Noise front of engine

ALAN54

MEMBER
1988 DODGE LANCER
2.5L
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
20,000 MILES

While driving today I noticed a noise coming from the front of my engine. I put it in park to go see and the noise stopped. I put on the parking brake and left it in gear (drive) and looked again. The crankshaft pulley seemed to be moving in and out about 1/4 inch. Anyone know what this might be? The crankshaft pulley didn't seem to move when the transmission was in park.

Saturday, March 5th, 2016 AT 11:05 AM

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check for either a broken bolt holding it on or a broken balancer or a bad thrust bearing in crankshaft.

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Saturday, March 5th, 2016 AT 11:29 AM

ALAN54

MEMBER
19 POSTS

I've checked all the bolts and they are in good shape. I don't have a place to check the balancer right now. And I can't seem to find any mention of a thrust bearing in the crankshaft or a way to check it, Any ideals?

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Saturday, March 5th, 2016 AT 2:50 PM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Remove the belt see if crank will push back, then put a large screwdriver behind the pulley and see if it will go forward a ways. If it moves farther than a couple of thousandths of an inch it's probably the crank bearing. It could be a bent pulley as well.

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Saturday, March 5th, 2016 AT 3:55 PM