I bought a 1988 and it has a bad harmonic balancer. Knew this when I bought it. The guy included a new balancer in the sale but said he didn't have time to get it put on. How much should a shop charge to do this? I don't have time right now to do it myself.

Thank you.

 

how do you know it has a bad harmonic balancer.... unless its come off.. split in half or managed to spin itself theres no way it goes "bad" please explain the symptoms or issues that you are facing

 

Could be bearing going out. Hope not!!!!!!!!!!

 

An 88 what? VW? Harley? What engine size?

 

1988 f-150. Sorry thought folks only talked about f-150s in here, my bad.

The symptoms are that the truck vibrates badly and with a fairly low frequency (like not a buzz, more of a wobble), especially when idling.

I have no idea if the part is split or whatever. He just said it is bad. I am trusting him for now. Maybe foolish.

If I'm right and the balancer needs to be replaced, what should I pay for labor?

 

And it's a 302 v8.

 

There are no bearings in a balancer, the rubber could be going bad and you can see the balance wobble. You would have to call around and get labor prices, all the belts will get loosened up so now would be the time to repace them as it should not change the labor price very much if you're dealing with an honest mechanic. Just an FYI but a good tech with a balancer puller could do this job in under an hour.

 

Thanks! This is great information.

 

Yeah I was emphasizing the fact that any and all information is critical to give a technically correct answer, ie: engine size is what I was looking for and for your year model truck with a 302 the standard Chilton labor guide gives 1.2hrs. That is what a shop should charge. What per hr charge varies but they should NOT charge more than the given time.

 

LOL, I realize there is no bearing in the balancer. It is right behind it on the other side of the chain cover. I think the engine is shacking or wobbling because it is not running right. As far as we know it is a engine mount.