Drive shaft harmonic balancer is gone

awindj · **Posted:** Mon Mar 15, 2010 6:02 pm

While driving to Florida pulling a camping trailer, there was a big bang and a terrible vibration. It was an exciting ride trying to slow down and get over in heavy traffic.

Anyhow, what we found was the harmonic balancer on the drive shaft had split. The rubber doughnut was gone. We took it to the nearest shop and they used a cutoff wheel to get rid of the the ring.

A dealer we called seemed to want to help and would schedule me in in 5 days. Not a good option. So I called local part supplier, O'Reilly's I think. He suggested that for Jeep advice, I call this number. This guy said that the balancer was only there to prevent a slight unbalance that might be felt. If I couldn't feel the vibration, then don't worry about it.

That was the answer that I wanted so we continued our trip without the balancer. I am home now after about 3000 miles with no problems.

The question is what do I do now? I am guessing the dealer would fix the issue but do I need it?

Thanks for any advice.

Al

daspes · **Posted:** Mon Mar 15, 2010 7:17 pm

Most of us have removed the balancer along with the rear sway bar. Both of mine have been gone for about 50K now.

Confused on why you used a cutoff wheel though, the balance is bolted on.

Fulltimer · **Posted:** Mon Mar 15, 2010 7:40 pm

I think if you are pulling a camper it would be a good idea to keep the rear sway bar.

Terry

awindj · **Posted:** Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:10 pm

daspes wrote:

Most of us have removed the balancer along with the rear sway bar. Both of mine have been gone for about 50K now.

Confused on why you used a cutoff wheel though, the balance is bolted on.

The ring was loose on the drive shaft. It was broken and had a gap of about 1/2". If it matters, this is a 2005 diesel. I do still have my rear swaybar.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:50 pm

The Torsional vibration damper at the rear diff - is commonly removed (donkey balls)

I don't think anyone's removed the Harmonic balancer at the front of the driveshaft -
unless they replaced the driveshaft for a different reason.

although - it's a balancer - if there's no vibration - there's no problem - I would be concerned that the Ujoints or bearing seals might wear faster - minor vibration that you don't really feel from the drivers seat.

Drive shaft harmonic balancer is gone

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