Harmonic Balancer broke off cranshaft 98 Ford Explorer
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Harmonic Balancer broke off cranshaft 98 Ford Explorer
Hello. I have a 1998 Ford Explorer with just over 100,000 miles. Is it normal for the Front Pulley to break off the crankshaft. Has anybody else experienced this? The Ford service center said that it was due to old age and metal failure and want over $2000 to repair it. THis is not the first time we've had the metal fail in this SUV, a couple of years ago the front axle fell off while driving. Thanks. SS
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SS, welcome to FTE! The crankshaft breaking seems to be common in Explorers. It always breaks behind the harmonic balancer, and usually happens between 40K and 120K miles. Usually after the warranty expires.
Several reasons have been suggested: A tolerance stack-up during manufacturing is one. Another is a flawed casting, poor metalurgy, etc. The one I like the best has to do with the replacement of the balancer during service for the timing chain. There's a tool to replace the balancer, and if it's not used, the balancer may not be installed fully on the crankshaft, causing eventual failure. This is just a theory, because no one seems to know for sure. Ford may know, but they're not talking.....
The fact is, no crankshaft should break during normal service. This is either a design flaw, or a mistake during timing chain repair causing the crank to fail, but Ford won't acknowlege it. Best of luck getting it repaired.
Several reasons have been suggested: A tolerance stack-up during manufacturing is one. Another is a flawed casting, poor metalurgy, etc. The one I like the best has to do with the replacement of the balancer during service for the timing chain. There's a tool to replace the balancer, and if it's not used, the balancer may not be installed fully on the crankshaft, causing eventual failure. This is just a theory, because no one seems to know for sure. Ford may know, but they're not talking.....
The fact is, no crankshaft should break during normal service. This is either a design flaw, or a mistake during timing chain repair causing the crank to fail, but Ford won't acknowlege it. Best of luck getting it repaired.
Last edited by thelonerangerxlt; Jan 24, 2005 at 09:36 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Calgary, Alberta
If it is broken on the nose of the crank you will need a new or reconditioned crankshaft, rod and main bearings, gasket set, oil change, engine hoist.... In other words lots of time and some money. If your handy do it yourself or find a good mechanic and get it done.. Or sell it.
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