Tire and Wheel Balancing

Tire and Wheel Balancing





There are 2 types of tire and wheel balancing: static and dynamic.

Static balance is the equal distribution of weight around the wheel. Assemblies that are statically unbalanced cause a bouncing action called wheel tramp (1). This condition may eventually cause uneven tire wear.

Dynamic balance is the equal distribution of weight (2) on each side of the centerline so that when the assembly spins there is no tendency for it to move from side to side. Assemblies that are dynamically unbalanced may cause wheel shimmy.

General Balance Precautions





Remove all deposits of foreign material from the inside of the wheel.

Caution: Stones should be removed from the tread to provide accurate wheel balancing and to avoid operator injury (from stones becoming dislodged while wheel is in motion) during the procedure.

Inspect the tire for any damage (1). Balance the tire according to the equipment manufacturer's recommendations.


Wheel Weights





If more than 85 grams (3 ounces) are needed to static balance (2) the wheel. Split the wheel weights as equally as possible between the inboard and the outboard flanges.

Balancing the assemblies with factory aluminum wheels requires the use of special nylon-coated, clip-on wheel weights (1). These weights are designed to fit over the thicker rim flange of the aluminum wheel. Install these weights with a plastic-tipped hammer.

Adhesive wheel weights are also available. Use the following procedure to install adhesive wheel weights.


Adhesive Wheel Weight Installation
1. Clean the wheel by sanding it to bare alloy where the wheel weight will be installed.
2. Use a clean cloth or paper towel saturated with a mixture of half isopropyl alcohol and half water to wipe the place where the wheel weight will be installed.
3. Dry the area with hot air. The surface of the wheel should be warm to the touch.
4. Warm the adhesive backing on the wheel weights to room temperature.
5. Remove the tape from the back of the weights. Do not touch the adhesive surface.
6. Apply the wheel weight and press it on with hand pressure.
7. Secure the wheel weight with a 70 - 110 N (16 - 25 lb) force applied with a roller.