Calculating Tire and Wheel Frequency

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

Frequency Calculations

Calculating Tire and Wheel Frequency

For a vibration concern, use the vehicle speed to determine tire/wheel frequency and rpm. Calculate tire and wheel rpm and frequency by carrying out the following:

- Measure the diameter of the tire.
- Record the speed at which the vibration occurs.
- Obtain the corresponding tire and wheel rpm and frequency from the Tire Speed and Frequency Chart.
- If the vehicle speed is not listed, calculate the tire and wheel frequency as follows:
- Divide the vehicle speed at which the vibration occurs by 16 km/h (10 mph). Multiply that number by the 16 km/h (10 mph) tire rpm listed for that tire diameter in the chart. Then divide that number by 60.
- For example, if calculating the frequency based on vehicle speed in km/h for a 64 km/h vibration with 835 mm tires, divide 64 km/h by 16 km/h = 4. Multiply 4 by 105 rpm = 420. Divide 420 by 60 seconds = 7 Hz at 64 km/h.
- If calculating the frequency based on vehicle speed in mph for a 40 mph vibration with 33 inch tires, divide 40 mph by 10 mph = 4. Multiply 4 by 105 rpm = 420. Divide 420 by 60 seconds = 7 Hz at 40 mph.
- The calculated frequency of 7 Hz is the first order tire and wheel vibration; the second order tire and wheel vibration would be twice this number at 14 Hz; the third order tire and wheel vibration would be 21 Hz; and so on.

Tire Speed and Frequency Chart