<hr style="color:#000000; background-color:#000000" size="1"> I just got the unhappy news that my '06 SS has the wobbling harmonic balancer, which will necessitate having to have the engine dropped to reach the damn thing to replace the camshaft pulley. My mechanic is telling me it's a 7 hour job, and I'm staring a $750 bill in the face. Sounds like this is a common problem on the 5.3L. I was able to book the repair a couple of weeks from now because its a big job. Is it safe to drive in the meantime?
Thanks, Carl.

 

The company I work for makes these balancers. I would not even fire up the engine until it's fixed.

I hope the one you got did not come from one of our plants. I don't believe we made them for Chevy although they did make them for GM

 

Definitely wouldn't drive the car without that part functioning correctly. You could severely ruin the internals without that balancer.

 

A service dept. employee at a local dealer told me all that would happen in a worst case scenario is that the belt would fray and break off, causing the car to come to a stop. I specifically asked if internal damage would occur, and was told external only. I'm gonna play it safe and not drive it. Thanks for the input.

 

The balancer helps the internals from taking too much stress. I would definitely play it safe if you can.

 

Sure will. Car is parked and will be making a one-way trip to the dealer on Monday. I bought the car used and with it, a third party repair insurance policy which covers the engine. I hope and pray the ins. co. doesn't pull some hidden or vague fine print out of the hat, which absolves them of settling the claim.