Bare wheels balancing

[Rocnsanman]

And I thought only Commiefornia no longer allows lead balancing weights!

 

[torch]

The best way to balance is not to cut the weight in an attempt to place exactly the right amount in one spot.

Rather, go slightly heavy in total but with two lighter weights and spread them apart on either side of the heavy spot. This distributes the forces more evenly around the rim.

 

[RossKean]

I have never felt the need to use fractional weights. Nice to have a tire balanced properly, but is a single five gram weight going to make any difference?

 

[torch]

I should probably explain that a little better:

EG: a wheel requires 1-1/4 oz of weight at the light spot. Mark the light spot for reference using tire chalk. Use two 3/4 oz weights, spaced, say, 40° apart (ie: 20° on either side of the marked light spot). Temporarily hold the weights in place with a piece of painter's tape. Check the balance.

If the light spot is still the light spot, move the weights closer a bit (eg: 10° on either side of the light spot). If the light spot is now the heavy spot, move them apart a few degrees. Once you find the perfect balance, mark the locations, remove the painter's tape and the backing paper and permanently install the weights.

(Note: make sure the rim is spotlessly clean or your weights may fly off in use. I like to use brake cleaner and a fresh shop towel).

 

[RossKean]

(Note: make sure the rim is spotlessly clean or your weights may fly off in use. I like to use brake cleaner and a fresh shop towel).

Yep. Learned that one the hard way a long time ago. Visibly clean AND degreased.