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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
(c) Better performance of the car
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
(c) When there are signs of shimmy or vibrations.
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.