The physical expression “imbalance” describes the state of a body where the center of gravity is located aside from its rotational axis. This simply means that, due to the lack of a rigid rotational axis, speed-dependent vibrations might occur at the wheel. For this reason, tires are mounted with counterweights on balancing machines such as the RP-U100PN from RP-TOOLS. The following sections show some advantages for the driver and the indispensable reasons why some people might consider a short trip to the next garage.

What is an imbalance?

In mechanics two types of this state are differentiated: the static and the dynamic imbalance.

A static imbalance is caused by a heavy point which is located outside of its geometric center. It prevents the tire from standing still at a certain point. This type of imbalance can be noticed by a jumping wheel during the car ride. To compensate the imbalance, material should be removed from the heavy point or compensated with the use of balancing weights at the opposite location.

A dynamic imbalance is characterized by two heavier points on the tire, which are diagonally opposite of each other. It’s only visible during the tire’s movement as soon as it starts pulling to one side. The wider the tires are, the more important balancing becomes. This kind of imbalance can be identified with the use of balancing machines like the RP-U100PN type from RP-TOOLS. It’s fixable by attaching two balancing weights in the right spaces.

What is the right way to balance wheels correctly?

Matches

The tire is mounted on the rim with the aim to minimize imbalances of both the rim and the tire by the use of their opposing forces. The residual imbalance is removed with balancing weights from RP-TOOLS.

Optimization of running

In the case of a bent rim, the tire must be subjected to an irregular deflection in order to remove the imbalance. Remaining imbalances are finally eliminated by the attachment of balancing weights from RP-TOOLS.

Balancing

Imbalances on the rim and tire are checked by using a balancing machine and neutralized with balancing weights from RP-TOOLS.

Balancing – Background & Information

The first differences between balanced and unbalanced tires can already be noticed after 16.000 kilometers. The unequal load on the tire’s contact area steadily increases the wear on the entire car. It’s possible that parts such as the wishbones, shock absorbers and bearings demand exchange earlier due to increased wear or even damage. In some cases even a saw tooth looking profile can occur, which is caused by the wrong position of the wheels. The braking distance increases and the steering wheel starts trembling at higher speeds. The misalignment can even lead to tire failure or a complete loss of vehicle control. Lost balance weights also manifest themselves in the effects from above. You probably should visit the next garage in such cases to get your tires checked at balancing machines, for example the RP-U100PN from RP-TOOLS.

Balanced wheels can lead to much more comfort inside the car, less wear on car parts and even increased safety on longer distances.