Do All Engines Have a Harmonic Balancer?

A harmonic balancer is a front end accessory drive component that is connected to the crankshaft of an engine. The purpose of the harmonic balancer is to reduce engine vibration and in many cases, serve as a pulley for drive belts.

Can a car run without a harmonic balancer?

And because the belts that go around the crankshaft pulley run all of the car's accessories, without the harmonic balancer you'd have no air conditioning, no power steering, no alternator and no water pump. ... And without it, you can do damage to the crankshaft and the engine bearings. So you really do have to replace it.

Where is a harmonic balancer located?

The circular device, made of rubber and metal, is bolted at the front end of the crankshaft to help absorb vibrations. It's usually connected to the crank pulley, which drives accessories like the air conditioner.