NANO

474

WHEELS AND TYRES

WHEEL BALANCING

A balanced tyre is one where mass of the tyre – when

mounted on its wheel and the car’s axle - is uniformly

distributed around the axle (its center of rotation)

Types of imbalance :

(a) Static Imbalance:

Vertical movement resulting

from heavy or light spots in a tyre in such cases

tyre won't roll evenly and the tyre/wheel assembly

undergoes an up-and-down movement.

(b) Dynamic Imbalance:

Lateral movement (wobble

or shimmy) resulting from unequal weight on both

sides of the tyre and wheel/rim assembly’s

circumferential centerline.

The wheel should always be balanced and aligned in

order to provide :

(a) Enhanced tyre life

(b) Driving safety and steering control

Unbalanced tyre may lead to premature tyre wear and

driver fatigue due to vibration.

Tyres should always be balanced when :

(a) They are mounted on wheels for the first time

(b) When they are remounted after repair or

A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all

suspension and steering components are sound and

when tyre and wheel assemblies are running straight

and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread

wear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear tyre

wear can lead to misalignment.

Following precautions should be taken while

balancing wheel :

1. Deposits of mud, dust etc. must be cleaned from

inside of the rim.

2. Remove stones from tread, clean the tyre and rim

before balancing to achieve better results.

3. Each tyre should be inspected for any damage.

4. Do not use more than one balance weight on one

side.

5. Use coated weights on aluminum wheels/rims to

prevent damage to the finish.

6. The type of balance weights, when used, must be

in accordance with the profile of the rim flange.

NOTE :

For balancing a wheel, follow the manufacturer’s (of

balancing machine) manual for balancing instructions,

recommendations and any other additional information.