Quickly Learn About Wheel Balancing Weights

Usually, people will notice rectangular or small cylindrical lead pieces appearing on the rims of wheels, stuck inside the rim or attached to the outer edge of the wheel. The balancing lead weights currently come in two forms: stickers and clips of various sizes depending on the weight (grams).

Mounting wheel balancing lead weights is very important. Because in the process of manufacturing the wheel, the accuracy is not absolute, there is still a small error, and so is the tire. When combining the rim and the tire, there will definitely be an error. This error will cause imbalance and instability when the wheel is working, especially at high speeds. Therefore, the wheel balancing machine is used to check the stability of the wheel assembly (rim and tire), and these lead weights will help create balance when the wheel is in operation. Depending on the wheel’s error, there will be different types of weights with corresponding weights such as 5, 10, 15, or 20 grams.

In reality, this dynamic balancing machine records the oscillation cycle parameters of the wheel spindle pressure depending on the rotation to determine the correct position and weight of the required lead.

Thanks to modern technology, today’s tires (for cars and motorcycles) have been improved compared to decades ago, but they still need to be balanced to limit wear on steering and suspension system components. Wheel balancing includes measuring and determining the center of gravity of the wheel assembly (rim and tire) and adding the necessary weight to move the center of gravity to its correct position.

In addition, when operating at high speeds, excessive errors will cause all four wheels to lose balance, causing uneven wear and wheel rotation. More seriously, it will affect the bearings, wheel axles, steering linkages, and destroy rotating components.

Dynamic wheel balancing machine for wheel assembly (rim and tire).

The center of gravity is considered to be the point where the entire weight of the wheel is concentrated. In theory, if the rim and tire were ideal, the center of gravity would be in the middle of the wheel. But in reality, both the rim and tire are not perfectly round and not consistent in terms of material and shape, making the center of gravity deviate from the wheel’s axis of rotation. When rotating, the centrifugal force causes the wheel to wobble around its axis, causing vibration. Adding additional weight from balancing lead helps adjust the center of gravity of the wheel to return to the axis of rotation, eliminating centrifugal inertial force.

According to recommendations, we should balance the wheels when installing new tires, operating after 10,000 km, or periodically every 4-7 months.

• Protecting the car engine from the moment of starting
• The little-known uses of car engine oil

Thanh Nhon (Trithucthoidai)