Wheel balancing
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Senior Member

Joined: May 2002
Posts: 118
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From: Birmingham, AL
Vehicle: 2002 Accent
I get it and understand that a wheel becomes out of balance when one section of the tire or rim is heavier than the others and needs weights added to make it even. So how does one section become heavier? Are not rims and tires manufactured evenly through out? Or is it mostly when tires wear out? If that’s the case, then why do brand new tires and rims need balancing?
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Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Pflugerville, TX
Vehicle: 2000 Elantra
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 11,851
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From: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Vehicle: 2008 Toyota Prius 2006 Suzuki SV650S
tires are not perfectly round. The belts/fibers are not perfectly distributed. tires are not perfectly weighted in every direction
Wheels are not perfectly round. Wheels are not perfectly cast (forged wheels are usually better) so that they are equally weighted in every direction
Now add in tire pressure monitor sensors that put weight in a small area, plus valve stems.
Wheels are not perfectly round. Wheels are not perfectly cast (forged wheels are usually better) so that they are equally weighted in every direction
Now add in tire pressure monitor sensors that put weight in a small area, plus valve stems.


