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Have you heard the words “torsional harmonic
vibration” and wonder where it came from? Read on and you’ll find out
where it came from and what causes it to happen. Whenever the air/fuel
mixture inside a cylinder is ignited, the combustion that results
produces extreme amount of cylinder pressure. This pressure is applied
to the top of the piston and then to the connecting rods and is moved
to the crankshaft which makes the crankshaft turn; actually each torque
spike is like a hammer blow which not only causes the crankshaft to
turn but actually deflects or twists it. This twisting action and the
resulting rebound is now called “torsional harmonic vibration”.
If this vibration is not controlled, rapid main bearing wear and possible
main journal wear on your crankshaft can happen, this can even cause
crankshaft breakage. Fortunately, this torsional harmonic vibration can
be controlled through the vibration damper or commonly known as
harmonic balancer. The harmonic balancer’s main purpose is to control
harmonic vibrations, not necessarily to balance the engine’s rotating
assembly. If not because of harmonic balancers, vibration could not be
prevented.
Harmonic balancers are made of two pieces joined by rubber plugs,
spring loaded friction discs, or both. When the power from the cylinder
hits the front of the crankshaft, it tries to twist the heavy part of
the damper, but ends up twisting the rubber or discs that connects the
two parts of the damper. The front of the crank cannot speed up as much
with the damper attached, instead the force is used to twist the rubber
and speed up the damper wheel. This keeps the crankshaft operation
calm.
Your Mazda vehicle surely comes with tough and reliable Mazda harmonic
balancers. However, like any other auto contraptions, your Mazda
harmonic balancer would come to an end. Excessive engine vibration,
irregular idling of the engine, faulty alternator and noisy drive belts
are some of the indications that your Mazda harmonic balancer is
already damaged. If those signs abovementioned have been encountered,
harmonic balancer replacement is needed.
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