Balancing Tire and Wheel: General Procedures

Wheel balancing methods vary according to the equipment-manufacturers specifications. The following tips are only general information, and they are not intended to replace the procedures recommended by the equipment manufacturer. Deposits of mud, dirt, etc. must be cleaned from the inside of the rim.

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.

CAUTION: WHEN BALANCING WHEELS ON A VEHICLE, LIMIT WHEEL SPEED TO AN INDICATED 56 KPH (35 MPH) SINCE THE SPEEDOMETER ONLY INDICATES ONE HALF THE ACTUAL WHEEL SPEED WHEN ONLY ONE WHEEL IS SPINNING. IF WHEEL SPEED BECOMES EXCESSIVE, TIRE DISINTEGRATION OR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE CAN OCCUR, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.

Use coated type MC weights when balancing aluminum wheels.

NOTICE: Using uncoated wheel weights on aluminum wheels will cause unrepairable corrosive damage to the wheel.

Use uncoated type C weights when balancing steel wheels.