After some discussions with Mark White to check my harmonic balancer pulley, I spotted a diaganol crack across the ribbed track(normal size paper will fit between the crack). This may account for the an annoying vibration at idle which I started to feel after about 250 miles. The vibration was felt around the pedals and seat. Running my finger under the inside of the pulley I cannot not feel the crack. Any experiences with this?? I plan to call the dealer tomorrow.
Harmonic Balancer Crack 04 Viper 500 miles
- Thread starter Art 138
- Start date
1TONY1
Enthusiast
I believe what you are seeing is normal (for these cars). I thought the same thing when I first saw mine.
Skip White
Enthusiast
Art have someone in the area, that owns an SRT, take it for a drive with you. This is the best way to get an opinion on the vibration, or visa versa find someone to let you drive there car to make a comparison. This vibration could be normal, and then again loose bolts on the flywheel, or pressure plate could be the culprit, as you said your car was built back in Feb. I'm inclined to think there are some issues with the car. Even though your car is not on the cam bolt recall list, check and see if the harmonic bal. bolt is the upgraded one. They did upgrade the bolt on mine.
The telltale to a loose bal. is a sqeuking noise at idle, then fades away as the car warms up.
Skip White
ps, as tony said, an actual crack in it is very unlikely, they are made from a very soft metal.
The telltale to a loose bal. is a sqeuking noise at idle, then fades away as the car warms up.
Skip White
ps, as tony said, an actual crack in it is very unlikely, they are made from a very soft metal.
Just to clarify the observation pertained to the harmonic balance(damper) pulley not the damper itself. I took the vehicle to the dealer today and the service department advised that the damper pulley and power steering pulley are casted with this serration(across the track of the pulley). To the casual observer it will appear like a crack and you can slip a piece of paper in it. To the touch on the inside of the pulley, this unusual casting design is not felt. They could not give me an explanation as for its utility.
Mechanic believes the vibes (through pedals/seat) I feel is the radiator fan when the vehicle sits at idle after warming up. It is not felt while vehicle is cold or rolling.
Mechanic believes the vibes (through pedals/seat) I feel is the radiator fan when the vehicle sits at idle after warming up. It is not felt while vehicle is cold or rolling.
Brian E
Viper Owner
Art do you feel the vibration with the air conditioning on?
If so, it is just the fan and is normal.
Did the tech also check the torque on the bolt for the harmonic balancer? If not it is a good idea to have that done.
If so, it is just the fan and is normal.
Did the tech also check the torque on the bolt for the harmonic balancer? If not it is a good idea to have that done.
"Mechanic believes the vibes (through pedals/seat) I feel is the radiator fan when the vehicle sits at idle after warming up. It is not felt while vehicle is cold or rolling.
Art, our 03 has same feel when the fan kicks in.
Art, our 03 has same feel when the fan kicks in.
Skip White
Enthusiast
The vibration created by the hydro fan kicking on, is more like a buzzing feel, not a vibration, very fine vibration you could call it.If this is what you are feeling, not a vibration such as an inbalance of something, and it's most prominent in the steering wheel,when at idle, and the cooling system is cycling. You should feel it cut on or off very instantly. I suppose the hydro motor on the fan is causing this sensation, to transmit into the steering wheel because this is conected to related parts, such as the steering rack, pump, steering wheel.
Skip White
Skip White
I have had two plastic pulleys fail in the last 3 months. 96 GTS lost the power steering pulley at 8,900 miles. The 2004 Ram SRT-10 VCA addition lost the crank pulley at 4,500 mils. The truck is a real bear when the pulley fails. I think Dodge should replace all plastic pulleys with metal like on my 93 RT-10.
Kelly06
Viper Owner
Skip
THanks. That is exactly the feeling I have and thought it was something like you are talking about. You have confirmed it and put my mind at ease.
THanks. That is exactly the feeling I have and thought it was something like you are talking about. You have confirmed it and put my mind at ease.
Yep, I guess the "buzzing" feeling particulary through the stearing wheel puts all my suspicions to rest also. Still curious as to why the damper pulley is built(casted) with that cut across the pulley's belt track. Anyway thanks to all;
