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What is a harmonic balancer?

My mechanic told me that there’s a problem with my harmonic dampener. I’d never heard of this part before. What is a harmonic balancer or dampener?

avatar
Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
A harmonic balancer or dampener is a circular device made of rubber and metal. It helps absorb and control vibrations from the crankshaft to protect the functioning of your engine.
You might have noticed
louder noises
from under the hood recently. Perhaps you didn’t notice anything but your mechanic discovered worn-out rubber in the damper. Maybe your serpentine belt even got thrown off. Either way, it’s a good idea to get this part replaced if it’s damaged.
If you allow the dampener to fail, the crankshaft could fail. Then, your car won’t run and you’ll have to pay for expensive repairs.
If your mechanic thinks you need a new harmonic balancer or dampener, you should probably invest in a new part.
While you’re waiting for the repairs to be completed, now is a good time to ensure that your
car insurance
situation is up to date. Your policy probably doesn’t cover standard wear-and-tear, but it’s important to update your coverage as your life circumstances change. You can use the
Jerry
app to check your coverage and look for good rates.
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