Crankshaft Balancer Cleaning and Inspection: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Installing/Removing Balancer Weights In Crankshaft Balancer

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Clean the crankshaft balancer in solvent.
Clean the belt grooves of all dirt or debris with a wire brush.
Dry the crankshaft balancer with compressed air.
Inspect the crankshaft balancer for the following:
- Loose or improperly installed balance weights, manual transmission applications
  A properly installed balance weight should be installed until flush or below flush with the face of the balancer.
- Worn, grooved, or damaged hub seal surface
  A crankshaft balancer hub seal surface with excessive scoring, grooves, rust or other damage must be replaced.
  
  Minor imperfections on the hub seal surface may be removed with polishing compound or fine grade emery cloth.
- Dirty or damaged belt grooves
  The balancer belt grooves should be free of any nicks, gouges, or other damage that may not allow the belt to track properly.
  
  Minor imperfections may be removed with a fine file.
- Worn, chunking or deteriorated rubber between the hub and pulley