I am new to this group and I want to ask a question. I have a 1993 Mercury Topaz and from what I was told the harmonic balancer/front pulley is having problems. The noise that is coming from the area is sort of like a grinding type sound or more like a when a pulley is shot. Anyway, I took it to garage and they determined that it was the harmonic balancer and quoted me a price. Mechanic said that it is a common problem with this make/model. The normal garage I take my car to said that the price is in the ballpark. I asked if this was something that should be replaced right away or can I wait until I have the money to pay for it. He told me that it is not a safety concern such as brakes ect. as he has know of people driving cars with the harmonic balancer noisy for a while until it is repaired. This has been going on for about three weeks and I am trying to make a determination if I should actually get it fixed or perhaps get another beater car. (this car is used only for work and back..not many miles are put on it). So, the question I have is this..any other Topaz/Tempo owners ever have the same problem and did you wait to get it fixed or get it fixed right away? If you did wait, what problems did it cause down the line if any?
Thanks for your response...Gary Smith Cleveland, Ohio