Harmonic Balancers Technical Tip

Now is the season for Commodore V6 Harmonic Balancers to fail

Harmonic balancers within the V6 GM family are more susceptible to failure in warmer weather more than any other model on the road. Why? The design is very complex to give maximum crankshaft dampening in the V6 engine format.

Among the many components in the assembly is the rubber diaphragm that is designed to absorb significant torque forces between the hub & accessory drive ring. As the rubber ages it will weaken & the load on the accessory ring increases when the air conditioning is used. Switching the air conditioner on causes the most common failure. The rubber simply tears causing the failed balancer to stop the vehicle.

If your customer’s Commodore has done over 100,000km, recommend a balancer change during routine service. Tell tale signs are deterioration of the rubber diaphragm including cracking around the edges & across the face, run out in the drive pulley & rubber degradation.

To suit: Commodore
VN, VP 3.8L V6 to 1/92 HB1083-N
VP, VR 3.8L V6 from 2/92 HB1207-N
VS 3.8L V6 HB1237-N
VT, VX, VY 3.8L V6 HB1434-N