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Harmonic balancer recommendation needed

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020.

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  1. Sep 22, 2020 at 2:38 PM
    #1
    bodhi armor

    #1
    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    Hey TW folks
    I need to replace my trucks harmonic balancer but I don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars to do it! I would prefer Toyota OEM but the dealership quoted +600$ !!!
    Even the Dorman aftermarket part is $250!! WFT?! It’s a damn pulley wheel!!
    Does anyone know of a quality replacement for around $100 or less? I’ve seen some online for around $80 but I don’t want to order a piece of junk, or worse, the wrong part.

    If y’all can recommend something I would appreciate it greatly!
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
    #1
  2. Sep 22, 2020 at 2:48 PM
    #2
    Dalandser

    #2
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Eh, parts dealers still need $400.

    https://parts.conicellitoyotaofcons...-pre-runner--3-4l-v6-gas/engine--engine-parts

    I'm sure the dorman would work unless you're planning on keeping it "forever" but outlasting the engine based on your mileage could happen.

    Other aftermarket options which I have little experience with:

    https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/toyota,1999,tacoma,3.4l+v6,1357589,engine,harmonic+balancer,5512

    https://www.urdusa.com/urd-supergrip-crankshaft-pulley-for-3-4l-toyota-trucks/
     
    Dalandser, Sep 22, 2020
    #2
  3. Sep 22, 2020 at 3:16 PM
    #3
    bodhi armor

    #3
    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    Dang! I was thinking of trying to find one in a scrap yard.
    how can I tell if the harmonic balancer is good on a used vehicle??
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
    #3
  4. Sep 22, 2020 at 3:25 PM
    #4
    Dalandser

    #4
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Based off of some guys with far more experience than me, a new unused one would be ideal as there's rubber holding the inner and outer components which would be a bad day if it tears.
     
    Dalandser, Sep 22, 2020
    #4
  5. Sep 22, 2020 at 5:13 PM
    #5
    bodhi armor

    #5
    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    Do you know if a balancer can be rebuilt?
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
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  6. Sep 22, 2020 at 5:25 PM
    #6
    davidstacoma

    #6
    davidstacoma Friendly Curmudgeon

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    We dont even know what engine you are asking for. Before I paid big bucks I would google what you’re looking for and check the reviews:
    2002 tacoma harmonic balancer replacement
     
    davidstacoma, Sep 22, 2020
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  7. Sep 22, 2020 at 5:32 PM
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    Dalandser

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    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Fairly certain 5vz-fe - only engine choice for 4x4 double cab.

    Balancer is a sprocket with moulded rubber surrounding it that holds the pulleys. No possibility of a rebuild unfortunately.
     
    Dalandser, Sep 22, 2020
    #7
  8. Sep 22, 2020 at 5:37 PM
    #8
    bodhi armor

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    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    Yes it’s a 3.4l 5vzfe
    W/ 4wd
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
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    davidstacoma likes this.
  9. Sep 22, 2020 at 5:39 PM
    #9
    Dalandser

    #9
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    How do you know you have to replace it? Rubber showing tear marks?
     
    Dalandser, Sep 22, 2020
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  10. Sep 22, 2020 at 5:42 PM
    #10
    bodhi armor

    #10
    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    While Googling I’ve found several NEW balancers ranging from 100$-500$
    The cheaper options are aftermarket.

    what aftermarket brands should I avoid?
    What aftermarket brands are quality?
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
    #10
  11. Sep 22, 2020 at 5:45 PM
    #11
    Dalandser

    #11
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Dorman is basically what they sell at parts stores and it's $150 on Amazon.
    $220 Dorman 594-201 Engine Harmonic Balancer Compatible with Select Toyota Models
    https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-594-201-Harmonic-Balancer/dp/B001SG96LY

    Again did you mess up a pulley or the sprocket? Engines usually go to their death with 3-400k on the original.

    OEM ($400 in the link in Post 2) isn't gonna hurt except for your wallet...

    URD and LCE's lightweight ones should work fine as they're just aluminum which won't fall apart like rubber, but also if there's any dampening "harmonic balancing" still occurring on your 18 year old truck you might notice potential vibrations at idling - but you're not driving a commuter car where every little vibration's going to cramp your style.

    https://www.lceperformance.com/5VZ-Lightweight-Crankshaft-Pulley-p/1016101.htm
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2020
    Dalandser, Sep 22, 2020
    #11
  12. Sep 22, 2020 at 6:06 PM
    #12
    Dalandser

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    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Dalandser, Sep 22, 2020
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  13. Sep 22, 2020 at 6:10 PM
    #13
    Ccrowe323

    #13
    Ccrowe323 Well-Known Member

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    Ccrowe323, Sep 22, 2020
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    Dalandser likes this.
  14. Sep 22, 2020 at 6:14 PM
    #14
    bodhi armor

    #14
    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    Just ordered the dorman
    Thanks
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
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  15. Sep 22, 2020 at 6:15 PM
    #15
    Dalandser

    #15
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    I feel used... haha

    OEM parts from UAE from Parsouq are verified per users here - Dayco and any other major aftermarket supplier probably will outlast the life of the truck or engine, whichever is shorter.
     
    Dalandser, Sep 22, 2020
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    davidstacoma and Ccrowe323[QUOTED] like this.
  16. Sep 22, 2020 at 7:22 PM
    #16
    bodhi armor

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    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    Don’t feel used sweetie lol
    I appreciate the info!
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
    #16
    davidstacoma likes this.
  17. Sep 22, 2020 at 7:23 PM
    #17
    bodhi armor

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    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    Thanks a million everyone!
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
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  18. Sep 22, 2020 at 9:12 PM
    #18
    Dalandser

    #18
    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    Still never mentioned why you need a new part.
     
    Dalandser, Sep 22, 2020
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  19. Sep 22, 2020 at 9:35 PM
    #19
    bodhi armor

    #19
    bodhi armor [OP] 02’ Dbl Cab- "The Luck Dragon"

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    Oh yeah..
    I hired a local mechanic to replace my timing belt, water pump and all the parts to go with them about 6 weeks ago.
    2 days after getting it back the harmonic balancer fell off, damaging it. He made the mistake of re-using the bolt that holds it on. Apparently you’re not supposed to do that... who knew?!
    He agreed to replace the balancer until he saw how pricey they are and now refuses to buy a new one.
    I’m going to put the new pulley on then give him a bill for the repair. I don’t want to wait any longer to replace the damaged part because I don’t want it to damage my engine.
    Im hoping he will do the right thing, if not I’m taking him to small claims court.
     
    bodhi armor, Sep 22, 2020
    #19
  20. Feb 21, 2024 at 6:38 AM
    #20
    Zdosse935

    #20
    Zdosse935 Well-Known Member

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    My harmonic balancer rubber is falling apart. I looked up on RockAuto and there is a part available. Which one is better Dayco $75 vs Dorman $79?



    IMG_0440.HEIC.jpg
     
    Zdosse935, Feb 21, 2024
    #20
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Dorman 594-201 Engine Harmonic Balancer Compatible with Select Toyota Models
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