NextToAlaska Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 Got my Pathy back from nissan today, they say its my harmonic balancer that needs replacing, The rubber bearing is worn apparently. They estimate 600 bucks labour and thats if the bolts not seized on. So Ive opted to do it myself. It cant be that hard, the vehicle is from ontario so iam going to assume its seized. So an overly large breakbar will likely be required. If anyones ever replaced these before any hints/tricks for doing it would be much appreciated. Ill try and get pictures/video to post up when I start (still got a few days for part to get it) Thanks guys! All i do is win win win no matter what! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 Check out the threads in the How To section on changing the timing belt. The harmonic ballancer has to come off to do it, so it is clearly covered with a few tricks. $600 seems like a rip off for that job, even if every bolt is frozen. Start by putting PB blaster or some other specific bolt penetrant on them (NOT WD40!!). B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkorahil Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 Check out the threads in the How To section on changing the timing belt. The harmonic ballancer has to come off to do it, so it is clearly covered with a few tricks. $600 seems like a rip off for that job, even if every bolt is frozen. Start by putting PB blaster or some other specific bolt penetrant on them (NOT WD40!!). B The harmonic balancer is $288 MSRP and $2 for a new key, so nearly half that $600 is the part. I have seen many 3.3L balancers from up north that need to be replaced after about 10 years because of rust issues causing them to seperate. 2-3 hours labor time at about $100 an hour it adds up fast..... I agree, for that kind of $$ if you have any mechanical experience do it yourself! And PB blaster will be your new friend! I always have a can around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarehouseRat Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 PB ftw and a snap-on impact gun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nunya Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 Start by putting PB blaster or some other specific bolt penetrant on them (NOT WD40!!). B quoted for truth and to make sure it was seen! wd40 is NOT penetrant, just a water displacement fluid! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 1, 2011 Share Posted July 1, 2011 I did not know that WD-40 was not effective with loosening bolts. I have been schooled. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NextToAlaska Posted July 2, 2011 Author Share Posted July 2, 2011 Its 600 bucks for just labour, No part.. and thats if the bolt is not seized on.. HATERS GONNA HATE! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 2, 2011 Share Posted July 2, 2011 $600 for just labor? Eff that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamzan Posted July 2, 2011 Share Posted July 2, 2011 Common problem on northern 3.3 apparently. My dad had to have his replaced but luckily under warranty at Nissan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 2, 2011 Share Posted July 2, 2011 It just happend to my southern Pathy a couple of months ago. Went ahead and replaced the water pump and all the belts while we were in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewebster Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 What are the symptoms of a bad balancer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
devonianwalk Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 In my case it was a squeeking pully sound companied with a vibration in the belts. I found out what it was by removing one belt at a time and putting my hand on the balancer itself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sewebster Posted July 3, 2011 Share Posted July 3, 2011 Hmm. I wonder if that is my vibration issue. I noticed the balancer has balancing drill holes in the back... so they aren't individually balanced and you can just replace it with anything, or do you have to use the dealer specific one for that year or what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Precise1 Posted July 4, 2011 Share Posted July 4, 2011 The harmonic balancer is $288 MSRP and $2 for a new key, so nearly half that $600 is the part. I have seen many 3.3L balancers from up north that need to be replaced after about 10 years because of rust issues causing them to seperate. 2-3 hours labor time at about $100 an hour it adds up fast..... I agree, for that kind of $$ if you have any mechanical experience do it yourself! And PB blaster will be your new friend! I always have a can around. Ouch, I had no idea the part was that expensive!! Yeah, it does add up fast; that's probably 1/2 the reason I do it myself if I can. Its 600 bucks for just labour, No part.. and thats if the bolt is not seized on.. Someone has an inflated notion of what their time is worth. I wouldn't go back to them. Ever. B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alkorahil Posted July 5, 2011 Share Posted July 5, 2011 Very true, thats outrageous! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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