Harmonic Balancer

[John C.]

On a cold start I hear noise coming from this lower area sounds like a fan hitting the fan guard, but no I checked the noise is very loud but stops after a few minutes how does the balancer get lubrication? Could this be a bad bearing? THanks

[Terry D.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer

The balancer doesn't get lubrication, if it sounds like fan on metal I doubt it is a bearing, they usually don't go away. Could you have someone else start the car and listen? A long screwdriver makes a fair stethoscope. Is it a ticking sound or a scraping sound? Try disconnecting the fan belt and see if the noise happens. While you have fan belt off check harmonic balancer tightness. Let us know what you find out.

[Michael H.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Maybe a water pump going bad or a clutch fan.

Mike

[Mark E.]

Re: Harmonic Balancer

Removing the belt to troubleshoot is a good start. Check torques on all belt/pulley/fan fasteners.

A failing balancer isn't a noise maker unless it's so far gone it's hitting something (timing marker, timing cover). That should be easy to see.

Could it be a belt squealing?