Tire and Wheel Balance

Before removing the tire and wheel from the vehicle, mark the wheel bolt nearest the valve stem for future reference. Also mark the vehicle position (left front, etc.) on each tire. Balance is the easiest procedure to perform and should be done first if the vibration occurs at highway speeds. An off-vehicle, two-plane dynamic balance should be performed first. This will correct any imbalance in the tire and wheel. An on-vehicle finish balance may also be required. This may offset brake drum, rotor, drive axle, or wheel cover imbalance. If balance does not correct the highway speed vibration, or if the vibration occurs at low speeds, runout may be the probable cause. Runout is the term used when components are checked for symmetry. Runout can be caused by the drive axle, the bearing, or the way the wheel attaches to the vehicle.