What Is Tire Balancing?

Tire balancing, also known as wheel balancing, is the process of equalizing the weight of the combined tire and wheel assembly so that it spins smoothly at high speed. Balancing involves adding small balancing weights to the rim to counteract weight differences in the tire/wheel combination.

When performed correctly, it not only guarantees a smoother ride but also extends the life of your tires and improves fuel efficiency​​​​​​.

Why Is It Important to Balance Your Tires?

Balancing your tires is crucial to ensure even tire wear, extend the lifespan of your tires, and maintain fuel efficiency. It prevents vibrations that can lead to driver fatigue and reduces stress on the vehicle’s suspension. It also contributes to a smoother and safer driving experience. Neglecting this maintenance can result in poor handling and potentially costly repairs down the line.

Common Causes of Imbalance

Tire imbalance can result from everyday driving occurrences such as hitting potholes and normal wear and tear. Additionally, manufacturing defects or improper tire installation can contribute to uneven tire wear, necessitating a rebalancing of the tires.

Signs Your Tires Need Balancing

Several symptoms may indicate the need for tire balancing. These include uneven or rapid tire wear, deterioration in fuel economy, or vibrations felt in the steering wheel or floorboard, especially at higher speeds.

Types of Tire Balancing

There are two main types of tire balancing:

  1. Static Balancing
  2. Dynamic Balancing

Static Tire Balancing focuses on correcting up-and-down vibrations of the tire and is typically used for lightweight vehicles traveling at lower speeds.

This method involves securing the wheel on a balancer and identifying the heavier side, which leans lower to the ground. Technicians then attach small weights at specific locations on the rim, 180° across from the heavy spot, until the weight is evenly distributed.

Static balancing corrects radial runout but doesn’t address side-to-side wobbling. It’s a classic approach and works best for light-imbalance cases​​.

Dynamic Tire Balancing, on the other hand, is a more advanced method that corrects both up-and-down and side-to-side vibrations by distributing weights across the tire. I

n this method, the wheel-tire assembly is placed on a spinning machine, where sensors measure weight imperfections and stiffer spots that need balancing. Unlike static balancing, dynamic balancing places weights on both sides of the wheel for enhanced precision.

This technique is suitable for most vehicles and tires, as it addresses a wider range of imbalance issues

How to Perform Tire Balancing?

As we discussed earlier there are two types of tire balancing, so we will discuss both methods separately:

How to Do Static Wheel Balancing?

Materials Needed

  • Static wheel balancer or a DIY setup (e.g., wheel axle held in a vise)
  • Allen key
  • Wheel weights
  • Tape (for marking)
  • Brake cleaner or chain cleaner (for degreasing)
  • Duct tape (for securing weights)

Steps

  1. Start by removing the wheel from your vehicle if you’re experiencing vibrations.
  2. Set up the static wheel balancer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you can use a DIY method, like holding the wheel axle in a vise, ensuring it’s perfectly level.
  3. Use the shaft and cone from the balancing tool and align them against the wheel bearings and races. Ensure the wheel is centered and then tighten it in place with an Allen key.
  4. Before starting the balancing process, remove any existing wheel weights from the rim.
  5. Allow the wheel to swing freely on the balancer. Wait for it to come to a complete stop on its own. The heaviest part of the wheel will settle at the bottom.
  6. Place a piece of tape directly opposite the heavy spot (the topmost part when the wheel stops moving).
  7. Start adding wheel weights opposite the heavy spot. But make sure to degrease the area where you are placing the new weights using brake cleaner or chain cleaner.
  8. Adjust the amount of weight until the wheel no longer tends to rotate and stop at a particular spot.
  9. Rotate the wheel to different positions to ensure it doesn’t favor any particular stopping point.
  10. Once the correct balance is achieved, firmly attach the weights to the rim and cover them with duct tape to ensure they stay in place.

How to Do Dynamic Wheel Balancing?

Materials Needed

  • Computerized wheel balancing machine (preferably with smart weight technology)
  • Clip-on and/or tape-on wheel weights
  • Tools for attaching weights (e.g., servo for spoke weights)

Steps

  1. Securely mount the wheel onto the wheel balancing machine. Ensure it’s properly centered and secured.
  2. Enter the specific dimensions and characteristics of the wheel into the computerized balancing machine. This may include rim diameter, width, and offset.
  3. Lower the hood of the machine to start the diagnostic spin. The machine will check for both static (vertical) and dynamic (lateral) imbalances.
  4. Observe the readings from the machine. It will indicate where and how much weight needs to be added to balance the wheel. Pay attention to both static and dynamic imbalance indicators.
  5. Choose a method for placing the weights. Options include:
    • Spoke Mode: Hiding weights behind the spokes.
    • Clip Tape Mode: Using a combination of clip-on and tape-on weights.
    • Double Tape Mode: Using two tape-on weights.
    • Single Tape Weight Mode: (if available) Placing a single weight between the static and dynamic planes.
  6. Based on the machine’s recommendations, attach the appropriate weights at the indicated positions. For spoke mode, place the weights behind the spokes. For other modes, place them inside the rim.
  7. After attaching the weights, perform another spin to ensure the wheel is properly balanced. The machine should indicate that the imbalances are corrected.
  8. If the wheel is still not balanced, adjust the weights accordingly and retest until the wheel shows balanced readings.

How Often Should the Tires Need Balancing?

Experts recommend tire balancing approximately every 6,000 miles or if you begin to notice any signs of imbalance. Regular balancing not only contributes to a smoother ride but also optimizes tire performance and longevity. It can save you money and prevent further mechanical issues down the road​​​​.

DIY vs. Professional Balancing

While attempting tire balancing at home is possible, it requires specific equipment and expertise. The process can be labor-intensive and prone to errors without the right tools. For most, professional service is the recommended route to ensure precise balancing, with the added benefit of specialized mechanics’ expertise​​.

Tire Balancing Costs: How Much to Balance Tires

The cost of wheel balancing varies based on your location, vehicle, and severity of the issue. Generally, in the U.S., wheel balancing costs range from $20 to $75. Standard balancing is less expensive than specialized types such as Road Force balancing.

Tire Balancing vs. Wheel Alignment: Understanding the Difference

It’s important not to confuse tire balancing with wheel alignment. While both services are crucial for proper tire maintenance, they address different issues. Tire balancing corrects imbalances in the wheel assembly’s weight distribution, whereas wheel alignment adjusts the angles of your tires, ensuring that the vehicle travels straight and reduces tire wear​​​​.

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