A damaged harmonic balancer can lead to serious engine problems, including:
* Premature crankshaft failure: This is a very expensive repair.
* Misfires: The uneven rotation caused by a bad balancer can throw off ignition timing.
* Excessive engine vibration: This can damage other engine components.
* Damaged timing belt/chain: If the balancer is severely damaged it can impact timing components.
Instead of repairing, you should replace the harmonic balancer. This is generally a fairly straightforward job for a competent mechanic, but it can be challenging for a beginner due to the need for specialized tools. Here's what's involved:
1. Diagnosis: Confirm the harmonic balancer is actually damaged. Look for obvious cracks, separation of the rubber from the metal, or excessive wobble. A mechanic can also perform a vibration analysis to confirm.
2. Replacement: This involves removing the old balancer, usually requiring the removal of the serpentine belt, pulley(s), and possibly other components. Installation of the new balancer requires precision to ensure proper alignment.
3. Specialized Tools: You'll likely need a harmonic balancer puller and potentially an installer. These tools are designed to remove and install the balancer without damaging the crankshaft.
If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your Sebring to a qualified mechanic. The cost of a new harmonic balancer and the labor to install it will be much less than the cost of engine damage caused by a faulty one. A reputable mechanic can properly diagnose the problem and ensure the correct replacement part is used.
In short: Don't try to repair it. Replace it with a new, quality part.
