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Can You Balance Your Own Tires?

From "Talk2DIY Automotive"
episode DTTA-143

Figure A

You can balance your own tires if you have the money to invest in the tool -- a dynamic balancer (figure A). They cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on its capabilities. The machine uses computer balancing to sense dynamic movement of the wheel through a vertical axis on a shaft. It spins the wheel up to speed and then monitors the vibration of that wheel and then determines if weights are needed on the inner or outer side of the wheel. When you are paying $50 to have your tires balanced and rotated, it is a pretty good value when you factor in what the machine cost.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

To use the machine, the first thing needed is the measurements of the tire. The machine has three settings (figure B) where you input that information.
The offset has to be checked and you move the bar to the wheel (figure C) to see what the dimension is and then input the information into the computer for the first setting. It will beep after it makes the calculation.
The second setting the machines needs is the width of the rim. Measure the rim width from the inner most point (figure D) on both sides of the rim and input that information in the machine.
The third setting needed is the diameter of the rim and it is located on the side of the tire (figure E). Input that information. You then close the hood and the machine will automatically spin the wheel up to speed and will sense the calculations needed and determine if the wheel is in balance on the left to right axis and up and down axis.
If you need weights, the machine will tell you the amount and where the weights are needed. There are two types of weights (figure F) -- a self-adhesive type and a type that is tapped on with a hammer on the inside of a stamped steel rim. A mag wheel has to have the self-adhesive type. Run the wheel up to speed again to see if the weight is okay.

RESOURCES :

Dye Ink, Alcohol Ink
Ranger Industries, Inc.
Website: www.rangerink.com
Bend-Pak, Inc.
Website: www.bendpak.com

Griot's Garage
3500-A 20th St. E.
Tacoma, WA 98427
Website: www.griotsgarage.com

Meguiar's Cleaners and Waxes
Meguiar's, Inc.
17991 Mitchell S.
Irvine, CA 92614
Toll-free: 800-347-5700
Website: www.meguiars.com

Jasper Engines and Transmissions
PO Box 650
Jasper, IN 47547-0650
Toll-free: 800-827-7455
E-mail: sales@jasperengines.com
Website: www.jasperengines.com

Polishes, Waxes and Cleaners (Mothers Inc.)
Mothers® Inc.
Website:www.mothers.com

GUESTS :

Jeff Jeppesen
Classy Cars Auto Detailing
Website: www.classycarsdetailing.com