Is harmonic balancer wobble normal? Topic is solved

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 16 Nov 2022, 05:16

On my 2.4i 140hp s60, is wobble of the harmonic balancer normal? On my previous topic of vibration, I also want to consider this pulley as a contributor to this problem.

Here is my video

and honestly, the video captured doesn't show the wobble as well as seeing it in real life.
Here is another guy whose S70 does the same thing only his video better captures it and I can honestly say they are 1:1

Post by **June** » 16 Nov 2022, 06:59

Thoroughly clean the balancer pulley, then re-video it. Both videos look like just a optical illusion due to a smudge or grime. If it is truly wobbling, check the rubber bushing. I don't think Volvo engines have balancer issues like other 1990s brands did. June

Post by **kallekula** » 16 Nov 2022, 07:27

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 16 Nov 2022, 08:30

June wrote: ↑16 Nov 2022, 06:59 Thoroughly clean the balancer pulley, then re-video it. Both videos look like just a optical illusion due to a smudge or grime. If it is truly wobbling, check the rubber bushing. I don't think Volvo engines have balancer issues like other 1990s brands did. June

It trully wobbles, like I said, the videos don't do it justice, basically it can't capture it well. Maybe slow motion?

Post by **June** » 16 Nov 2022, 09:40

Did you jack the engine using the balancer? Has the car been wrecked in the vicinity of the balancer? If no to those possibilities, than it is highly unlikely the crankshaft is bent. Therefore the most probable answer is the rubber bushing incorporated as part of the balancer assembly is deteriorating. When the rubber bushing fails completely the engine will knock at idle like a hammering rod sound that instantly quiets when the engine rpm is increased. Very common on the early 3800 GM V6 for example. If the rubber bushing is on it's way out, the balancer must be replaced. I have not heard of this problem in the Volvo world. June

Post by **June** » 16 Nov 2022, 09:59

Notice the thin black stripe in the middle the silver balancer, that is the rubber bushing I am referring to. Notice the black balancer is volvo and the rubber bushing is located between the belt pulley and the crankshaft pulley portion of the balancer assembly. So worn rubber will allow the outer belt pulley to move out of intended position hence wobble. June

Post by **jonesg** » 17 Nov 2022, 02:34

that wobble can originate in the crank gear the timing belt runs on.
Check that the timing belt isn't wandering on the cam gear sprockets.
Check the 4 10mm bolts holding the harmonic balancer are torqued tight.
Remove the belt and check the balancer grooves are clean, inspect the belt.
I see the inner edge wobble but the outer edge looks steady.
Check the belt tensioner for smooth operation.

Post by **DonnVa** » 17 Nov 2022, 17:25

After I did the timing job, plus new serpentine belt and tensioner on my S60 the harmonic balancer was wobbling. I replaced it with a aftermarket one from FCP. No wobble after that. I think mine was caused by an old balancer and new (tight) belt. It just showed it’s age.

dikidera · Post by **dikidera** » 18 Nov 2022, 13:10

DonnVa wrote: ↑17 Nov 2022, 17:25 After I did the timing job, plus new serpentine belt and tensioner on my S60 the harmonic balancer was wobbling. I replaced it with a aftermarket one from FCP. No wobble after that. I think mine was caused by an old balancer and new (tight) belt. It just showed it’s age.

Did you notice a change in engine vibrations? Particularly an increase in them?

Post by **DonnVa** » 18 Nov 2022, 18:20

dikidera wrote: ↑18 Nov 2022, 13:10
DonnVa wrote: ↑17 Nov 2022, 17:25 After I did the timing job, plus new serpentine belt and tensioner on my S60 the harmonic balancer was wobbling. I replaced it with a aftermarket one from FCP. No wobble after that. I think mine was caused by an old balancer and new (tight) belt. It just showed it’s age.
Did you notice a change in engine vibrations? Particularly an increase in them?

No not really. Both the S60 and XC70 have a little vibration at idle in gear. I haven’t gotten to all the bushings and sub frame mounts on the XC yet, but will in the near future. I did replace sub frame bushings and mounts except the two big front and back ones on the S60 and I didn’t really notice much of a difference.