1UZFE Harmonic Balancer

[phoenix]

VVTI 1UZFE. I've noticed a slight engine vibration at certain revs, only above 1k rpm, but it's not constant - it seems to come in waves (like a harmonic).

I eliminated the easy stuff first; plugs, coils, all engine accessories and then mounts (not that easy). Yesterday I pulled the harmonic balancer off and found cracking in the rubber all the way around. There is no visible abnormal movement in the pulley when running, and no discernable movement when pushing it by hand.

So before I drop a few hundred on what might be the problem, my questions are:
Has anyone come across those symptoms before?
Is it likely that the deterioration in the harmonic balancer is causing it?
Does anyone have a known good pulley I can borrow for a day or so?

Cheers

[iOnic]

That's had it mate. Even if it isn't your problem, it needs replacing before it falls apart and causes spendy damage.

Having said that, it probably is your problem. I did one last week on a 2006 Transit with the same complaint. Pulled it off and it wasnt far off becoming 2 pieces.

[Stott69]

Yea speaking from experience, Its not fun having those come apart while driving. I was lucky it didn't hit anything when it went

[Mr Ree]

Agreed, I recently replaced mine after seeing what can happen when they come off at 6k rpm...

[phoenix]

Thanks for the replies, have ordered a replacement from Mark - unfortunately none held in NZ (although toyodiy shows they are the same across all 1uz and 3uz motors) so typical 2-3 week. Luckily the 1uz rarely goes over 3k rpm so hopefully it doesn't grenade in the meantime...