C5 Corvette Harmonic Balancer Replacement (Specialty Tools You Need)

[@solbaid008]

Given that I’m about to take on this job, I really appreciate the detail you put into your videos!

[@Toys4Life]

Good luck with the project & thanks for the feedback!

[@reaper1874]

I changed the balancer on my C5, this took about 6 hours in my garage on jack stands. It was actually quite easy, even when it's time to pull the steering rack (i've been working on car for 30 years so nothing about the process was intimidating). I pretty much followed every step of your amazing 3 part video. The only thing I did different was to put the trans in 6th to remove and torque the crank bolt. I used the powerbond pully and ARP bolt. Torqueing the APR bolt to 245ft-lbs is no joke under a car!!!

[@Toys4Life]

Nice - appreciate you taking the time to comment.

[@MrSolara7]

Just had mine replaced on my C6. Running really good with no squeaking now ❤

[@abovetherimrob891]

Just did a C6 and had the whole job done with alignment in 1.5hrs. Easy money

[@Toys4Life]

I would like to make a video of that, that is insanely fast, faster than anybody I've ever seen in my life actually!

[@Wakeupandsniffthecoffee]

We had our old Innovator West harmonic balancer worked on. They replaced a cracked hub. We are installing it on a 1997 C5 and it went all the way down, but stopped dead at about an 1/8" from lining up the belts. We finally decided after many conversations to remove it and double check the key and anything that might keep it from seating all the way. We are using the OEM rental tools from AutoZone to install and now remove the balancer. Some great info and tips in this video. I appreciate you making it.

[@FrancisGoffredo]

I noticed the “leg” with the lip on the harmonic balancer tool from Summit appears to have been cut down from a full circle. I had to do the same thing to mine in order to get the leg to fit inside the openings within the harmonic balancer. It’s a good tool and Summit is a great company with great customer service and the tool is excellent quality. I am writing this comment to advise anyone who may be purchasing the Summit Racing SME-906008 that modification of the tool may be required to utilize it on certain balancers, depending on the spacing of the balancer. Thank you for your videos @Toys4Life C5 they are incredibly helpful.

[@Toys4Life]

Good point, I do seem to remember doing that although I thought I used a grinder to grind just enough off of it to slide it in.

[@GoGoGarage]

Good idea showing what tools are needed to work on the harmonic balance.

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you!

[@ericswild]

You talked me into it. Just placed by order for an A&A and springs....I asked the installer and her replaces the harmonic balancer as well and pins it. I am not doing it myself. This guys does them every week. Thank you for all the positive reviews about supercharging. I cant wait to see how well it delivers. I added headers a couple years back and hit 350HP at the wheels. Hoping for 525 with supercharger and springs.

[@Toys4Life]

That's awesome appreciate the feedback and enjoy your C5 with a totally new attitude! Would you mind letting Andy and Josh know that I talk to you into it, I'm going to hit them up in the future for some sort of a discount on a project! I 100% love their products, that's why I make the videos, but I also know I'm helping them sell a few kids too, at least I think I am. Just mention toys 4 life C5 please.

[@ericswild]

@@Toys4Life I don't know Andy and Josh. Are they from A&A. I am using Don Kinder at SloHawk in Bridgewater MA.

[@Toys4Life]

Gotcha, Yes there at A&A.

[@adamjones1575]

Excellent and very helpful video. Corvette info here in the UK is a little sketchy. Thanks for taking the time to explain the process logically and clearly 👍👍

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sb-st9ho]

This and your 3 part video is awesome. Have changed both belts and tensioners and had to replace the original power steering pulley that failed. Replaced the pump as I couldnt get the old pulley off the pump. So now keeping eye on the harmonic balancer. With your tutorials, it will be a piece of cake. Thanks again for the detail.

[@Toys4Life]

Great to hear!

[@davesummer2552]

Awesome video, I think I should get my harmonic balancer done soon before the driving season really hits us.

[@mrbced21]

Thank God I came across this video. Just received my balancer and bolt from Summit Racing and thought that was all I needed🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Toys4Life]

Glad it helped

[@fastclient1232]

Great video! Very detailed which I'm sure many will appreciate. Before I stored my car for its long winter slumber I checked The markings you placed on my balancer. Still looks good and, fingers crossed, hopefully stays that way.

[@matthewboudreaux2693]

Great video as always. One thing when you use the cheap $15 flywheel holder is that you have to unbolt the exhaust pipes where the meet the manifolds to get the starter out. I had to replace my starter because the nut for the small wire on the solenoid was seized and I couldn’t get off for nothing tried soaking with Kroil and gently working back and forth for 2 days and just finally said screw if and snapped it off. Turns out as a blessing in disguise. The new ( from Napa) starter turns over like a high torque starter compared to the way the factory starter would.

[@johnk9176]

Great video as are all the others. About to start this project. Only trepidation is getting it up on jack stands where I would feel safe underneath. I’m slowly getting there.

[@Toys4Life]

Make sure you have some good quality stands (not a time to go cheap (:-) Also, check out my video on getting C5s up on stands. You could also have a car guy buddy (that you trust) give you a second opinion as well. Good luck!!

[@bat5917]

I did just share this on a CF thread. Thanks for all your videos!

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@richarddobreny6664]

Great information! I’m waiting for the day when this will need to be done

[@Toys4Life]

Hopefully you won't have to do it!

[@erick.274]

Another great video, thank you very much!

[@farerse]

Exellent video , won't that cooking in the oven ruin the rubber in the harmonic balancer though?

[@Toys4Life]

No, your engine oil gets up to 220° which means the balance are probably gets to around 200 f often. Bring it up to 160 and you're good.

[@1straightcut]

Ah, I appreciate that you like to use the right tools…the claw hammer really ought to stay in your toolbox when you’re working on a Corvette. ;-) Good video, as always!

[@pedrocols]

Clearly a Chevy. Never disappoints...

[@BellaRocko]

Thank you very much. This is a job on my to-do list for sure, so I appreciate you and your videos. Thank you!

[@Toys4Life]

Glad it was helpful!

[@oldsguy49]

You done good bud.

[@keithmruk2315]

Very nice video, and thanks for taking the time to make them. I discovered your channel a few days ago and plan to study closely. Any idea how closely these harmonic damper instructions translate to the C6?

[@Toys4Life]

Very Similar - but there are some differences.

[@natez0690]

Fluidampr was used on the Corvette Racing cars. They make one for the C5, C6, & C7. Just not for the C6 dry sump cars. For those models you’ll find Innovators West makes a top level harmonic dampener. IW also has versions for C5,6,7 for belt driven superchargers with 8 or 10 rib serpentine belts! Standard diameter or overdriven. The top engine builders in the world know the benefits of ditching an elastomeric rubber dampener and switching to a broad frequency range Fluidampr or Innovators West product.

[@Toys4Life]

Appreciate your input - thank you!

[@lonnieblackwell9215]

Nicely done. Very good presentation.

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you liked it!

[@jtterror2714]

The rubber part is sticking out about an inch on my ls2 vette, it makes the serpentine belt come off, hopefully replacing it will fix the problem

[@jamesperkins3742]

Hi, I am mechanically inclined to do most of my own maintenance and probably could do the job of replacing the harmonic balancer; however, pulling out the rack and dropping the cradle looks intimidating. Not to mention my junky one car shed doesn't give me room to pull the rack out the side. So, two questions. 1.) Could I bring my C5 to you and pay you to change the balancer? 2.) Do you know anyone in my area that could do the job properly? I called one of the local Corvette car clubs, and they were clueless about anything mechanical. I am the original owner of my 2000 C5 Hardtop with 81k. I plan to keep the car for life. My harmonic balancer is wobbling but has not moved, and it is rusty. I like your detailed videos. They are very detailed and well made.

[@Toys4Life]

Appreciate the kind words. If you have marked the balancer like my balancer diagnosis video shows and it is not moving - you an put it off for a while - just check it often. What part of the country do you live in?

[@jamesperkins3742]

@@Toys4Life KC, MO

[@IanDoohan]

Another great video Ken, always informative and always on a topic that every C5 owner can relate to 👍🏻

[@Glide1992]

You do an excellent job on all your videos. A ton of valuable info very well explained. I was thinking Fluidampr. Did you consider it?

[@Toys4Life]

I have not. I have heard 99.9% good things about Powerbond so that is what I went with. So far, so good!

[@justinsweeney643]

Has anyone used these tools on the LS6 CTS-V? I know that the engine bay is different, but they look like they might be compatible

[@MarkGoodson-z7m]

I bought a Summit racing damper, SUM-C2501, for my C-5. I just put it on and the damper is not going flush with the crankcase snout, lacking about 1/4". I used a Summit Installer, SUM900135, and cranked it down as much as I could muscle. It appears the pulleys line up. I planned on pinning the damper, but I hesitate to do that since the damper is not flush. Now I cannot get it off and cannot get it on any further. Suggestions? I love the detail you provide in your youtube videos. I think I have watched all you have done on C-5's. Thanks!

[@Toys4Life]

When fully tightened the crank will be recessed a bit. It will not be flush. Unless there was damage to the crank or the balancer, going to the full torque spec for the crank bolt you are using - should fully seat it to where it needs to end up. 1/4 inch seems a bit much, should be closer to 1/8 - but maybe the summit balancer is thicker? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoTbYqOYjcp7fJY

[@Dan-gj1hz]

This video is excellent! Thank you

[@Toys4Life]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tmoney99296]

Hi everyone.. I have a stock 2003 manual c5 and plan on keeping the engine stock, would you still recommend to pin the new replacement harmonic balancer to the crank?

[@Toys4Life]

Stock engine, new balancer installed properly, car used normally - not required. When I replace balancers I recommend it and probably only charger $50 more to pin it.

[@rickgrice6200]

I’m about to tackle this job. I have all the tools that you mentioned but could you share what size socket you used as the seal install tool.

[@Toys4Life]

It is just a socket I have in my box that is used for interior axle nuts on Dana 44 front 4x4 axles that happens to be the right diameter.

[@naranjoceidy]

Is it better to replace the balancer to a stock one or upgrade to the summit racing balancer? Can the summit racing balancer have the same problem like the stock?

[@Toys4Life]

Yes, it has an elastomer ring and could fail. It seems to have a good reputation, so does the d a y c o power bond that I recommend and use.

[@naranjoceidy]

@@Toys4Life So the DAYCO PowerBond wont fail like the stock one?

[@Toys4Life]

@@naranjoceidy I didn't say that. It's got a better reputation in the stock one. Any elastomer harmonic balancer can potentially fail.

[@naranjoceidy]

@@Toys4Life gotcha, what do you recommend in any after market that wont fail?

[@skinsbigfanhttr1249]

Are the 1998 problematic with the harmonic balancer’s too?

[@Toys4Life]

Stock dampeners fail at a higher rate than normal it seems on all c5 years.

[@Jean-he6oh]

i saw the flywheel lock on summit but the reviews are saying they had problems rounding out the 1/2 hole and the tool itself.. did you have any issues like that?

[@Toys4Life]

My flywheel holder has worked perfectly for several jobs. I have no doubt it'll work for a bunch more.

[@juniorcabrera5215]

How much should i expect to to pay for a harmonic balancer (99c5)

[@Toys4Life]

Not sure what shops are charging in 2024. 1000-1300 perhaps? I would do it for $850. Anyone have this done recently - what did you pay?

[@keithr6827]

I have a few questions. 1. Can't you put the car in 4th or 5th gear to prevent the engine from turning (what I've heard)? 2. What about locking the steering wheel? 3. According to SI, you use the old balancer bolt is to make sure the balancer is sitting correctly at the proper length on the crankshaft (I don't know). Maybe you can get away without using it. Thank you for the video and the other ones too. Hopefully I can pull this job off.

[@Toys4Life]

I don't know, that's a lot of torque on the balancer bolt. You can try it. Some people say it works if your emergency break is good. If you could get at it from above, someone could stand on the brakes I guess. As far as the steering wheel goes, however you want to accomplish locking it in places up to you. Just make sure nobody turns it.

[@chopchoppancake86]

What would the total cost of all these specialty tool amout to thanks for the vid.

[@mrbced21]

I clicked on each part and took and added them up. Some I would return upon completion of the job ..just a thought

[@Toys4Life]

A couple hundred I suppose if you needed every tool. More if you need a good jack & stands - but a guy should have some of this stuff I do believe.

[@markwest9447]

As always VERY INFORMATIVE & WELL DETAILED.... Approximately how much $$$ can someone expect to pay for this job with ALL the parts? Many Thanks Have a Happy & HEALTHY NEW YEAR....

[@Toys4Life]

Most shops 1k (small shop) to $1,400 (stealership) I believe. If you live in MN and need yours done, we could probably work a deal to save you some $$$

[@markwest9447]

@@Toys4Life I appreciate the gesture very much... I am in Arizona. I am having a hard time finding a shop that takes pride in getting the job done correctly...

[@Toys4Life]

@@markwest9447 yeah, you got to find someone you trust and stay with them for sure.

[@andrewhorochovic8781]

Going to be doing this job soon, what other items can be tackled while down there to save a second trip eventually?

[@Toys4Life]

If your power steering rack is leaking big time, you could get it rebuilt.

[@jessicabickley1366]

any mechanic recommendations for PA? specifically Berks/Chester County areas. Getting quotes of like $4000!

[@Toys4Life]

Run, don't walk away! Go to Corvetteforum.com and post a question about decent shops in your area.

[@davidncw4613]

Outstanding TY!

[@ctvette1318]

Excellent video as always! When you install the HB does it bottom out or does the torque load insert it to the core t depth? I’m just curious about belt alignment. Thank you!

[@Toys4Life]

The fully seated balancer is not flush with the end of the crank. The crank ends up being recessed a bit when fully torqued down.

[@ctvette1318]

@@Toys4Life thank you!

[@ctvette1318]

Hi Ken (I think that’s your name sorry if not). One more question on the A&A kit please. What size pulley are you using? Is it the standard 4 inch or smaller? Thank you very much. I finally pulled the trigger and bought the kit last week. Having race proven motor sports in DE so the install next month. I went with 3.8 pulley cause I have headers but was curious what you were running with your horsepower gains. Thanks again! You have been a great source of info for me.

[@Toys4Life]

@@ctvette1318 congratulations, you're going to love it! I went with a 3.6 pulley.

[@ctvette1318]

@@Toys4Life Thank you!

[@walts9930]

completed the balancer project and pinned successfully. Again, thanks for the video. Now I have a weeping water pump. Have you any luck/ recommendations on an aftermarket pump as opposed to an OE?

[@Toys4Life]

NICE!! I have used NAPA without issue. Check Corvetteforum.com archives for more info!

[@walts9930]

@@Toys4Life thanks. Went with a Carter, made in Mexico Removed a Delco, made in China that was 11 years old with 33K kms. We shall see how this one compares.

[@walts9930]

Great video and I am refreshing my memory as my c5 balancer is acting out. Question. Aside from price point is there any reason why you went with the PB1117N over the PB1117SS?

[@Toys4Life]

Just the price point. I had not heard of any issues what so ever with the PB1117N so that is what I went with. The SS is SFI rated (handles high RPM better) so i you are going to rev up past 6000 often it is not a bad idea.

[@walts9930]

@@Toys4Life I think the fact that you pinned the crank to balancer removed any probability of issues as well. Thanks again. Btw great tip on shifter mod I agree that another 1/2 inch shorter would be ideal

[@kombatformortals]

Any recommendations on other parts I should potentially try and replace while I've got the clearance from the balancer pull?

[@Toys4Life]

Check your power steering fluid tank, see if it's low. If so check your rock, see if it's leaking. Check your water pump out really good, that's easier to replace what we're doing this job.

[@racerd9669]

Awesome information as always. Spend the big bucks and buy an ATI balancer if you are planing on keeping your C5.

[@Toys4Life]

Dave , I knew this would come up and I am glad it was you commented about using a more exotic & $$ balancer because you are one of those guys that I trust 100% about engine related things. (b/t/w There are not many on that list). I am not concerned about the durability of the Powerbond as I have many reputable sources that from experience say it will hold up (as well as my own 4+years). Durability aside, specifically, what is the ATI balancer going to do for us that the Powerbond doesn't. What does it do better about controlling or minimizing any damaging effects of the vibration/torsional harmonics? Since it is January in MN - we have some time on our hands I am looking for the longer answer (:-) I will be away for several hours so I will look forward to your response later today!

[@natez0690]

Personally, I’d never put an ATI on my car. Fluidampr or Innovators West only. Unless your engine is totally stock, then the factory dampener/power bond should work fine. Any track usage and I’d at least get one with the SFI 18.1 certification.

[@racerd9669]

@@Toys4Life Ken, the Powerbond balancer is just fine as a factory replacement but when you increase the power level of your engine you really need to look at an aftermarket balancer. The ATI balancer controls both torsional and axial forces that most other dampers cannot control. That is why the ATI has elastomer O-rings encapsulated in the shell to control both of these forces. And are tuned to work over a wider RPM range at a higher power level. One thing I would do if you are going to use a replacement balancer on a modified engine is to scribe a line across the hub and the outer ring so you can see if the ring has slipped after hard usage. Also a heat gun is a good tool to see how hot your balancer is getting after a hard pass at the drag strip.

[@racerd9669]

@@natez0690 Do you know that Callies will not warranty their crankshafts if you are using a Fluid damper, I wonder why that is?

[@jasonhadley594]

My thoughts too

[@YoshiV819]

You can suspend the steering rack versus removing it to gain access to the balancer. ATI is easily the best replacement option, not cheap but it will last forever and can even be rebuilt if absolutely necessary.

[@Toys4Life]

ATI is absolutely an excellent balancer, but if I'm not mistaken, I think they suggest rebuilding them for street use after 10 years. I'll report back if my power bond fails. So far so good with over 600 supercharged crank horsepower. (5 years). With all that extra resistance from the supercharger, I can't see the power bond failing on a naturally aspirated application.

[@modquad18]

Fluidamper if you never want to touch it again.

[@ChristianA328]

Speaking of the oil pressure sending unit being unreliable. Recently mine decided it was done so i replaced with with an oem one. Is there a reproduction variant that is better or is oem the best choice?

[@Toys4Life]

I am not sure. For some super strange reason knock on wood fingers crossed, mine has been solid for 8 years.

[@williammorales5016]

I find out by watching your videos that my harmonic balancer need to be change, their is any way you can do it, I'm in Connecticut, don't know how far I'm from you.

[@williammorales5016]

I'm too basic on mecanic skill to do that job.

[@Toys4Life]

I live here in the Midwest so I think it would be cost prohibitive unfortunately (:-(

[@claymerritt1822]

great video. super helpful

[@Toys4Life]

Glad to hear it!

[@malfeitorgai9112]

It's a damper to stop the crank shock to the accessories. LS motors are internally balanced. The short drilled holes in the face are to balance the pulley itself, nothing more. In other words, how do you clock the damper when you install a new one or reinstall after a cam swap? The crank isn't keyed. ATI, Powerbond and Innovators West dampers are naturally balanced by design. Saying this is a harmonic balancer is like the "word" irregardless". It's not a word but oddly socially acceptable (it's an oxymoron). Early GM tech used the crank pulley to help externally balance rotating assemblies and were keyed for reinstalls. It's actually called a crank damper/pulley.

[@Toys4Life]

Agreed 👍

[@speedstreet2573]

Great video thx

[@wmueller52]

Just an awesome video!

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@yukonejcc897]

My power bond balancer failed after 1 year A&A recommend summit C2501 for a upgrade

[@Toys4Life]

Josh, Andy or someone else over there? I'm going to call them.

[@yukonejcc897]

Talked to Josh last night My power bond had less then 1000miles I recommend keeping and eye on yours the rubber bulged out of the front and threw belt I am running the 3.4 pulley with quite a bit of tension but still should of got longer then a year,he also recommended gates idle pulley as my delco wasn’t happy either Thanks for all the great content keep up the good work

[@Guiohms.m50]

"Do not using the old harmonic bolt to seat the harmonic balancer ever" Read the service manual, it's exactly what GM say to do.

[@Toys4Life]

If you try to pull the balancer onto the crank with the old bolt you're going to pull some threads out of the end of the crank. Then you're in a pickle. Can they email you for a replacement crankshaft?

[@philstone7277]

Where are you,,,Ill put my c5 on a trailer and bring it when you have the time,,,lol

[@Toys4Life]

I'm in the Midwest, where are you?

[@expatconn7242]

The best one to go with is the 1 the matches or that mated with your accessories

[@Toys4Life]

Not sure I understand?

[@NoSteponSnek69]

Tyvm