make is I would use anti-seize instead of oil as I use this on my lug nuts every time I swap out brake pads which is frequent since I run on the road course. Also, pull the rotor off and coat the inside of the rotor with anti-seize because that rotor will seize up, too. And it's a PITA when the rotor is seized up and your trying to install new rotors. Excellent video and keep up the good tech info as 23K subscribers follow you for a reason. T
Thank you for the great series on the harmonic balancer. Very detailed informations and lots of very good view shots. This will be helpfull. You did a great job, both on the Corvette and the videos.
Yep...when the tensioner sounds strange then it is time for a replacement. The bearings get a lot of sideways force on them from the wheel itself flexing..Along with the vibration dampening it does, which also wears out the bearing. This series reminds me why i don't miss being a mechanic LOL
Even amongst different years of factory gm service manuals there are discrepancies. I've gone away from providing specs - it just brings too many questions.
Makes sense. Just bought a 2001 Z06 and I’m about to replace everything except the block. I’m currently scouring the internet for as much information as possible. I appreciate guys like you taking the time to share DIY videos.
Great video! As always, extremely clear & informative. We are moving South, from the Northeast in 2 years, one of the factors that will determine what house we buy, will be a garage that I can put a lift in..no two ways about it .
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us!! I learned some valuable information from watching all 3 harmonic balancer videos. I "liked" all 3 videos and "subscribed" to your channel. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. I can only imagine how much time and energy you put into making these. But trust me, your time and hard work is greatly appreciated!!! 😁👍👍💯💯💯
After one failed balancer ....putting a stock new one back on would be kinda lunacy....personally a fluidampner is a great choice ! When I removed my balancer ...to clean the crank threads I used a tap from Balax...they make the best taps in the business and it works great in making sure those threads are ready for the ARP bolt I also would have sent the rack out to Turn One for a reseal....hate doing a job twice once you find PS fluid leaking a month later...
Agree that using a GM balancer is not a good idea. Power bonds have a fabulous reputation, even under the duress of supercharging. Power steering has a minor leak. Discuss with the owner and he decided to keep the stock one in there. Sometimes new isn't always better, and my 30 years of wrenching I've seen plenty of brand new parts fail, so it's not a high percentage but it happens.
By far one of the best instructional videos! It walked me through replacing the HB and waterpump without an issue on my 01. I do have an issue I am dealing with in regard to burping the coolant system. Could you share the process you used on this vehicle? Did you actually have to burp the system? Thank you!
Thanks for the very informative 3-part tutorial! This is priceless for someone wanting to tackle this job by themselves. What type of lift are you using? Where did you get it?
I enjoyed this series. Im not a corvette owner, yet. I do have a 10 sec mustang. someday, when the market cools off...... I like these c5's.....but the C6 is also cool....adv/dis... nice job on this vid....im sure you saved a few a$$es out here...lol
Hi... love your videos, thank you! I have an 05 Base C6 speed manual with 50k miles and have been following the slow demise of my harmonic balancer. Sigh... it is time. How has your aftermarket HB been holding up? Since I do not have a lift, I will be doing this on the garage floor, car on jacks etc. Any other top tips you can mention at this time? I do have a decent selection of tools but will be adding a few more tools thanks to your tool list to perform the work!
My balancers holding up just fine so far. Biggest tip would be put it up high in jack stands and then also have like a box that's very sturdy that you can stand on when you need to go up top to do something. Good luck to you, take your time!!
I have a MaxJax. Been using in for 6-7 years and love it. It was much cheaper when I purchased it but it has worked so well in my small home shop! Here is a video I did about how it works and how easy it is to move if needed. Thanks for the comment! th-cam.com/video/xYeAJXJGt28/w-d-xo.html
I know it’s been a couple of years, but did you drive the Z06 and how did it compare to the base model in handling, squeaks and rattles, power and gearing? I have a Z but have never driven a base model. Thank you for your excellent videos! When it comes to time for a balancer change, I’ll look up your 3 part series. 😀
I did not put it through its paces. He sold the car so I may have to find a Z to do some testing with - but we all know the Z is a bit more capable against an un-modified non-Z C5.
Very nice. I dig how thorough you are. Where are you located? I'm looking to buy a C5 and it'll likely need a harmonic balancer as it's entirely stock.
@@Toys4Life West coast! Well probably a bit far too get your help! You're clearly very knowledgeable though and definitely thorough. Don't ever change!
After watching the videos, it seems that the only thing making the harmonic balancer wobble is that it is worn out? I figured there would be a bushing inside of it or something that was worn out. How does the harmonic balancer wear out in a way that causes it to wobble?
My only concern is when you did the final torque, you only allowed it to click once, a real mechanic clicks twice lol. I'm kidding...great tutorial man.
Just gather all the correct tools and make it so you don't need to finish it in one day, chip away at it over a few days and it's not so bad. Good luck sir!
I’m going to use an aftermarket balancer the c2501 from summit to be specific and I’m wondering if pinning the balancer is actually necessary? As I wouldn’t like to spend another 80 bucks on a pin kit, I plan to keep the car n/a, and thanks for the informative videos!
The C5 did not come with a pinned harmonic balancer. If you're staying naturally aspirated and you don't do a ton of performance high RPM driving, odds are you'll be okay.
@@Toys4Life regarding the arp bolt torque spec, so to what I understand after the balancer is seated from torquing the stock bolt to 240 you then torque the arp bolt on to 37 ft lbs and then torque it an additional 140 degrees? Is that how it goes? If so do you know what the final torque spec is for the arp bolt after it’s been added that additional 140 degree? Just don’t wanna get this wrong and have to redo the job lol
@Toys4Life C5 hey i have a wobble and a loud chirp and i obviously dont want what comes next, so i ordered everything i need but i live on an air force base (jet engine mechanic) and i can rent a lift for 7 hours but after those 7 hours i have to have my car rolling and off the lift, no exceptions. Is it possible that i can do this job in that time, i am pretty good at wrenching in tight spots being a jet engine mechanic but idk. What do you think?
If you study every step ahead of time so you're fired up and have all of the tools ready - and you don't run into any hiccups, I'm sure it's possible but probably not likely. Could you roll it out on a floor jack if you had to? Obviously the front wheels won't be connected to a steering rack if you're not quite done.
@@Toys4Life yeah thats what im worried about but and i dont think so and the storage fee is 45 bucks a day there and it will be there for a week if i dont finish, but i do know ever step and my car is low mile garage kept so shouldn't have any trouble getting bolts off
If you're putting your old one back on, that would be a good idea in the off chance GM has done some minor hot balancing to your harmonic balancer -which is rare sometimes with manual transmissions cars.
I am a 44 year certified tech. In my experience a harmonic balancer is balanced to the engine using weights so as to minimize engine vibration due to imbalance. This is why a keyway and woodruff key are used to position the pulley and so it cannot move on the crankshaft. So I surmise that this isn't really a balancer I am installing on this 'Vette but just a pulley..
@denniscolligan6541 You should have led with that, I would have gave you more information. correct more accurately it is a vibration dampener not a balancer although there was a hot balance procedure done to some manual transmission cars to bring them to a finer state of balance due to the tenancy of the shafts inside the torque tube to cause a resonance that was objectionable to some. The more material weights would have been added to points on the flywheel if hot balancing was needed in that scenario. There were some smaller weights at times added to the balancer as well which I guess technically would make it externally balanced but that confuses the hell out of people
im having a major issue. i replaced the balancer because the serpentine belt walks off a tooth or 2. i replaced the intenser and the idler pulley and new belts. belt still does the same thing. i even replaced the alternator. since i have the clutch type alternator. because my car is automatic. what else can i check?
www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-forced-induction-nitrous/2154113-pulley-alignment-tutorial.html look for a pulley alignment laser. See if something's not lined up correctly.
I don't know - tons of added time to do the video part. Plus, since I have a day job - I always do these things 2-3 hours at a crack and at my own pace ...
I was just wondering if you would be interested in putting another AA supercharger on a Corvette in the future your work is phenomenal! I have learned so much from you! Appreciate all the videos!
How long did you have to wait for the ARP harmonic balancer bolt to arrive? I ordered ARP rocker arm stud kit for my 99 C-5 June 26 still haven't received it. They keep pushing the the shipping date out further, now it's 10/1... anyone else have this problem ?
Hey @toys4life c5. Love the videos by the way. Going to be doing a BTR stage 3 cam and getting some Texas speed long tubes. I'm guessing that you would recommend hitting my harmonic balancer while I've got it that pulled apart yeah?
If you're not sure of if and when your harmonic balancer was replaced then yes. If it was replaced with an ACDelco one, then I would as well. Sounds like some fun mods, love the sound of a cammed C5 with headers!
@@Toys4Life I am 99% sure it's stock. Car has 70k miles on it and before I got it wasn't driven in about 5 years. Ive replaced all of the belts and pulleys otherwise including the water pump and ac compressor, but the alternator and HB are stock. I figured I probably should hit it while I have the car that much apart anyways.
Why in the world did you replace that pulley with the stock factory unit? You're going to go through all that work and only put back on a piece of garbage harmonic balancer that's going to give the same problem down the road
Thanks so much for the thorough video. Filming while wrenching is certainly not easy, so it’s greatly appreciated!! I’m currently installing the A&A kit on my 02, using your videos as a guide :) would love to see your links for torque spec sources!
ADDED NOW to the description - thanks for the reminder!!!
@@Toys4LifeI can’t see to find the links in the description, were they removed?
Posting those torque spec resources earns an immediate thumbs up. Informative and helpful vid as well. Appreciate it!!
Thank you sir!!
Can’t thank you enough for these 3 part videos. Really helped me take the job step by step. Still haven’t started the car 😬 but here’s to hoping.
Wow! As always the expert makes it look easy.
I think I could do this with the right tools and a lot of weekends. I don't know if I want to spend those weekends. LOL.
I appreciate you sharing this information with us. It's making C5 ownership look a lot less painful.
Every mechanic MUST use a Torque wrench, I know quite a few guys that make sure they have a NASCAR sized tool chest, but they are missing what in my opinion is one of the ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE tools.
Thanks for another fantastic video.
Thanks for the comment! I agree - especially when you fully understand how bolts work (the proper stretch) and especially if you pulled some threads out like I did when I was a youngster. I was always stripping bolts on my bike as a 10 year old..
@@Toys4Life me2
The decal I got looks great on the C5 I'll have to send you one 😉
@@radioflitercairplanes1715 Glad to hear it, and please do! Send me a pic if you wouldn't mind! Thank you.
Definitely the best tutoring Vid I’ve come across on the Net.
Well done, super clear with very helpful , cautionary tips.
I will honestly say , after watching these 3 parts I’m actually looking forward instead of dreading doing this job.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a lift, but I’l make due .
Thanks , from above the 49th parallel !
If you're using Jack stands, build yourself a sturdy box to stand on so if you need to go up top to reach something you can do so. As you're doing this job you're mostly on the bottom but you're up top a lot to doing things so that's dirty box would come in handy. Good luck!
Your videos were outstanding. We bought a 1999 Corvette as a project car in December and invested in a QuickJack and tools to repair the car. The first major thing we did was replace the harmonic balancer and although our car was slightly different under the hood we could not have done the job without your detailed videos. Thanks so very much!!!
Glad this helped and thanks for coming back to let me know- much appreciated!!
Probably one of the most In
Depth how-to videos I've ever watched. Spectacular and absolutely informative. Thank you so much! This one goes in the archives!!! I'm sharing!!
Oh hell yeah, thanks for the comment I appreciate it!
I wish you would have bought this car or another z06 like this to bring back to life as I been enjoying this series 👍
I appreciate that, I have some plans in the works to add another Corvette to the fleet. I just have to find the right one, and maybe get past this pandemic pricing craze!! Thank you for the comment, knowing that people enjoy the videos are the main motivation!
Ha, ha . Finally one I got finished before I saw your job & am I glad it's over ! 69,000 miles I knew not to buy another stock GM Balencer I bought & installed a powerbond ( I didn't pin it) waiting for a comment on that
I think it'll be fine, as long as you don't supercharge it and you tighten the bolt correctly!
Thank you for a superb video, absolutely 2 thumbs up. I just finished installing my harmonic balancer. Just a few things that I found helpful… I used a 3 foot extension on my breaker bar but could not budge the crankshaft bolt, I heated the bolt with a butane torch for 3 minutes (I timed it) and the bolt moved without effort. When installing the fan shroud, it helped to tie off the hose on the driver’s side to the frame. It made just enough extra room. - Alley Oop
Good info. Did you notice when the bolt came out, did it appear to have red loctite on it ? Glad you liked the vid - thanks for commenting!
another presentation singularly outstanding in the category, congratulations on the high quality instructional work.
I suspect a lot of people overlook the harmonic part of the balancer name, and expect to replace it as one would with most parts, if it matches the looks and fitment of the old part, it is correct, overlooking that it is tuned to quell destructive vibrations only on a stock engine. Harmonic vibrations are the reason solders walk and don't march across bridges. perhaps you have seen automobile bridges fail when wind caused normal vibrations to stack up in harmony, destroying a suspension bridge designed before such effects were designed against.
You start running consistently outside of what expected use GM tuned the balancer for, or, more commonly, install aftermarket parts that move the engine vibrational frequency outside of the original destructive frequencies dampened by the stock part , and you can expect parts to break, with the balancer going first, since it is designed to get vibrated in oppositional sympathy with the engine, and it no longer does. with a damper tuned to the incorrect frequency, probably the main bearings will fail first, if the damper doesn't self destruct.
Very much like spark plugs, where if you start changing things around, you might need a new part that looks the same, but functions differently. only people don't fault the original specified spark plugs like they do with a damper that self destructs because it is now seeing conditions it was not designed for. these dampers are not one size fits all. Although they look the same, they are tuned to dampen specific frequency ranges, which are stamped on the part.. I suspect a lot of people finding fault with the stock balancer are just following the lead of other people who also didn't understand that fitting this part requires an understanding of the specific destructive harmonic vibrations of the application, which are implied as correct only with a stock part controlling stock vibrations. I have read posts where extensive engine work was done, and the new damper was selected essentially by looks, picked only because it had an extra groove, in case they wanted to install a wider belt to run a supercharger later on.
Think about this for a minute. A lot of folks when upgrading their clutch switch to a lightweight flywheel. How much harder do you think that makes the harmonic balancer work! Someone out there (not me) could probably use math to come up with the answer. I will just go with "significantly"! Happy 4th!
Definitely a helpful series of videos, as I would imagine that just about every C5 owner is going to experience this issue at some point. I still have some inspecting to do under hood, but the chirping sound is very similar to what I've heard on various videos via TH-cam, and there is a slight wobble to the damper, which I've heard is normal, but I'm not taking any risks here. The car only has 49k or so miles, but it's still 25 years old. I plan on driving this car a lot and for many years to come, so I want to know that I can jump in and drive across the country if I want to and it will be unlikely that I have any problems. I know that this car is extremely reliable and the few issues they do have aren't particularly major- as long as you don't let them get to the point where they can do serious damage.
Right on!
I haven't checked my balancer yet but plan to sometime next year when I retire. I don't want to devote down time for fixing my 03. I plan to use your video to change it out if I need one. Right now I'm guessing I have the stock balancer on it. I do have a two post lift so no problem there. However, the one change I would make is I would use anti-seize instead of oil as I use this on my lug nuts every time I swap out brake pads which is frequent since I run on the road course. Also, pull the rotor off and coat the inside of the rotor with anti-seize because that rotor will seize up, too. And it's a PITA when the rotor is seized up and your trying to install new rotors. Excellent video and keep up the good tech info as 23K subscribers follow you for a reason. T
Thank you for the great series on the harmonic balancer. Very detailed informations and lots of very good view shots. This will be helpfull.
You did a great job, both on the Corvette and the videos.
Great series, I’m feeling confident for this job now
ARP is the way to go, lots of work to get that done. Thanks for sharing.
Great video as usual. Not sure I'd try the job myself, but it's good to know the proper way it should be done. Thanks.
Thank you sir appreciate the comment!
Yep...when the tensioner sounds strange then it is time for a replacement. The bearings get a lot of sideways force on them from the wheel itself flexing..Along with the vibration dampening it does, which also wears out the bearing. This series reminds me why i don't miss being a mechanic LOL
Indeed!
Awesome series of videos. Nice to see someone who has pride in their work. Meanwhile still not sure if I want a C5 Z06 or coupe. Keep up the videos.
Glad you like them! Decisions, Decisions!!!
Another EPIC and essential video to save for future reference (hopefully for a friend and not my 99). Well done brother!!
Thank you, appreciate the positive feedback sir!
You are a great teacher!
Thank you! 😃
I like this video. Why not provide the torque specs?
Even amongst different years of factory gm service manuals there are discrepancies. I've gone away from providing specs - it just brings too many questions.
Makes sense. Just bought a 2001 Z06 and I’m about to replace everything except the block. I’m currently scouring the internet for as much information as possible. I appreciate guys like you taking the time to share DIY videos.
Just finished installing mine and test drove it. Discovered a transmission leak as well... Onto clutch next!
One down, one to go?
Great video! As always, extremely clear & informative. We are moving South, from the Northeast in 2 years, one of the factors that will determine what house we buy, will be a garage that I can put a lift in..no two ways about it .
Nice, a guy has to have his requirements!
Ebony and ivory living in perfect harmony.
Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge with us!! I learned some valuable information from watching all 3 harmonic balancer videos. I "liked" all 3 videos and "subscribed" to your channel. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. I can only imagine how much time and energy you put into making these. But trust me, your time and hard work is greatly appreciated!!! 😁👍👍💯💯💯
Thanks for the kind words - I'm glad you find them useful!
Another great detailed video. Keep up the good work.
Thank you, I appreciate that!!
After one failed balancer ....putting a stock new one back on would be kinda lunacy....personally a fluidampner is a great choice ! When I removed my balancer ...to clean the crank threads I used a tap from Balax...they make the best taps in the business and it works great in making sure those threads are ready for the ARP bolt
I also would have sent the rack out to Turn One for a reseal....hate doing a job twice once you find PS fluid leaking a month later...
Agree that using a GM balancer is not a good idea. Power bonds have a fabulous reputation, even under the duress of supercharging. Power steering has a minor leak. Discuss with the owner and he decided to keep the stock one in there. Sometimes new isn't always better, and my 30 years of wrenching I've seen plenty of brand new parts fail, so it's not a high percentage but it happens.
By far one of the best instructional videos! It walked me through replacing the HB and waterpump without an issue on my 01. I do have an issue I am dealing with in regard to burping the coolant system. Could you share the process you used on this vehicle? Did you actually have to burp the system? Thank you!
Dang it T4L! You are coercing me to change out my balancer on my C6 GS.
Test it first - if it is not wobbling or slipping - leave it be. th-cam.com/video/IrXbaPC797k/w-d-xo.html
would of been great to have videod the balancer removal and installing it.
I thought I had footage of that... sorry.
Thanks for the very informative 3-part tutorial! This is priceless for someone wanting to tackle this job by themselves. What type of lift are you using? Where did you get it?
Thank you, it's a Max Jack's lift, there's a review video on my channel if you're interested in more information. I can't live without it!
Thank you for this!
My pleasure!
I enjoyed this series.
Im not a corvette owner, yet.
I do have a 10 sec mustang.
someday, when the market cools off......
I like these c5's.....but the C6 is also cool....adv/dis...
nice job on this vid....im sure you saved a few a$$es out here...lol
Thank you sir!
Great tutorial!
Thank you!
Great Video wish you were closer to me 😊
Hi... love your videos, thank you!
I have an 05 Base C6 speed manual with 50k miles and have been following the slow demise of my harmonic balancer. Sigh... it is time.
How has your aftermarket HB been holding up?
Since I do not have a lift, I will be doing this on the garage floor, car on jacks etc. Any other top tips you can mention at this time?
I do have a decent selection of tools but will be adding a few more tools thanks to your tool list to perform the work!
My balancers holding up just fine so far. Biggest tip would be put it up high in jack stands and then also have like a box that's very sturdy that you can stand on when you need to go up top to do something. Good luck to you, take your time!!
Thanks for your videos. Hands down the best way to learn. What kind of lift are you using ?
I have a MaxJax. Been using in for 6-7 years and love it. It was much cheaper when I purchased it but it has worked so well in my small home shop! Here is a video I did about how it works and how easy it is to move if needed. Thanks for the comment! th-cam.com/video/xYeAJXJGt28/w-d-xo.html
Great Video! Would the harmonic balancer wrench that you used to keep the crank from spinning work with an automatic as well?
Yes sir!
Great tutorial.
Thank you!
I know it’s been a couple of years, but did you drive the Z06 and how did it compare to the base model in handling, squeaks and rattles, power and gearing? I have a Z but have never driven a base model. Thank you for your excellent videos! When it comes to time for a balancer change, I’ll look up your 3 part series. 😀
I did not put it through its paces. He sold the car so I may have to find a Z to do some testing with - but we all know the Z is a bit more capable against an un-modified non-Z C5.
Great video.any recommendations on a decent tongue wrench that won't break the bank
I recently bought a decent one from Lowe's that I like. It's big enough to do the harmonic balancer, it's silver and blue anodized I believe.
Yea a torque wrench is imperative. Most notably on the transmission case where a tapered plug could split the aluminum case by over tightening😅
Excellent video.
Glad you found it of value!
Thanks for the video very detailed and clean how much you charge
HMMM, what city do you live in?
Solid instruction
Thank you!
Very nice. I dig how thorough you are. Where are you located? I'm looking to buy a C5 and it'll likely need a harmonic balancer as it's entirely stock.
I'm in the midwest, where are you?
@@Toys4Life West coast! Well probably a bit far too get your help! You're clearly very knowledgeable though and definitely thorough. Don't ever change!
I appreciate that sir!!
Is your shop in the Omaha area ?
thank you
After watching the videos, it seems that the only thing making the harmonic balancer wobble is that it is worn out? I figured there would be a bushing inside of it or something that was worn out. How does the harmonic balancer wear out in a way that causes it to wobble?
The outer metal ring is bonded to the inner hub with rubber, when that rubber bond fails the outer ring starts to wobble as it slips.
My only concern is when you did the final torque, you only allowed it to click once, a real mechanic clicks twice lol. I'm kidding...great tutorial man.
Actually, I went and had a protein shake, and I came back and clicked it one more time 🤣
Greate Detail. Wonder if you know of a good show in Central Illinois?
Sorry sir, I do not. If you go on Corvette forum.com and ask under the C5 general tab, somebody will absolutely know of a few!
What brand was the balancer? Where do you get the balancer install tool? Superb video. Thanks for making it.
Powerbond. Available at summit - Best bang for the buck IMO and will hold up much better than original.
Awesome video my friend
Awesome comment sir, thank you!
@@Toys4Life I’m
about to experience having to do that on an 05 c6 soon. Dread 😰 😂
Just gather all the correct tools and make it so you don't need to finish it in one day, chip away at it over a few days and it's not so bad. Good luck sir!
@@Toys4Life I will try that my friend and thanks for the advice.
I’m going to use an aftermarket balancer the c2501 from summit to be specific and I’m wondering if pinning the balancer is actually necessary? As I wouldn’t like to spend another 80 bucks on a pin kit, I plan to keep the car n/a, and thanks for the informative videos!
The C5 did not come with a pinned harmonic balancer. If you're staying naturally aspirated and you don't do a ton of performance high RPM driving, odds are you'll be okay.
@@Toys4Life regarding the arp bolt torque spec, so to what I understand after the balancer is seated from torquing the stock bolt to 240 you then torque the arp bolt on to 37 ft lbs and then torque it an additional 140 degrees? Is that how it goes? If so do you know what the final torque spec is for the arp bolt after it’s been added that additional 140 degree? Just don’t wanna get this wrong and have to redo the job lol
If you're crankshaft is in perfect condition, I would just go with the GM bolt. They work well and they're cheap.
Question… Did you end up pinning the balancer with the new ARP bolt? Thanks for the help
Yes.
Great job , I'm subbed 👍. Question... what are my options if I took the old c5 balancer off without marking its location on the crank?
Manual or Auto car?
@Toys4Life C5 it was originally automatic. It's a 99 c5 donor engine for a ls swap .
In that case I wouldn't even worry about it for a second.
@Toys4Life C5 thank you, sir!!
do you have to use a torque angle gauge for the ball joint
For the tie rod end absolutely.
Dose the harmonic balancer have to be installed in a certain place on the crank shaft .???
No.
Super Vid!!! Thanks!!!
Thanks for the thanks!
do you have to get the car tuned after you get it back together
No sir.
If I don't pin the HB can i use that holder tool, or do I have to remove the starter and hold the flywheel?
The pinning has no effect on which tool you use to hold the crank/harmonic balancer assembly while tightening the bolt or loosening it.
@@Toys4Life thank you!
@Toys4Life C5 hey i have a wobble and a loud chirp and i obviously dont want what comes next, so i ordered everything i need but i live on an air force base (jet engine mechanic) and i can rent a lift for 7 hours but after those 7 hours i have to have my car rolling and off the lift, no exceptions. Is it possible that i can do this job in that time, i am pretty good at wrenching in tight spots being a jet engine mechanic but idk. What do you think?
If you study every step ahead of time so you're fired up and have all of the tools ready - and you don't run into any hiccups, I'm sure it's possible but probably not likely. Could you roll it out on a floor jack if you had to? Obviously the front wheels won't be connected to a steering rack if you're not quite done.
@@Toys4Life yeah thats what im worried about but and i dont think so and the storage fee is 45 bucks a day there and it will be there for a week if i dont finish, but i do know ever step and my car is low mile garage kept so shouldn't have any trouble getting bolts off
Besides th waiting for parts what would be be good price estimate for this job if you have a shop do it?
$900 with no issues? Not sure - maybe others will chime in?
Awesomeness
Thank you !!
I did that replacement and at the time i had all set up a message came up. SERVICE VEHICLE SOON what can cause that?
There are many reasons it could be. Start here. th-cam.com/video/bwbnzEAkpYc/w-d-xo.html
You have not said anything about how the HB is lined up. Do you mark it and put it back where it was ?
If you're putting your old one back on, that would be a good idea in the off chance GM has done some minor hot balancing to your harmonic balancer -which is rare sometimes with manual transmissions cars.
So it doesn't matter how I put the new hb on it doesn't have to be lined up in the same position as the old one?
I am a 44 year certified tech. In my experience a harmonic balancer is balanced to the engine using weights so as to minimize engine vibration due to imbalance. This is why a keyway and woodruff key are used to position the pulley and so it cannot move on the crankshaft. So I surmise that this isn't really a balancer I am installing on this 'Vette but just a pulley..
@denniscolligan6541 You should have led with that, I would have gave you more information. correct more accurately it is a vibration dampener not a balancer although there was a hot balance procedure done to some manual transmission cars to bring them to a finer state of balance due to the tenancy of the shafts inside the torque tube to cause a resonance that was objectionable to some. The more material weights would have been added to points on the flywheel if hot balancing was needed in that scenario. There were some smaller weights at times added to the balancer as well which I guess technically would make it externally balanced but that confuses the hell out of people
Thanks very much. I feel confident I will complete the job and all will go smoothly.
Great video series! Can I ask what a lift like that runs?
I got it a few years back when it was like $2, 200. Wait till after covid if you're interested, right now they're kind of crazy priced
Great video, all you need is a dyno machine and your garage would be finished lol
Now that would PO my neighbors!!! Thanks for the comment sir!
What size socket for the ARP bolt?
I can't recall for sure - check with ARP to be 100% sure of the current bolt head size.
@@Toys4Life found it, it’s a 12 point 1 1/16 standard or a 27mm metric works to. Posting here for anyone else that might want to know
im having a major issue. i replaced the balancer because the serpentine belt walks off a tooth or 2. i replaced the intenser and the idler pulley and new belts. belt still does the same thing. i even replaced the alternator. since i have the clutch type alternator. because my car is automatic. what else can i check?
www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c5-forced-induction-nitrous/2154113-pulley-alignment-tutorial.html look for a pulley alignment laser. See if something's not lined up correctly.
@@Toys4Life turned out the previous owner when installing the new head, installed the alternator bracket croket.
thanks for your time!
@@moeelmunaier1640 Glad you figured it out!
I would like you to install my balancer because I believe it is done correctly
I appreciate that, if you're in Minnesota maybe we could work a deal?
Do you know of any Corvette mechanics in northern MN?
Sorry, I do not. You could go on the Corvette forum and ask the question, somebody lives up there and somebody knows??
Wish I had this vid 2 years ago... Paid 1000 bucks for the gm dealership to replace mine with another shitty gm balancer...
Yikes... 1,000 bucks isn't horrible, but putting on a factory balancer that isn't the most known for reliability is.
such a pain in the ass! how many hours did this take?
I don't know - tons of added time to do the video part. Plus, since I have a day job - I always do these things 2-3 hours at a crack and at my own pace ...
Where are you located
Mn, you?
@@Toys4Life Northern Illinois
I was just wondering if you would be interested in putting another AA supercharger on a Corvette in the future your work is phenomenal! I have learned so much from you! Appreciate all the videos!
How long did you have to wait for the ARP harmonic balancer bolt to arrive? I ordered ARP rocker arm stud kit for my 99 C-5 June 26 still haven't received it. They keep pushing the the shipping date out further, now it's 10/1... anyone else have this problem ?
It should have been two or three days, but the post office lost it. Summit hadn't in stock.
Hey @toys4life c5. Love the videos by the way. Going to be doing a BTR stage 3 cam and getting some Texas speed long tubes. I'm guessing that you would recommend hitting my harmonic balancer while I've got it that pulled apart yeah?
If you're not sure of if and when your harmonic balancer was replaced then yes. If it was replaced with an ACDelco one, then I would as well. Sounds like some fun mods, love the sound of a cammed C5 with headers!
@@Toys4Life I am 99% sure it's stock. Car has 70k miles on it and before I got it wasn't driven in about 5 years.
Ive replaced all of the belts and pulleys otherwise including the water pump and ac compressor, but the alternator and HB are stock.
I figured I probably should hit it while I have the car that much apart anyways.
@@stsyfrett Agreed!
Why in the world did you replace that pulley with the stock factory unit? You're going to go through all that work and only put back on a piece of garbage harmonic balancer that's going to give the same problem down the road
Where in the world did you get the idea that I used a GM replacement harmonic balancer.
thank you
Glad you liked them!