1992 Pontiac Transport harmonic balancer

JOHN K101

MEMBER
1992 PONTIAC TRANSPORT
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
100,000 MILES

My transport just recently sounded like it had a bad knock only at idle but would disappear when rpms increased so when pressure was taken off belt tensioner it would quit so I figured water pump, belt tensioner, idler pulley so I replaced them but when I started it up the belt tensioner was snaping bad. At closer inspection I saw harmonic balancer spin with something on outside so I shut it down got down and looked at the front the rubber part looked like it had been hacked clear threw with a hatchet or something so my thinking broken slot key or broken insde counter balance. Took it off key still ok only saw one counterbalance I think there should be two if one snaped off it would have bounced inside possibly causing it to rip the rubber membrane to tear would that cause the tensioner to snap making a knock?

1 Reply

EWRAWLS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

That is typical on these GM engines. On mine the rubber part tore all the way around causing it to separate & knock. I know if u wait too late to replace it like I did one time. It may cause your car to jump time. If u hear the knock when it start it may prevent major breakdowns.
I know to replace it yourself requires usually two people. One person having something wedged in the flywheel & someone having a breaker bar turn the bolt to get it free. The other way is have someone turn the key to bump it while someone have the breaker bar & socket with some leverage (a fence pipe or jack handle) pull left to get it free. Hope it helps