Engine Balance (Primary And Secondary)
Engine balance describes how well the forces from moving pistons and rods cancel out, which affects vibration.
What is Engine Balance (Primary And Secondary)?
Inline-six and V12 engines are naturally well balanced. Inline-four engines have secondary vibrations at high revs. Balance shafts and counterweights reduce unwanted forces. Engine mounts and dampers are tuned to absorb the vibrations that remain.
How it works
Primary forces repeat once per revolution, secondary forces twice; their cancellation depends on cylinder layout.
Why it matters for your car
Worn engine mounts make imbalance more noticeable. Mixing parts of different weights can upset balance in rebuilt engines.
Other terms
- Camber
- Coilover Suspension
- Diesel Intake Throttle Valve
- Distilled Water (Demineralised Water)
- Driving Through Flood Water
- Emergency Brake Signal (Flashing Brake Lights)
- EU Tyre Label
- Flex-Fuel Vehicle (E85)
- FlexRay
- Ground Strap (Earth Strap)
- Headlight Switch
- Heat Pump
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overdrive Unit
- Power Steering Warning Light
- Roof Rails
- Swirl Flaps
- Tethered Vs Untethered Wallbox
- Thread Locker
- Torque Converter Lock-up Clutch