Wheel Balancing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Liberty. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

It is recommended that a two plane service dynamic balancer be used when a tire and wheel assembly require balancing. Refer to balancer operation instructions for proper cone mounting procedures. Typically use front cone mounting method for steel wheels. For aluminum wheel use back cone mounting method without cone spring.

NOTE: Static should be used only when a two plane balancer is not available.

NOTE: Cast aluminum and forged aluminum wheels require coated balance weights and special alignment equipment.

Wheel balancing can be accomplished with either on or off vehicle equipment. When using on-vehicle balancing equipment, remove the opposite wheel/tire. Off-vehicle balancing is recommended.

For static balancing, find location of heavy spot causing the imbalance. Counter balance wheel directly opposite the heavy spot. Determine weight required to counter balance the area of imbalance. Place half of this weight on the inner rim flange and the other half on the outer rim flange. See Fig 1.

For dynamic balancing, the balancing equipment is designed to locate the amount of weight to be applied to both the inner and outer rim flange. See Fig 2.

Fig 1: Static Unbalance & Balance

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - HEAVY SPOT

2 - CENTER LINE OF SPINDLE

3 - ADD BALANCE WEIGHTS HERE

4 - CORRECTIVE WEIGHT LOCATION

5 - TIRE OR WHEEL TRAMP, OR WHEEL HOP

Fig 2: Dynamic Unbalance & Balance

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CENTER LINE OF SPINDLE

2 - ADD BALANCE WEIGHTS HERE

3 - CORRECTIVE WEIGHT LOCATION

4 - HEAVY SPOT WHEEL SHIMMY AND VIBRATION