Balancing Tire and Wheel: General Procedures

There are two types of balancing, static and dynamic. Static balance is the equal distribution of weight around the wheel. Wheels which are statically unbalanced cause a bouncing action called wheel tramp. This may eventually cause uneven tire wear.

Dynamic balance is the equal distribution of weight on each side of the centerline such that when the wheel and tire spin, there is no tendency for it to move from side to side. Dynamic unbalance may cause wheel shimmy.

GENERAL PROCEDURE
^ Clean the inside of the wheel.
^ Inspect the tire for damage.
^ Remove stones from the tread to avoid injury during spin balancing and to obtain good balance.
^ Balance the tire and wheel according to the equipment manufacturer's recommendation.

When a heavier, solid locking wheel nut is used to replace a standard nut, install it nearest the valve stem, and add a 14 gram (1/2 ounce) balance weight 180° opposite the locking nut on the wheel's inboard side. When rotating tires, always re-install the locking nut nearest the tire valve stem, such that it remains opposite the balance weight. This will improve the on-vehicle wheel balance by compensating for the heavy locking wheel nut.