Thx, D. Is that a condition that I can ignore until it becomes an issue? How difficult is it to change the pulley? Part sounds inexpensive, at least. Thx.

Psam550.

 

No you cannot ignore this. If the pulley on the crankshaft (aka harmonic balancer) is wobbling, you have a serious problem that needs to be addressed.

 

Thanks for the information. I read a little bit about this and suspect that it may simply be time to replace the serpentine belt, tensioner, etc. It's the original serpentine belt from 2006–177,000 miles ago. It's so hard to tell, given that the car runs great, no vibration or noise, nothing. Just a very slight wobble at the crankshaft pulley that I just happen to witness when I had the hood open. Thoughts? Thx.

Phil

 

Yes, you should replace the belt and tensioner. That won't fix the wobble of the crankshaft pulley. You should have a mechanic look at it to tell you if it is just somewhat "bent", let's say, and doesn't spin perfectly or if it is loose or excessively bent. I can tell you mine doesn't wobble in any way.

 

Any wobble is bad. If you have not changed the tensioner then you are ahead of everyone with 177K on the ticker. Me personally I would go ahead and have everything changed out if you plan on keeping it. It should of been something caught when the water pump was changed especially if you still have the original tensioner on it which should of been changed with the water pump.

 

Based on my service records, the surpentine and AC belts were replaced with the water pump/thermostat when I fixed the coolent pipe/valley pan at about 150k miles. But I believe they reinstalled the same tensioner. Is that unacceptable? Anyway, having a mechanic look at the slight wobble in the crankshaft pulley. Thx for your help!

Psam550

 

Just in case, I searched for the Harmonic Balancer (part 11237568345) on line and found OEM for over $500 or Febi Bilstein for $130. Anyone have experience with Febi? Pelican rates Febi "excellent". Thx.

Pelican Parts - Product Information: 11-23-7-568-345-M36

Psam550

 

Febi should be fine. But, a wobble could be something not tightened properly and may not need anything more than disassembly and reassembly. You should get a new tensioner. it isn't that expensive.

 

Febi is OE fit for a lot of manufacturers for a lot of rubber-metal parts I wouldnt have an issue, I just fitted a new crank pully to mine (530d) the febi pulley was about twice the price of a no-name pulley but about a third the price of the BMW item. due to the high torque at low rpm, and lower cylinder count, the diesels really beat up the pulleys and flywheels, at 170k miles im on my third pulley.

 

Febi is the OEM supplier and is a suitable replacement. It also comes with a good warranty as well.