Harmonic Balancer brand recommendation...?

[Asmoday]

Just curious what everyone feels is the best brand of harmonic balancer thses day?

I have the parts numbers...I generally just go with OEM/factory but I have heard the Dorman units are nice. I know Fluidamr makes some nice units but the price is WAY up there. Hard to believe they would make that much difference.

Thanks!

 

[BIG_RED]

I've heard bad things about the fluidampr. Apparently they are temperature sensitive(since they're liquid filled, they get hard in the cold and don't "dampen" as much). And they cost LOTS. No personal experience with them. I live where it is very cold, so they're a no-go for me. I depend on my truck daily and have had terrible experiences with knock-off parts. The Delco one is the factory original - I have one on order for my M1009 now. They cost almost double the Dorman one on Rockauto, but if my crankshaft goes it'll cost a whole lot more. I too have heard the dormans are good (solid looking, heavy, but i have no "my engine lasted another X miles" hard evidence of their performance. ATP's have been used too - incase you're looking for another option. I have no useful longevity info for those either.

 

[Asmoday]

Cool...Thanks for the info...! Yes...as you mentioned, I had heard the same thing about the Fluidampr. The cost is way out they for me anyway. I can do a lot of other thinks to the truck for the money...

I assume the Delco one is just the standard GM part number...correct?

Can you list the part number you ordered just so I can double check?

Did you order online or locally?

Thanks...!

 

[timarr]

I used the Dornan one with a 20 % off coupon code p20 it was 60 bucks!

 

[Floridianson]

Ati

 

[Asmoday]

I didn't see an ATI application for the 6.2L...?

 

[Floridianson]

I didn't see an ATI application for the 6.2L...?

I did not know just said it sorry.

 

[85CUCVtom]

I'm getting ready to purchase a new balancer and wanted to run a few brands by you guys. I found this thread and rather than start a new one I'll add to this one.

Would I be better of going with a GM replacement or an ATP brand one I found on rockauto. I think I've heard of the name ATP before but I'm not sure. They also offer a Dormant unit.

I tried to post a link but it wasn't working right so I took it down.

 

[tankie88]

Mine arrived today Dorman one from rockauto and guess where it's made..............You got it China.

 

[85CUCVtom]

Yeah. That's why I was asking. I've had various experiences with Dormans quality.

It's a pretty important part so I'm kinda being picky about what to put on.

 

[doghead]

Have you done a cost comparison?

 

[dependable]

Last time I got some from Rock auto they had a selection of 3 types, including AC Delco. There was a big price difference but the AC balancer was USA made. May have been NOS though.

 

[85CUCVtom]

I actually just did.

A GM one ranges from $85-$130, depending on where you get it online.

Dormant is $65 at rockauto

And the ATP one, which I know nothing about ands have never heard of the company is $76

I guess I made my decision. Didn't really do a price comparison. Thanks DH

 

[Keith_J]

The larger O'Reileys stores carry an Australian-made unit for around $70. The damping factor of a fluid filled unit is better but the other critical function of a damper is to store energy of vibration, something the fluid dampers are weak in. The rubber units are much better in this application.

Remember, if it is electrical, clean it. If it is rubber, replace it. The rubber in the dampers gets hard which reduces both elastic (energy storage) and plastic (energy absorbing or damping) qualities.

 

[tvguy]

I just replaced my balancer this weekend. I went with the Dorman.

 

[85CUCVtom]

For the prices I found onilne I think I'm just gonna go with GM one.

I talked to the guy I usually deal with at Oreilly and couldn't find the one you were talking about.

 

[Keith_J]

Not every O'Reiley's has it, only regional super stores. Check online, they have a great locating application for parts.