C5 Update: Harmonic Balancer

[@ivanchodelrancho1572]

Have a great day Chris

[@danielkinsler46]

Looks like an aftermarket underdrive balancer. The OE has openings that the tool hooks to to pull it off. Yours appears to have bolt holes to thread into to use when pulling it.

[@yungtooli]

yeah his isn’t original. it was probably changed out whenever a previous owner installed the cam

[@daveduckworth1800]

there is no visible rubber ring on the HB so definately not OEM.

[@jimharrow8104]

Change the front crankshaft seal... It's right there behind the balancer... You don't wanna do this twice... Trust me...

[@thefrostyvette876]

Where is the link to the Balancer, I see links to all of your socials, but nothing on the actual part.

[@jkoons]

This is a typical LS issue. I've had to do this in C5s and C6s. You made a good choice with the ATI. The harmonic balancer is actually used to absorb any vibration coming from the crankshaft. I've actually heard them called "dampeners" instead of harmonic balancers.

[@francismartin2427]

Pin it down ATI Super Damper🎉

[@KossSwe]

Hey Chris, the harmonic balancer on your car right now does not look like the original HB. So it has probably been replaced at some point already. I might be wrong but it looks different.

[@swissoutdoor777]

Yes I think also its not the OEM. It looks diffrent

[@dekesone1]

And the bolt shows rounding on the edges. It’s been pulled before

[@davef6105]

Use a new bolt, too. ARP makes a great one.

[@kidFixx]

Hi Chris loved your all videos and I noticed it that you always install quality parts in your car and help us easy to take decisions without investing time researching. Take care bro

[@davedavis775]

Two things can happen with the C5 harmonic balancer. If the rubber deteriorates the outer section can walk either forward towards the radiator or backwards to the front of the engine. The other issue is there is no key way on the crank. It's pressed on and this pressure is suppose to keep it from turning on the crank. You can get a kit to fix this issue and pin it so it won't spin on the crank. You should be able to find videos here on KZbin on pinning the balancer .

[@mycorvettelife]

I think the ladder is what happened.

[@TurbineDynamics]

I would pin it too chris..never telling when the boost monster will rear his head 🙂

[@jday1427]

Chris, good move! That job is no where’s as easy as it might look. It’s a tough job.

[@keithp115]

I suspect this will be your toughest project yet. Best of luck with this Chris!

[@muffinmonster2714]

Chris, with all your repair videos and ability to make the repairs, I am surprised you are not going to tackle this one! It is a big one, and I would also be hesitant in doing it myself!

[@mycorvettelife]

I’m tired of see this car in pieces. I’ve driven it less than 100 miles in the past year. I want it done.

[@cheesefries7436]

I just had mine swapped by the dealer; the new OEM one they put in is moving around again in less than a month. It's moving around worse the one they replaced. I'm definitely going with something like a super damper this time.

[@DeletedUserTommy]

how much was the replacement?

[@YoshiV819]

Got my ATI from Summit Racing, live about 30 mins from the Tallmadge, OH shop and warehouse. Good move on the ATI and the shop. Two professionals and 6 hours to get mine done along with the motor mounts and a couple other odds and ends that they threw in since the car was on the lift. A Rupes polishing kit with the Bigfoot Mini and all the pads and compounds lands here tomorrow and will be my next project along with ceramic coating and the rear roof bow weatherstrip which has been deteriorating along the thin rear edge...

[@Addimotive]

From all the stock LS1 balancers I’ve seen, that one doesn’t look like the OEM one, maybe it was replaced before you had the car? Once I get the front end of my car back together, that’ll be my next big project since mine has started getting the dreaded wobble, at only 56,000 miles too!

[@davef6105]

The old one looks like an underdrive aftermarket of unknown origin. Ask your shop to keep it and let you have it back so you can inspect on the bench. Did you consider Fluidamper? I'm getting one installed tomorrow. Job is way too involved for me. Good luck!

[@rab2826]

This is actually not difficult to do. It is just a little time consuming due to the amount of stripping down you have to do. Everything is reasonably easy to reach to strip down. You just need the right puller for the old balancer and a strong enough torque wrench for the crankshaft bolt.

[@Jv615]

Oh man I need to do this, but just gonna get a shop to do it

[@billyhouse1943]

Thank you..

[@microminiskirt]

SO IF THE DEALERSHIP DOES THE REPAIR WITH FACTORY BALANCER WHAT WOULD BE THE TOTAL COST FOR PARTS N LABOR?

[@red03vette]

the harmonic balancer/ dampener went out on our C5 a few years ago, just had it replaced at the dealer with a new one, no issues so far. but i kinda wish we went with the ATI. if it fails again that's exactly what we will do!

[@jamesrobbins3285]

hey Chris how much to have the harmonic balancer installed??

[@mycorvettelife]

About $750 labor

[@TurbineDynamics]

@@mycorvettelife actually for that money, I would sit back and enjoy a beer too.. but here in CT you multiply that cost x5 750.00 ide be all over it yesterday

[@davedavis775]

ATI makes great products. I worked just down the street from them. I ran one of their 9 " 3500 stall converters in my 77 Trans Am with a .060 , 69 Ram Air III , big cam and 4.10 gears. It stalled right on the money and the car saw lots of street time. They also were a head of the curve with their trans brake. Great company.

[@WORRO]

Ok your still on my Wizard list for Corvette fixes, almost happy that your sending that baby out for this fix. Fingers crossed for a chirp FIX this time my friend. Also I'd like to say you own one of the sweetest looking C5s I've seen! Thumbs-up video Brother ~John

[@mycorvettelife]

Thanks man! 👍

[@stephendibari5010]

THanks saved this for future use

[@chrishuffman6734]

Thanks for your videos. I've been saving up for a C6 Corvette Grand Sport for some time now. Your videos give me an idea of what I'm in for and what to do to make the proper repairs.

[@spearce133]

Looking forward to the install video on this. I've watched a few (just picked up an 09 C6 with 94k miles and I think that will be the first thing I'll need to have done.)

[@CorvetteReport]

Love the updates, Chris. So, keep us updated!

[@rogermeidl4856]

What was the cost to replace the harmonic balancer?

[@isidorodelgadillo6561]

Will the ATI harmonic balancer be pinned?

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes

[@OMEGATECH]

Chris I heard the same thing that ATI is the go-to harmonic balancer and probably a good idea to have a performance shop like that do the work that you have in mind👍

[@Jimmerca]

Chris please let us know how much the labor charge is 👍🏻😎👍🏻 hope this fixes your problem

[@mycorvettelife]

I typically don’t quote prices for services. I’ve seen prices around $600-1000. Call for a quote.

[@GSXSF1k]

Thank you!

[@frankw7266]

I had been kicking around getting a cam in mine, but figured I'd wait for the balancer to go since it has to come off anyway as part of the install... just had it done last weekend. And your tune shops are probably backed up due to all of the EPA crap... everyone getting them in to get what they want done now, just in case.

[@kerryhodges2391]

1-That balancer bolt has been removed and then reinstalled at least once before which is not recommended as they are TTY(Torque To Yield) bolts. 2-That is not the OEM balancer that came on the engine, the main belt pulley ribbing looks smaller in diameter than the a/c belt pulley ribbing so I'm pretty sure that is an aftermarket underdrive balancer. 3-The OEM balancer weighs 7 pounds, 13 5/8 ounces as the center part is aluminum with a cast iron or steel outer pulley ribbing part to drive the 2 belts. I was able to find the GM replacement balancer p/n 12560115 and GM replacement balancer bolt p/n 12557840 to replace on my 2003 Z06 LS6 engine. Its also a good idea to replace the front crank seal while your in there as the C5 LS1 and LS6 engines are now 20 years old and you do not want to have to do this job twice!

[@mickywinters8451]

I just had mine done on my 2000. Belt chirp and wobble. Went with a Dayco for $100. Shop charged me $450 labor and that included installing 2 tie rod ends and 2 belts as well. Well day 1 I look at engine running and my new one had a slight wobble. After staring at the balancer it is actually some of the rubber inside that is overlapped on the metal part of the balancer. So I’m good to go. I gotta get an alignment now as my car won’t go back to the middle on its own now and rides hard/tight. I was told once the tie rod ends are replaced the camber goes so far outta whack even though the car drives straight. So off to an alignment now :(

[@sstearns2]

I’m a pretty good shade tree mechanic, but I sent this one to a pro corvette shop too. 2006 Corvette.

[@sstearns2]

I got the chirping noise too. I could see the dampener vibrating a little.

[@sspp3065]

Put one of those on mine.It might be a subconscious justification for spending $400 on this thing.It did seem to smooth out the engine at high RPM. it could just be my imagination though.

[@stanleykee]

what's the labor rate? approx....... need to get this done too

[@SE5043]

What was the part number for the C5 5.7 in the 2004 ATI 917246?

[@cirilodiazjr.5668]

6hrs Labor sound about right? To install a Harmonic Balancer.

[@mycorvettelife]

Yep

[@cirilodiazjr.5668]

@@mycorvettelife thanks for the quick response 👍

[@mjphoto45]

Get a Summit. Adds grooves for supercharger in the future

[@Boonator]

Best Balancer there is for an LS. Got one installed in my c5. ! Keep it up

[@stevefultz860]

The harmonic balancer you bought is it a compression fit on or is just a bolt like old one.

[@mycorvettelife]

Bolt, and pinned

[@stevefultz860]

Thank you

[@CorvetteTrev]

You just mark it with some shoe polish or something on a small corner, go for a ride and see if it's slipping. That's the easiest way to know if yours is going bad

[@rotorblade9508]

I want to buy one for my l98. it says dificulty level 5 out of 5 ?! I would take it to a shop

[@mycorvettelife]

I took mine to the shop.

[@kirkendicott5521]

AC fixed yet?

[@mycorvettelife]

Not on my priority list.

[@church-e-drummer]

How much did they charge to swap it for you?

[@andrenj1970]

Chris, all of them go out on c5s and c6s, it’s just a matter of time. I’ve got the summit racing one with new bolt.

[@BellaRocko]

This is the number one item on my to-do list for my '01 Z06, as I have a slight wobble in mine and also chirping. I was hoping you were going to do a DIY video on this job, as all your DIY videos are excellent, but I don't blame you at all for leaving this one to the professionals. I too am going to go with the ATI balancer. Thanks for sharing!

[@lag1791]

I'm installing my ATI Super dampener on my C6Z06 this weekend. I was going to suggest some things to look out for but your having a shop do it so i'm sure they are going to do it right. i was going to suggest dropping the whole front cradle (while supporting the engine) instead of just trying to pull the PS rack. It takes half the time to do! Also the dampener only goes together one way. There are reference marks on each pc that you prob already know. I made the mistake of putting mine together and then reading the directions, LOL! Also need to fill in the keyway with oil resistant RTV. Last is make sure they use a new OEM crank bolt (one time use only) or like I did, use a ARP reusable bolt (at 3 times the cost). Regardless what others say you do not need to pin the crank unless you are goning forced induction in the future. Good luck and I hope it solves your noise issue.

[@mjphoto45]

I pick up mine to.orrow 3.27.21 Gregg young chevrolet.. 2000 6 spd triple black convertible. Also oil pressure being installed by me. Put a new one in and part defective.

[@thecovidventriloquist1970]

Hi, roughly what do you expect to pay for the labor to have it replaced?

[@mycorvettelife]

$700-800

[@willieboy1970]

I always remove drive belts to elliminate the cause of any noise.

[@jorgeerazo1378]

So sad you not doing this job by yourself.. my C5 needs now the oil pump because the olí pressure started to coming down low to 30 psi and the temperature rise 220 F and I would like to replace that using that you got ..and feel fear to do this by myself.. can you tell me how much ...those corvette guys in your area stimate just to replace that cost....

[@mycorvettelife]

Depending on who you go to Ive seen estimates from $450-$750 for labor only.

[@FronkG]

U using ARP crank bolt as well?

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes

[@tony3030301]

What is the part number

[@Krusher_1970]

I like a lot your support for the 'made in USA' mindset, especially because as you said, buying american is the best way to help all those activities struggling because of the pandemic. I'd love your patriotic view be part of our way of life in Italy as well, but, unfortunately it isn't... God bless the USA!

[@ricklipford8762]

Great video as usual Chris I learned so much from watching your videos I've enjoyed every one of them that you do I do hope this will solve the problem for you that is one great looking C5 Corvette as for me I just had my windows tented on my C5 anyway good luck keep up the great job look forward to seeing your next video God bless

[@theflying70]

When I did mine I used the Powerbond balancer and an ARP bolt. I would have a bad time justifying an overkill $400.00 (+ or -) balancer for a street driven car, although I had one on my oval track car that turned 7400rpm regularly. I spent under $150.00 for the balancer and the seal and it took me nine hours over two days to do the job. Looking at a recent thread on the Corvette Forum with prices of what owners are paying to have this job done, I essentially paid myself $75.00 - $100.00/hour to do the work.....plus I know it's done properly. I expect this repair will outlive both the car and me.

[@themcandrews5862]

Sounds like a good idea, You usually do all yourself most of time, Hopefully it goes your way on this harmonic balancer 👍😎

[@98maximagxe]

Excellent choice (in balancer choice and letting someone do the work). Changing all the pulleys and the damper now gives you a more solid and reliable engine/car. When these pulleys fail they fail horribly, potentially causing hundreds to thousand of dollars of damage. Did you change the power steering pump pulley? The original one is usually made of plastic. Turn-One makes a great pulley and pump. it is billet aluminum. If not might as well do it with the harmonic balancer. (saves some money). Also change any tensioners/pulleys that you haven't changed since owning the car. I bought the Summit C2501 harmonic balancer. It is about $250 and has a 1 year warranty versus 3 months for the ATI. Your videos are excellent. keep up the good work! My nickname for your is the Professor of Corvettology.

[@gullywhumper7959]

Hi Chris, great work keep it up. when you use the term "Paint Correction" what exactly do you mean? re-paint a section of the car? re-paint the entire car? Ii know it probably sounds like a dumb question.... But.... ?? Thanks.... Phil, SoCal, yellow C6 "Smokey Bait"

[@mycorvettelife]

Paint correction is the process of leveling (removing) imperfections in the surface of the paint. This can include a variety of issues and causes like water spots, paint over spray, wash scratches, wipe down marks, bird dropping surface stains, oxidation and buffer holograms. It involves using specialty polishing machines in different sizes, many different levels of diminishing abrasives, different compounding/polishing pads.

[@kerryblueher3147]

An LS engine is internally balanced. You're not dealing with rotating assembly balance. You're dealing with harmonic dampening brought on by the firing of the individual cylinders. Hence ATI Super "Damper". Likely the "harmonic balancer" misnomer came from an externally balanced engine which has the external balance built into the harmonic damper. Best of luck and start enjoying that Vette!

[@45auto82]

Hi Chris! Good decision to get the ATI part since it is reliable and rebuildable. I’m not at all disappointed that you chose to have a shop do this work....I know as an Electrical Contractor Project Mgr you are mostly working new construction and that the work and hours are very stressful. I was a Branch Service Mgr for Simplex (Fire Detection Sys) for a long time and have first hand experience working closely with people like you. It can be very rewarding, but depending on architect & GC, can also be a real pita! 😏 It’ll be very interesting to see how the new damper works to correct the noise issue & I wonder if you even will possibly notice any power add or drive qual improvements? Anyhow, thanks for the update and looking forward to the repair update vid!

[@mycorvettelife]

Your speaking my language. 🤣. Thanks

[@DIB_14GT]

Doing the balancer is a pain in the dick. Did heads and a cam so it was nice to get it done while I was in there.

[@daren9721]

Time for supercharger while you gotta change the balancer lol

[@stevediduck9963]

Great Vlog. Glad your going to take a break and let someone else do the installation of your harmonic balancer. Sure hope that is the end of that problem. Good luck Chris. Are you planning to visit Barrett Jackson this week. My suggestion is stay safe, stay home. Vaccine or not. I have a buddy from Edmonton that has a place in Phoenix and he says it's not televised locally this year only Mecum. SteveD

[@mycorvettelife]

No Barrett Jackson this year.

[@marcanthony6038]

It's televised. I'm watching it now. Somebody just paid 500,000 for a 2021 mustang mach 1. Crazy

[@craigclemans966]

Hope that cures the chirping.

[@daren9721]

Oh ya don't forget to pin it. You're making more power than stock, just good insurance.

[@jefflawson7468]

U need to replace center bolt to👍

[@leonbachman5345]

Yes. It took me and the friend I bought the car from 6 hours to get the job done and he has a lift p.n.t.a. hope you know what p.n.t.a. is. 😁

[@bobbym7198]

Not that bad .Lower driver side engine cradle a half inch it’ll slide right now

[@TurbineDynamics]

Have you performed the swap in this manner? I was under the impression the rack also has to come out the passenger side to gain the clearance.

[@bobbym7198]

@@TurbineDynamics yes i’ve did it three times

[@mycorvettelife]

Yea I changed my motor mounts recently. Never again.

[@TurbineDynamics]

@@bobbym7198 so you loosened all 4 cradle bolts, or removed? You stated driver side drop but that doesn't make any sense to me yet.. supporting the cradle and dropping the whole thing down still poses some issues. You did not pull the rack? Wish I was there to watch you do this. I'm up to bat in a month haha

[@bobbym7198]

@@TurbineDynamics the two on the driver side. And pry it down half inch

[@ricksgarage8069]

Chris, This is not a diffacult job. The only thing I have that you don't is a lift. KZbin: C5 Harmonic Balancer Supplemental Part.1

[@mjphoto45]

Chevy dealership in Omaha really trying to rake me over the coals with oil pressure install. Long story. 3 dealerships in Omaha. Won't be going back to GY

[@thaGrimace]

Hey Chris, random question for ya. How is headroom with those Corbeau A4s? I'm really digging them, but I'm 6'6" and headroom is already at a premium in my c5 😂 Love the videos, keep up the good work!

[@mycorvettelife]

They sit about an 2” lower than the stock seats.

[@gloriamaletta8667]

There are two things that suck on stock LS engines they are the stock harmonic balancer and the stock pushrods even stock engines could use a SFI harmonic balancer and a set of good hardened pushrods if you do upgrades like camshaft with matching valve springs and plan on revving it to 6500rpm - 7200rpm repeatedly both are a must or it will be a disaster eventually

[@williamjsmith9877]

Very disappointed that you are not going to tackle this job yourself, would make a great video, have a rethink.

[@mycorvettelife]

Nope

[@johnsmithth3318]

I know the c4 is a pain to do. You will need to remove it if you replace your water pump / optispark

[@MrTheawesomedude12]

One foot in front of the other!

[@kiwiguy4764]

Got no problems with my 01 Z06 at 30kmiles but that balancer looks so good thinking of doing mine I like stickers too🤫

[@jonsingle1614]

Shoulda went with a fluidampner 😉

[@martyscncgarage5275]

Is your "friend's shop" Bromley's?

[@AirRyanTX]

OE LS balancers are shit; if you ever pull one off, don't put it back on. Power Bond makes a really good Race Series balancer for LS motors, as well; that is what I went with in my LS7 when I had it off for a cam swap. Don't forget the ARP crank bolt!

[@xXcashXx3]

I dont know why they didnt just keep the old 350 design if aint broke dont fix it

[@jamesburroughs8088]

Have always enjoyed and learned from your videos. I've heard recently that you should get the Harmonic Balancer pinned. Is it true with the ATI Balancer?

[@mycorvettelife]

Yes

[@xXcashXx3]

@@jamesburroughs8088 thank you my content os very vast