Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

On-Vehicle Service

There are two ways to correct tires which cause vibration even though they are properly balanced. One method uses an automatic machine which loads the tire and buffs small amounts of rubber from the stiff spots on the outer two tread rows. This type of correction is usually permanent and, if done properly, does not significantly affect the tire's appearance or tread life. (Tire truing for free runout with a blade-type machine is not recommended as this reduces the tread life substantially and often does not permanently correct the problem.)

Another method is to dismount the tire and rotate it 180° on the rim. This should be done only on wheels and tires known to be causing a vibration, as it is likely to cause good assemblies to vibrate.