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Perfection is indeed very elusive, even in automotive application.
While some automobiles may stand above others, still it’s not enough to
claim that it is perfectly made. Every vehicle, including those known
for quality and reliability, experiences vibration every time
combustion happens inside the cylinder. This vibration comes from the
extremely rapid rise in the cylinder pressure known as torque spike
that is likened to a hammer blow. Said pressure turns into a force that
is applied to the crankshaft via a connecting rod, and such force
intensity causes the crankshaft to turn, deflect or twist. This
twisting action is the one called torsional harmonic vibration.
It’s not sufficient that we only know where the vibration comes from.
What is more important is what comes next. The torsional harmonic
vibration, when not adequately controlled, can result to hasty main
bearing and main journal wear and possible crankshaft breakage. Once it
happens, expect to experience a series of other system defects and
consequently, costly repairs. Fortunately there is a product that is
designed to dampen, if not totally eradicate the harmful vibration for
longer engine life – the harmonic balancer, or in some instances, also
called as harmonic damper. It is the one attached to the outside of an
engine to control the vibration inside.
Further, harmonic balancers like the Lexus harmonic balancer is
described as the pulley in front of the crankshaft that gives off power
to run the belt. It is consisted of three pieces to which are the steel
inner part which fastens to the crankshaft, the rubber sleeve around it
which dampens crankshaft vibrations, and the outer steel part which has
grooves for the belt. All of these parts are equally important for
efficient functional result. If you observe that your engine starts to
feel or look bad, check out the harmonic balancer immediately, and have
it replaced as soon as possible, if necessary before it’s too late.
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