1998 4.0L V6 Explorer - Broken Gear Balance Shaft

[AliBahy]

Hi there,

I'm doing the cylinder head on my 4.0L V6, and I discovered a broken tooth on the balance shaft drive gear.
Investigating the damage, it was due to broken tensioner spring. One tooth is half broken, all the other teeth are in very good condition, no signs of cracks.
I didn't find the gear alone on ebay or rockauto. Instead the whole balance shaft assembly, but I believe it won't worth replacing as the balance shaft is mostly not a load carrying component. I'm in doubt to keep it though because as a small gear driven by the crankshaft, it would spin up to 12,000 rpm. Do you think I've to replace it?

 

[C420sailor]

I’d just get rid of the balance shaft and associated components

 

[amj441]

From what I've read on here, the balance shaft doesn't seem to do much of anything. it's purpose was to smooth out some vibrations while in 4wd. the 2wd versions do not have them. but I have heard and read enough 2wd to 4wd swaps that have had great success with not running a balance shaft.

 

[410Fortune]

I’ve fixed 10+ sohc engines
By going through the timing cover and removing the balance chain and tensioner. With a Screwdriver you can separate the chain links and remove the whole she bang without cutting anything (no metal shavings)
Balance shaft Not needed

 

[C420sailor]

I’ve been running a non-balance shaft engine in my 4WD ex for about 150k. Zero issues