Tire Balancing problems
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 3
From: Greensboro NC
Tire Balancing problems
I have a vibration that starts at about 62 mph (convenient speed) and have taken my ride for three balancing acts 
by so called professionals. Its driving me nuts. I normally do all my own work (two C3 frame off resto's) but this car only has 26k on it so I figured my wrenching days were through. NOT. I finally took the time to take a flash light and get under my car. Low and behold there is one weight on one tire, another looks like it flew off and no weights or evidence of weights on the other two rims. I made the mistake that I never make which is to leave the car while the crack team of 19 year olds worked on it. Never again. I am finding the nearest Hunter 9700 taking a can of brake cleaner and cleaning the inner rims myself before anyone under the age of 40 touches it. No wonder it vibrates, wonder if they even took the wheels off at the second two places?
by so called professionals. Its driving me nuts. I normally do all my own work (two C3 frame off resto's) but this car only has 26k on it so I figured my wrenching days were through. NOT. I finally took the time to take a flash light and get under my car. Low and behold there is one weight on one tire, another looks like it flew off and no weights or evidence of weights on the other two rims. I made the mistake that I never make which is to leave the car while the crack team of 19 year olds worked on it. Never again. I am finding the nearest Hunter 9700 taking a can of brake cleaner and cleaning the inner rims myself before anyone under the age of 40 touches it. No wonder it vibrates, wonder if they even took the wheels off at the second two places?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Florida
I have a vibration that starts at about 62 mph (convenient speed) and have taken my ride for three balancing acts by so called professionals. Its driving me nuts. I normally do all my own work (two C3 frame off resto's) but this car only has 26k on it so I figured my wrenching days were through. NOT. I finally took the time to take a flash light and get under my car. Low and behold there is one weight on one tire, another looks like it flew off and no weights or evidence of weights on the other two rims. I made the mistake that I never make which is to leave the car while the crack team of 19 year olds worked on it. Never again. I am finding the nearest Hunter 9700 taking a can of brake cleaner and cleaning the inner rims myself before anyone under the age of 40 touches it. No wonder it vibrates, wonder if they even took the wheels off at the second two places?
by so called professionals. Its driving me nuts. I normally do all my own work (two C3 frame off resto's) but this car only has 26k on it so I figured my wrenching days were through. NOT. I finally took the time to take a flash light and get under my car. Low and behold there is one weight on one tire, another looks like it flew off and no weights or evidence of weights on the other two rims. I made the mistake that I never make which is to leave the car while the crack team of 19 year olds worked on it. Never again. I am finding the nearest Hunter 9700 taking a can of brake cleaner and cleaning the inner rims myself before anyone under the age of 40 touches it. No wonder it vibrates, wonder if they even took the wheels off at the second two places?Get those wheels weights were they should be and make sure the tire balance guys learn how to CLEAN the rim......then apply the sticky taped weights.
If you still have a vibration issue ~ 60 mph or above check the 1/2 shaft U joints.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
on using the 'tape weights', have used them for years and years on 6 different sport cars, and only lost 2 over all that time.However, I would use caution when using 'brake clean' on the rims, as the clear coat could be damaged, I'd only use soap/water/wax.
I'd instead suggest it's probably time for your annual super-cleaning of the rims anyway -- so remove each at home, remove all weights and give it a good cleaning inner and outer areas, put on a good coat of wax on all surfaces, then assuming you have another vehicle, load the 4 tires into your SUV/DD and take them to the shop for balancing with tape weights (or alternatively, put them back on with a torque wrench and drive the car to the service place).
Also ask the tech to use the 'family' setting. i.e. the accuracy of the balancers can usually be set at different tolerances (e.g. 1/8 ounce for 'family members' versus 1/4 ounce for 'customers').
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I have had mine done on a Hunter 9700 and still have a similar issue new tires and shocks helped a lot but I still get some vibration above 60mph. Have had everthing checked by 2 different places as well as my own inspection and only slight issue is a little play in the steering rack. I hope a balancing solves your issue but after 3 times it has not helped me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,215
Likes: 6
From: Tampa Florida
I've dealt with this a bunch...
I pulled the wheels and clean them as well as remove the old weights (techs usually scar the wheel when they remove the old stuff it seems). Then take it in for balancing...always insist on the tape weights and I then do the 'racer' thing of putting a layer of tape over the weight. Haven't lost a weight with this technique (without...three times!)
Lastly, I've balanced and rebalanced...even straighted a wheel to figure out the tire was bad...no fix on that. If they have sat long...might be a possibility.
I pulled the wheels and clean them as well as remove the old weights (techs usually scar the wheel when they remove the old stuff it seems). Then take it in for balancing...always insist on the tape weights and I then do the 'racer' thing of putting a layer of tape over the weight. Haven't lost a weight with this technique (without...three times!)
Lastly, I've balanced and rebalanced...even straighted a wheel to figure out the tire was bad...no fix on that. If they have sat long...might be a possibility.
Last edited by No Go; Jan 1, 2009 at 08:23 AM.
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Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 4
From: Mexico Beach FL
Unfortunately, many don't know or care on how to do a "road force" balance.
However, if you find someone that does, it can make the difference between night and day.
Tom Piper
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 506
Likes: 12
From: Savannah GA
It's like almost anything, you have to find someone who can read. That's all it takes to run a Hunter GSP9700 balancer.
I took our Envoy in last week and they broke the wheel and tire to get a better road force match. It did make a difference.
JS
I took our Envoy in last week and they broke the wheel and tire to get a better road force match. It did make a difference.
JS
