Wheel Balancing

What is wheel balancing?

• Wheel balancing is the operation performed in
order to attain uniform traction and to avoid
vibrations in automobiles by addition of
balancing weights on the rim in order to
distribute the wheel mass evenly during
rotation.
 When to balance a wheel:
• Vibration in the steering wheel at certain
highway speeds.
• Vibration in the seat or floorboard at certain
highway speeds.
• Scalloped or cupped wear pattern on the tires.
Scalloped tyre
 DYNAMIC BALANCE
*Dynamic balance describes the forces generated by
asymmetric mass distribution when the tire is rotated,
usually at a high speed.

*In the tire factory the tire is mounted on a balancing

machine test wheel, the assembly is accelerated up to a
speed of 300 RPM or higher, and sensors measure the
forces of unbalance as the tire rotates.

*Dynamic balance is better (it is more comprehensive)

than static balance alone, because both couple and
static forces are measured and corrected.
EFFECTS OF WHEEL MISBALANCING
• When the tire rotates, asymmetric masses cause the
wheel to wobble, which can cause ride disturbances,
usually vertical and lateral vibrations. It can also
result in a wobbling of the steering.
• Wheels that are not balanced or are out of balance
generally produce a vibration that is uncomfortable to
drive in and results in premature wearing of
suspension and steering components, rotating parts
and tyres.
 WHEEL BALANCING MACHINE
• A balancing machine is a measuring tool used
for balancing rotating machine parts such as
wheels, rotors for electric motors, fans,
turbines, disc brakes, disc drives, propellers
and pumps.
• The machine usually consists of two rigid
pedestals, with suspension and bearings on top
supporting a mounting platform.
Wheel Balancing Machine
 PROCEDURE FOR BALANCING
AN UNBALANCED WHEEL
• The tire is made free from all the small stones,
if any .
• The wheel is fixed to spindle of wheel
balancing machine by use of quick cone lock
nut.
• Quick cone lock nut ensures fast mounting and
fast removal of tire.
• Wheel balancing machine is switch on.
• The spindle is made to rotate at speed of 400
rpm.
• The rotation of the spindle is stopped.
• Wheel balancing machine determines the size
of weights and where to locate weight on the
wheel.
• The size of the weight and location of the
weight to be placed is shown on the monitor of
the wheel balancing machine.
• The weight is fixed to rim at exact location
which is shown on the monitor.
• And wheel is removed from the spindle of
wheel balancing by the use of quick cone lock
nut.
• Now the wheel is balanced.
• Now it can be used for comfortable driving.
Weight on rim
 Material of balancing masses

• Previously lead is used as a material

for manufacturing a weight. Because
lead is toxic material so zinc is used
for preparing weights.
Weights of Different size
 Conclusion

• Wheels are balanced on a wheel balancing

machine. The machine rotates the tire and wheel
assembly and automatically calculates the weight
and location of the balance counter weight. And
require amount of weights are added to rim of
wheel.
• It is observed that by balancing the wheel, the life
of the tire will increases, hence there will not be
any vibrations in steering or car and the drive will
be smooth and comfortable.