Need a reliable Harmonic Balancer source

[mpersell]

I've had real fun with the Dorman OEM harmonic balancer that the local repair garage put in the 92 XLT.

Is there a better brand available from local parts stores? I'm a little afraid of the junkyard models due to possible damage...although they would have to be better than the one on the truck now.

The problem is that the outer ring of the harmonic balancer has moved back a little and its cutting out the front v of the belts.

 

[uh60james]

What kind of warranty does the part have? The shop should have at leas 30 or 9o days of warranty on there work too. Take it back.

 

[ricco750]

I installed a Doerman balancer on my X three months ago. No probs, and the engine runs much smoother...I have to wonder if your balancer was defective, or if the shop did something wrong.

 

[mpersell]

I've watched this balancer outer ring slowly slide back. Its about 9 months old. I see that Autozone and O'Reilly have Pioneer and Dorman. Pioneer is over $200 and the Dorman is $89. I don't mind paying for a good one if there is a difference. The Pioneer has a Ford OEM number if that means anything.

 

[ricco750]

I've watched this balancer outer ring slowly slide back. Its about 9 months old. I see that Autozone and O'Reilly have Pioneer and Dorman. Pioneer is over $200 and the Dorman is $89. I don't mind paying for a good one if there is a difference. The Pioneer has a Ford OEM number if that means anything.

OK, I just went in the garage and checked the Dorman HB on my X...the outer ring and inner shaft are flush, and the belt sits perfectly in the grooves. I think your HB is bad, either came that way or the shop dinged it. I have no experience with the Pioneer brand. BTW...your balancer might be close to failing catastrophically, I would guess. Even my original HB with 230K on it was still flush, but the rubber was badly cracked. I replaced it because I had to replace the front seal, and didn't want to do the job twice.

 

[mpersell]

Thanks for the reality check. I'll go ahead and get a Dorman and install it myself. I'm going to pull the radiator and replace it while I'm under there too.