A defective harmonic balancer can affect the accuracy of ignition timing readings or a defective harmonic balancer can damage the crank. Which technician is correct?

Analyzing a new trick I learned from an old dog.
Crank fasteners are often a real pain to remove. Mechanics with expensive impact wrenches and large breaker bars struggle to remove them—but there’s a better way.
Unless you’re a professional mechanic or a hardcore DIYer, I suggest you focus on building memories instead of a car.
Auto care news and advice you can use.
Ready to grow your shop’s business with fleet maintenance, service and repairs?
As dashboard cameras become more common, repair professionals should know how to deal with them.
Reverse is an innovation that’s easy to take for granted—but it was a revolutionary addition to the automobile.
“Rebuild in a can” is not the right way to fix the tool, but it will get you by until you can repair it correctly.
Microtransactions spark unexpected microaggressions.
Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle. With interesting stories from around the world, features on creative people and solutions, and all kinds of other stuff that’ll make you use your mind and your hands.
Auto care news and advice you can use.
It might be time to rethink oil changes.
T-belts aren’t scary at all.
Skillful interrogation is a wonderful way to make your professional life easier. Here are a few suggestions on where to start.
Think you know your dash lights? Shop Press contributors Keith, Miriam, Chris, and Greaser try their best to identify all kinds of lights, symbols, and indicators.
Don’t break fittings—break ‘em free.
How many times have you seen a hub dust cap with ugly dents from a sloppy installation? A dust cap tool is a handy tool for installing caps on customer vehicles without damaging the cap’s appearance.
Do your customers know the benefits of magnetic oil drain plugs? Swap out their standard drain plugs to help protect against unnecessary engine damage.
A customer states the brake pedal falls slightly when the brakes are applied while starting the engine. Which technician response is correct?